Farm gate thieves caught on security camera

A security camera has provided new evidence for the midnight theft of three farm gates in Llangollen. 

North Wales Police (NWP) issued an appeal after the galvanised metal gates were removed from fields in the area on April 20.

* For the full story in the Daily Post, go to: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cctv-captures-images-4x4-police-33991931

Appeal to save St Collen's famous medieval roof gets new boost

* The new banner includes a QR code and links showing how to donate.

The urgent appeal for funds to save the world-famous medieval roof of St Collen's Church from decay and possible loss has had a boost with a new banner showing various ways to help. 

Llangollen's parish church is asking the community for help with repair and conservation costs of its magnificent medieval hammer-beam roof dating back to the 16th century, which is acknowledged as one of Wales’ cherished historical treasures.

Suzanne Evans, who leads the Genesis Project which is currently overseeing the re-ordering of St Collen’s to make it fit to meet the needs of the 12st century, warns: “Without prompt attention the roof is at serious risk of decay and we risk losing an irreplaceable piece of Welsh history that has weathered many centuries.

* A close-up of the ornate but endangered ceiling at St Collen's.

“The roof at St Collen’s is no ordinary structure. It is an extraordinary testament to the skill and vision of our ancestors. Its timber beams have watched over centuries of Welsh tradition and storytelling, and have housed the bardic voices of our past.

“With its hammer-beam architecture - technique popular during the medieval period and seen in few places across Wales - the roof is as much a monument to our cultural identity as it is an architectural wonder.”

She added: “Each beam and carved detail echoes the lore of our forebears, standing as a symbol of community, resilience and the artistic heritage that has defined Wales.

“But now the beauty and history of this roof are at risk. Years of exposure have weakened its timbers, and urgent conservation is required to prevent irreversible damage.

“The cost of preserving this heritage is beyond the means of the church’s current resources, we have therefore launched a community fundraiser to rally support to save this historic roof for future generations.

“The goal is to raise money to fund the conservation work required to stabilise and restore the structure, ensuring it remains a fixture of Welsh heritage for centuries to come.

“This appeal calls upon the people of Wales, heritage enthusiasts, and supporters worldwide to step forward and help safeguard a piece of history that belongs to all of us.

“This is a unique opportunity to unite for our shared past, to protect the spirit of the bardic tradition, and to secure a lasting legacy for our nation.

“Every contribution, however small, will bring us closer to preserving St Collen’s. Let us come together to restore, protect, and celebrate this invaluable link to our cultural identity.

“Donations can be made through the JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/suzanne-evans-1731940087347 and we invite everyone who holds Welsh heritage close to their hearts to support this cause and help us save an amazing piece of Wales for the generations to come.”

Special evening for Ukraine raises £1,115 towards support vehicle

* Anna, Paata and the organising team of the 

Thank You from Ukraine event.

The Thank You from Ukraine event held at Llangollen Community Hall last Saturday raised £1,115 in support of the war-torn country.

And organisers of the special evening, which included traditional food and entertainment arranged by Anna and Paata from Anna's Bakery in Oak Street, say the amount puts them well on the road to buying another 4x4 vehicle to help the Ukrainian military forces battling against their Russian invaders.

Anna said: "We created an incredible evening together and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, helped organise the event, attended, donated and simply stood with us.

"The amount raised through their kindness and generosity is more than just a number, it is support, warmth and belief in Ukraine and our people.

"Every contribution, every kind word, and every person present made this evening truly special.

"Unfortunately, this amount is still not enough to purchase the vehicle, so we will continue fundraising. We truly believe that together we will reach our goal. 

"We will, of course, keep everyone updated and provide full reports on the progress of the fundraising and the final result.

"Thank you to all volunteers, guests, partners, and friends of the event. Together we showed that there is strength in unity. With love and gratitude." 

* Anna calls the raffle during the evening.

Minister gets back to llanblogger about health centre services

* Could Llangollen Health Centre one day include additional services?

llanblogger has had a response to the question it posed to Wales's new health minister about the future use of Llangollen Health Centre.

But it's a little soon to get our hopes up about any addition to its services because the email we received is a standard reply from his press team.

Last week we noted that Mabon Ap Gwynfor, the man who spearheaded the campaign to save Llangollen's much-loved Cottage Hospital over a decade ago, had just become Wales's new health minister following the Senedd election which saw the return of a Plaid Cymru government.

Back in September 2012 and then a Plaid activist, he called a public meeting at the Hand Hotel to form an action group to safeguard health services in Llangollen and halt controversial proposals by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which included closing the Cottage Hospital and replacing it with a new primary care health centre elsewhere in the town.

The action group formed at that time, known as Keep Llangollen Health Services (KLHS), campaigned hard to save the hospital but it closed and was demolished a couple of years later to be replaced by the £5 million health centre we have now. 

At the time, some people recollect suggestions that the new centre would include in-patient beds and possibly a minor injuries unit, both of which had been provided at the Cottage Hospital. 

But, to date, no in-patient beds or minor injuries unit have been provided although there are often demands from the public for these to be included in the replacement building.

Mabon Ap Gwynfor, who went on to become a Denbighshire county councillor then a Senedd Member, is now one of the most important figures in the newly-formed Plaid Cymru government with 55% of the day-to-day Welsh budget being spent on the health service. 

After his appointment llanblogger said it would be interesting to have the new minister's views on whether Llangollen Health Centre could be further developed to provide the lost services. 

We therefore emailed him to ask but the response was not promising, although it must be remembered that he had been only days in office.

A spokesperson for the new Welsh Government said: “The First Minister has now appointed his Cabinet which he has said will have a relentless focus on doing what’s best for Wales. Each Minister will be setting out their priorities shortly.”

Maybe we'll ask him again once he's settled in.

Llangollen Youth Centre to have gala re-opening next month

Llangollen Youth Centre is to have its gala re-opening on Wednesday June 17 following a programme of investment by Denbighshire Youth Services.

Families First and Flying Start will now have a Family Hub based within the centre alongside youth services.

The two organisations say they will work together to provide support, activities and opportunities for local children, young people and families.

An open invitation is going out to local families and the community to join in the re-opening event next month.

From 1-2.30pm there will be a family play session for children up to the age of four when the centre can be explored and the services described. Organisers say healthy wraps and refreshments will be available.

The official opening ceremony will take place between 2.30 and 3pm with invited guests and stakeholders.

From 3pm onwards the youth centre and field will be open to everyone with activities for young people and the whole family including circus skills, bushcraft, messy play and activities by Denbighshire Leisure, Denbighshire Play Rangers and Youth Services, face painting. Refreshments will be available throughout the event, which lasts from 1-6pm.

Llangollen's live music treasure hunt is back this Saturday

                 

* The mysterious yeti is spotted hiding golden envelopes ahead of the treasure hunt.

Llangollen is gearing up for another unforgettable summer as TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion returns from June 24 to July 5, followed by the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from July 7. 

Before the global stars take to the Pavilion stage, fans have the chance to get their hands on FREE tickets as the hugely popular Llangollen Treasure Hunt returns this Saturday May 23.

To celebrate 79 years of the festival, 79 pairs of golden tickets will be hidden across the Pavilion grounds — each one redeemable for some of the summer’s biggest shows.

This year’s treasure hunt comes with an unexpected twist: a mysterious Yeti has been spotted in Llangollen and roaming the Pavilion grounds, secretly hiding golden envelopes ahead of the hunt.

The Furrie’ figure may look familiar to fans of Super Furry Animals, who return to the Pavilion on Thursday July 2 for a landmark headline show, performing their acclaimed Welsh-language album Mwng live in full for the very first time.

Last year more than 50,000 music lovers descended on the town for a month of spectacular shows — and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.

This year’s blockbuster line-up includes Rick Astley, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Super Furry Animals, Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Deacon Blue and Tom Grennan, alongside a packed Eisteddfod programme featuring Emeli Sandé and the Absolute Orchestra, Michael Ball, Uniting Nations: One World, Global Rhythms: Made In Wales, Orchestral Qawwali Project, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition. The festival also offers a full daily programme of competitions and field entertainment.

 

Artistic Director of the Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We’re now in our third year of the treasure hunt, and it’s become a real Llangollen tradition. People absolutely love it; the excitement, the friendly competition, the thrill of discovering a golden ticket. It sets the tone for the whole summer, so we couldn’t resist bringing it back.

 

“It’s such a brilliant way to kick off the season, and it gives fans the chance to get their hands on tickets to some of our biggest shows. With this year’s incredible lineup and the magic the Eisteddfod brings, we’re gearing up for an unforgettable summer. Happy hunting!”

 

The Treasure Hunt will run from 10am until 2pm on Saturday May 23. 

• 79 special envelopes will be hidden around the iconic Llangollen Pavilion grounds. Each envelope contains a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert.
• Lucky finders must bring the envelope and code to the main entrance of the Pavilion to redeem their pair of tickets. 
• Limit of one pair of tickets per person. Tickets must be redeemed before the Pavilion closes at 2 pm on Saturday May 23. 
• All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. 
• Good luck and happy hunting! 
• 
  

Following a record-breaking 2025, the 2026 Eisteddfod is set to be its most ambitious to date.

Alongside an expanded programme of competitions, this year’s line-up features an exceptional series of concerts and large-scale collaborations, including bespoke orchestral performances with internationally renowned artists. These landmark events sit at the heart of an increasingly diverse programme, reaffirming Llangollen’s reputation as one of the UK’s most distinctive international arts festivals. 

 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026 is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

 

* For more information go to llangollen.net

 

FOLLOW LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD 
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Town councillors learn what it means to be dementia friendly

 

As part of the current national Dementia Action week community wellbeing officer Rebecca Bowcott presented a Dementia Friends information session to Llangollen Town Council at its monthly meeting last night (Tuesday). 

The aim of these sessions is to give people a greater understanding of dementia, how it can affect people and the little things we can do as individuals and a community to help them. 

During last night's session, arranged for Dementia Friendly Llangollen, Rebecca said that one in three people in the UK will get some form of dementia and that there were five key points to know about the disease. 

These are:

* It is not a natural part of ageing - young people can get it too

* It is caused by diseases of the brain, with 100 different types of dementia identified

* It's not just about losing your memory. It can also affect other functions such as speech, the attention, the behaviour and motor skills

* It's important to remember that there is more to a person than dementia

* A little understanding shown to a person with dementia can make a big difference  

There are two of these information sessions arranged for Pengwern Community Hub next month - on the Tuesdays June 9 and 23, both starting at 5.30pm.

If you are interested in attending, or if you would like to arrange a session for a specific group, organisation, school or business please get in touch with: DFllangollen@outlook.com.

 

Dementia Friendly Llangollen are actively seeking volunteers to be part of their steering group so if you would like more information, contact the same email address.

The group will be hosting an information stand outside the Town Hall tomorrow (Thursday May 21) between 10am and 1pm to help raise awareness of dementia.