Latest Tan y Ddôl seasonal tableaux have been unveiled

It's a sure sign that Christmas has really arrived in Llangollen when another of the brilliant seasonal tableaux appears outside Tan y Ddôl off Abbey Road. 

And the latest ingenious offerings created by the talented residents have the novel theme of the Poles - North and South. 

The one on the right of the gatepost depicts a well wrapped-up fisherman, the obvious resident of the nearby igloo, casting his line into a hole in the ice while a gang of polar bears hang around hoping to share anything he catches.

The tableau on the other side, which is equally clever and well-executed, is a ski-ing scene with lots of penguins and other cuddly toys blasting down the piste - and a couple taking a tumble along the way.

Why not take a look for yourself and be filled with the Christmas spirit!   

Railway invites travellers to tuck into its Mince Pie Specials

* The railway is steaming into a new season of Mince Pie Specials. 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is set to delight passengers once again with its popular Mince Pie Specials, running on December 27, 28 and 30. 

These steam-hauled journeys through the stunning Dee Valley have become a firm favourite for families and visitors, combining seasonal charm with the timeless appeal of heritage travel. 

This year, the railway is going even further by actively championing four outstanding local food venues situated along the route. Passengers are encouraged to step off the train and enjoy a relaxed post-Christmas lunch at one of these hand-picked establishments before continuing their scenic journey.

 

At Berwyn Railway Station, the riverside Chainbridge Hotel offers its Christmas Menu in one of Wales’s most spectacular settings. 

A short stroll from Glyndyfrdwy Station, the Berwyn Arms promises hearty seasonal dishes and a warm welcome. 

Further along the line at Carrog Railway Station, The Grouse invites visitors to enjoy its renowned home-style cooking in a traditional country inn. 

* The railway is championing four food venues along the line.

Those travelling through to Corwen can experience the hospitality of the historic Owain Glyndŵr Hotel, a much-loved favourite with both locals and tourists.

 

By promoting these venues, the railway says it is creating a complete day out that blends festive flavours with the beauty of winter in the Dee Valley. Passengers can enjoy lunch, re-join the train later in the day and make the most of a flexible timetable that includes return trips from both ends of the line.

 

Carriages on the Mince Pie Specials will continue to be decorated for the season. Adults receive a mince pie and festive tipple, while children enjoy their own treat and drink, ensuring a family friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

 

James Veal, Events Administrator at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “Our Santa Specials are virtually sold out this year, but they are not the end of the Christmas season at the railway. 

"Many families tell us they look forward just as much to our Mince Pie Specials, which offer a chance to unwind, enjoy the scenery and soak up the warmth of the festive season in a unique and memorable way. We are delighted to be championing some fantastic local food venues along the line this year, and we cannot wait to welcome passengers on board.”

 

Timings and fares:

 

Departures from Llangollen: 10:00, 12:20 and 15:15
Returns from Corwen: 11:05, 13:45 and 16:20

 

Ticket prices:

Adults (16 plus): £26
Children (3 to 15): £12
Infants (2 and under): free
Dogs (up to two): £3

 

The Mince Pie Specials offer comfort, charm and the joy of steam travel, with the added benefit of four excellent local pubs and hotels ready to welcome passengers along the line.

 

Ticket booking:

 

Book online at https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/mince-pie-specials/ or call 01978 860 979.

 

To book lunch during your visit, please contact:

 

Chainbridge Hotel
Nearest station: Berwyn Railway Station
01978 860 215

 

The Berwyn Arms
Nearest station: Glyndyfrdwy Railway Station
01490 430210

 

The Grouse
Nearest station: Carrog Railway Station
01490 430272

 

Owain Glyndŵr Hotel
Nearest station: Corwen Railway Station
01490 412115

 

 

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old.

A: The first thing to know is that anyone can make a lasting power of attorney; it's not something purely for older people to consider.

Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone such as a trusted friend or relative to act on your behalf and manage your finances, care or medical treatment, if you ever lose mental capacity. This could be because you're diagnosed with a health condition that prevents you from doing so, or something happens to you, such as an accident.

The kinds of illness which might prevent you from making decisions for yourself include: dementia, mental health problems, a brain injury, alcohol or drug misuse or the side-effects of medical treatment. Setting up an LPA doesn’t mean you’re expecting anything to happen, it’s something you might want to do in case something happens in the future.

There are two types of LPA, property and financial affairs and health and welfare. You don't have to make both types at the same time but you must make an LPA while you are still capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity. Both types must be registered before they can be used and you should choose who manages your affairs for you, if you’re no longer able to, very carefully.

A property and financial affairs LPA gives someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like buying or selling property, bank, building society and other financial accounts, welfare benefits and debts. You can give someone power of attorney to deal with all of those affairs, or only certain things. If you want to make an LPA which only deals with certain matters, you should make sure that it’s drawn up very carefully.

A health and welfare LPA gives someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like where you live, your day-to-day care, and your healthcare treatment - either for all aspects of your personal welfare, or only certain things. It's not possible to use a health and welfare LPA until the person who made it has lost their mental capacity.

There are two ways you can make an LPA - either online at gov.uk or by downloading the forms from gov.uk. There is one form for property and affairs and one for health and welfare. If you want someone to look after both aspects, you’ll need two separate LPAs.

Once completed, you’ll need to register the LPA by sending the forms to the Office of the Public Guardian. If you need to pay a registration fee, you'll need to send that too.

If the form has been correctly completed and there are no objections after people have been notified, the Public Guardian must register it. This can take around 20 weeks.

The Public Guardian must notify you and your attorneys that they have registered the LPA, and it can then be used. You can find lots of information on LPAs and other shorter term power of attorneys by visiting the Citizens Advice website.

* Local Denbighshire Citizens Advice drop-in-sessions for December to February are:

Meet Siôn Corn at Pengwern Hwb this Friday

At Pengwern Community Hwb this Friday you can get into the Christmas spirit at the festive grotto where you can meet Siôn Corn/Father Christmas straight after school, from 4-6pm.

His helpers say spaces are limited, so be sure to book your slot to enjoy a magical experience and receive a special gift. 

They add: "While you wait, join in on festive fun by making Christmas cards and badges with us. All this festive fun is available for just £2 per child.

"We thank Llangollen Town Council for their support for the grotto, enabling us to run such an activity for the community in Llangollen."

* For more details, please contact SDCP at office@sdcp.org. To reserve your place, follow this link: www.tinyurl.com/pengwern.

Residents lit up to support cancer charity praised by local branch

* Houses lit up on Green Lane to support prostate cancer charity.

The chair of of Llangollen Prostate Cancer Support Group has praised the residents of Green Lane for lighting up their row of houses to raise money for the charity.  

They've decked out their Victorian terrace, which overlooks Llangollen railway station, with a colourful array of Christmas lights with the aim of filling a £500 sackful of seasonal cheer for Prostate Cancer UK by January 5 next year.

Garry Perriton, who is acting as their spokesperson, said: "We've thought about Green Lane Christmas lights for a number of years and this year we've finally got around to doing it.

"Prostate Cancer UK is a cause that is close to our hearts. It affects so many lives, and by donating, people are helping to fund vital research and support services that make a real difference.

"We have produced a flyer explaining what we are doing which we will display in shops and bars around the town."

After reading the story on llanblogger, the charity's local branch chair Stuart Davies said: "I’ve just seen the article about Green Lane and Prostate Cancer. Excellent stuff. I have made a donation and I will put this on the agenda for our next meeting, which is on December 17 in the Hand Hotel in Llangollen at 2pm, to ask our members for their support.

"Could I also ask that anybody who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to talk about it and be part of a group which provides support to come along to our monthly meetings. 

"They take place on the third Wednesday of the month at 2pm in the Hand Hotel Llangollen. A small fee is charged to pay for tea and coffee with the Hand Hotel letting us use the room for free. All are welcome."

* Here's the fundraising link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/greenlane-1

MP welcomes reforms to give rape victims a fairer trial

* Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins.

Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East, has welcomed the Government's decision to make changes that aim to stamp out rape myths and prevent victims dropping out due to trauma at trial.

Alarming research by the former Victims' Commissioner shows that, in 2024, nearly 60% of victims overall believed they couldn't get justice. Now, the Government has taken action to improve victim experience at trial and prevent vile perpetrators evading justice.

Previous allegations of rape made by the victim, and their sexual history in general, can now only be used as evidence in favour of the accused if proven truly valuable. This will simplify legislation already in place and require that judges consider that the use of sexual history as evidence may perpetuate rape myths.

Among reforms being taken forward by the Government is formalising the use of companions as a special measure to help witnesses give their best evidence, and clarifying when the court can exclude intimidating individuals from the public gallery.

Recognising that most sexual offences happen in the home, it will be enshrined in law that previous convictions evidencing domestic abuse can be used at trial for further domestic abuse related offences.

Rebuilding this trust for rape victims is crucial to the Government's Plan for Change and mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

Becky Gittins said: "The UK Government is reforming our justice system so that it works for rape victims, not against them. I know from my experience talking to victims in Clwyd East that they have been waiting far too long for justice and can experience harrowing questioning at trials.

"I'm proud to be part of a government that is taking action to put victims first, and to stop rape myths having any place in our courts."

Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: "Far too many victims of rape are dropping out of the system because they feel that they are the ones on trial. This has enabled vile rapists to evade the punishment they deserve for far too long.

"This needs to stop. We must rebalance the justice system to serve victims first and foremost, and that starts with the crucial reforms we're bringing forward today."

Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies‑Jones, said: "Facing their rapist at trial is already one of the most difficult things a victim will ever have to do. The vast majority of these victims are brave women and girls who just want to be believed. The very least they can expect is not to be demonised for their experiences or made a spectacle of in the courtroom.

"These reforms are crucial to making the justice system a safe and supportive space for women. I thank the Law Commission and Katrin Hohl for their exemplary work in this space highlighting the injustices which women face."

Police presence around Natwest cashpoint in Castle Street

6pm UPDATE:

North Wales Police spokesperson said: "Officers responded to reports of a theft at an ATM machine in Llangollen at around 1.40am this morning (December 3).

"It is reported that four men took the machine using heavy machinery, before making off in a large Audi.

"Investigations into the incident are underway with partners and we would urge anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to contact police via our website, by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers quoting reference 25000986561."

HA Natwest spokesperson said: "We are supporting the police with their enquiries and assessing the ATM."

There is a police presence in Castle Street this morning where it is believed the Natwest cashpoint has been broken into overnight.

The section of pavement in front of the machine area has been cordoned of with tape an officer was seen examining the door to the service area which appears to have been broken open.