Llangollen Food Share helps children in school holidays

* School lunch parcels being prepared by Food Share helpers.

 

Llangollen Food Share have been providing food support for children during school holidays since July 2023. 

During that time enough food to make 12,749 packed lunches (to date) has been given out to families needing support in our local area.  

 

Food Share’s manager Steph Mitchell said: “School holidays put a huge extra strain on the family budget meaning that some families are ‘in crisis’ and don’t have enough money to meet these extra demands.   

"We have responded by helping struggling parents to provide food for their children’s lunches. Our weekly lunch parcels for children have enough food to provide five lunches per child.”

 

“If you are one of the many local families struggling to make ends meet then please get in touch with us to see how we can help.” 

During term-time all primary school children and around 30% of secondary pupils receive free school meals. But in July 2023 government support for meals during the school holidays was removed, meaning that the extra cost of lunches falls on parents. This puts extra pressure on family budgets for the 12 weeks of school holidays each year.

* The contents of a school holiday lunch parcel.

 

Steph added: "We are grateful to local donors who have helped us to fund this extra service offered by Llangollen Food Share. Tesco Stronger Starts (Blue token scheme) has also supported this activity.

 

"We continue to receive positive feedback about the impact that our School Holiday lunch parcels has. See feedback below from one parent in July 2026:

 

“'I cannot thank the team at Llangollen Food Share enough. Without their help, my son and I would have struggled immensely throughout the summer holidays. Their support is priceless and is appreciated beyond words. Thank you so much guys, you truly are an invaluable godsend.'” 

 

Llangollen Food Share is a registered charity that has been responding to food poverty locally for the last seven years. It raises much of its money locally, with over 30% of its income coming from members of the community, organisations and businesses. It also relies on the help of 25 volunteers who together give over 120 voluntary hours per week.

 

Food Share says: "Can you help us to ensure that no-one locally goes hungry? If so, contact us at: www.llangollenfoodshare.org.uk/donate, email: info@llangollenfoodshare.org.uk , or call: 07538 894449    

A5 closed at Glyndyfrdwy following collision

This was posted around 3.30pm today (Saturday) by police:

Llangollen Inner Wheel announces programme for 63rd year

As it embarks on its 63rd year, the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has announced its new programme:

The first event was installation of Cheryl Furney Brown as the President. The event took place in the beautiful garden of one of our members.

Although this is the first time for Cheryl to take up the role of President in Llangollen she is a long-standing Inner Wheel member, having already served as President of the Inner Wheel Club of Wrexham before joining us here in Llangollen. She was also recently President of the Rotary Club of Wrexham.

Cheryl has prepared an interesting programme of events including talks on Chester Cathedral, Llangollen Railway (by Station Master Mandy Towers), flower painting and herbal medicine. We will also have some fun experiencing Chair Yoga.

We will celebrate Christmas, Inner Wheel Day in January and St David’s Day in March with special events.

We have one special fund-raising event planned, an Afternoon Tea Dance with live music at Llangollen Town Hall on Monday, May 17th, 2027. The proceeds will go to Air Ambulance Cymru. Watch this space!!

We are part of a world-wide women’s organisation and we have always supported good causes not only here in Llangollen but throughout Great Britain and many parts of the world. Recently we have focussed on helping the people of Ukraine and supporting African based charities such as Mary’s Meals and African Adventures.

Membership is open to all women over the age of 18. If you are looking to join a friendship group with a purpose then why not give it a try. We meet once a month at various venues in the town. If you would like to know more, contact the Membership Secretary on 01978 869285 ???? or 07816 286436. Alternatively, email: enid.law@froncastell.co.uk

Westheads announce passing £50,000 fundraising milestone

* We'll make Thailand together, declare the Westheads.

The pedalling may have been halted by the serious road accident involving one of their their number but the Westheads have just managed to pass a major milestone on their mammoth journey cycling from north Wales to Thailand.

And in their latest video diary from China 19-year-old Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham proudkly announce the joyous news - with their injured mate Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen - that their fundraising total in aid of the British Heart Foundation has just broken through the £50,000 barrier after a year of donations flooding in from supporters back home.

* Giving the good news about their fundraising.

The dynamic trio known collectively as the Westheads are making their 10,000-mile odyssey in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. They have so far raised over £40,000. 

All was going well until a week ago when Dyfan was badly hurt in a collision with a lorry, sustaining serious injuries to his scalp, neck and legs.

In the past few days the other two lads, who are spending lots of time at the hospital along with his parents who flew out to China immediately after learning of the accident, have put out a couple of promising updates on Dyfan's condition, showing pictures of him giving the thumbs-up sign.

Their latest video on social media sees them making the big fundraising announcement - joined by Dyfan from hospital.    

* And here's proof of the latest total.

Louis and James take it in turns to say: "The circumstances are different for this announcement but we have just hit a massive goal in our fundraising.

"Thanks to all of you, we have now hit £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

"This will go a long way helping so many people and we can't thank you enough.

"We don't know when we're going to touch down in our final destination of Chang Mai but one thing's for sure - we are going to get there together."

And in a gesture of solidarity the film then shows them doing their traditional greeting of "Yes, you Westheads!" joined by Dyfan from hospital, again giving the thumbs-up.

* llanblogger is recording the lads' adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads 

Mountain rescue team have third local callout in five days

* The NEWSAR team helps bring down the casualty from near Castell Dinas Bran.

A mountain rescue team had its third callout in just five days to help walkers in difficulties near Llangollen earlier this week.

On Monday the team from North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) was asked by North Wales Police to assist a walker who had sustained an ankle injury near Castell Dinas Bran.

A forward party quickly made their way to the casualty, where the injury was assessed. Pain relief was given and the injured leg was splinted before the casualty was carefully evacuated from the hill using a stretcher and wheel.

The casualty was safely brought to the roadhead and handed over to the ambulance service for onward travel to hospital.

A NEWSAR spokesperson said: "A big thank you to everyone who responded. It was another slick operation and a great example of teamwork getting the casualty safely off the hill. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery."
This latest rescue came just four days after NEWSAR was asked by police to assist a walker who had sustained an ankle injury after slipping on the Offa's Dyke Path near Llantysilio on Wednesday August 5.
And just a day later, on August 6, they were back in the area when they were asked by police to help a walker who had sustained a leg injury while walking on the hills above Llangollen.
* NEWSAR's dedicated volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year responding to those in need throughout Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham & parts of Conwy & Powys. To donate, please click the link www.newsar.org.uk/donate

Ysgol Dinas Brân celebrates AS, A Level and Btec success

* Above and below: Students celebrate their exam successes this morning.

Ysgol Dinas Brân is celebrating another year of "excellent" AS, A Level and Btec results, which it says reflects the dedication, resilience and ambition of our students. 

In a statement the school says: "Across a wide range of subjects, students have achieved outcomes of which they can be immensely proud, with many securing top grades, including A* and A grades, and demonstrating strong performance across both AS and A Level qualifications.

"These results are the culmination of years of commitment, hard work and determination. Their achievements have opened exciting pathways to university, higher apprenticeships, employment and further training, providing a strong foundation for successful and fulfilling futures.

"As a school, we recognise that success on this scale is never achieved in isolation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our teaching and support staff whose expertise, care and unwavering commitment have guided students throughout their learning journeys.

"We would also like to thank parents and carers for their encouragement and support. The partnership between home and school remains one of the most important factors in student success, and these results are a testament to that shared commitment.

"Most importantly, today is about celebrating our students. We are incredibly proud not only of the grades they have achieved but also of the character they have shown throughout their time at Ysgol Dinas Brân. They leave us as confident, capable and compassionate young adults, ready to make a positive contribution to their communities and to the wider world.

"Everyone at Ysgol Dinas Brân congratulates our AS, A Level and Btec students on their achievements and wishes them every success as they take their next steps. We look forward to following their future accomplishments and are confident that they will continue to thrive in whichever path they choose."

Councillor Diane King, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate the pupils of Denbighshire that are receiving their A-level and AS results today. These results are a huge achievement that help shape their next steps going forwards.

"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get here, so I’d like to congratulate them all on this achievement.

"I would also like highlight the important partnership working that happens within our schools each and every day that ensures that our students have the highest quality education and achieve the best results possible.

"I wish all learners the very best in their next steps in life, the door is wide open for them.”

Dyfan gets in touch from China to say he's feeling better

NOW WITH FURTHER UPDATE FROM THURSDAY MORNING. SEE FOOT OF STORY AND FURTHER PICTURE OF DYFAN ....

The Llangollen teenager seriously injured while on a charity cycling marathon through China has taken to social media to explain why he's not been in touch with his many well-wishers back home - and to show x-ray pictures of his injuries.

Known collectively as the Westheads, mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are a year into a mammoth cycling trip to Thailand in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. They have so far raised over £40,000. 

But last week Dyfan sustained head, neck and leg injuries after being involved in a collision with a lorry.

He was rushed to a local hospital where his parents have been by his bedside after flying out from the UK.

Meanwhile, the Westheads' hundreds of supporters back home have been sending scores of messages of online support to Dyfan.

On Tuesday, Louis and James recorded a video message giving an optimistic update on his progress.

And yesterday and this morning, Dyfan himself posted two short video updates.

In the first - the accompaniment of the Bee Gees' Stayin' Alive and giving a thumbs-up - he explains why he's not been responding to all the messages of support.

Pictured in his hospital bed surrounded by equipment with his head bandaged, he posts: "Unfortunately when my phone broke I also forgot all my passwords.

"So if I haven't got back to your message that's why I've had to make a new account.

"Feeling a lot better today. I'll post some updates on here also!" @dyfanhughes5 

In his second film, to the backing of The Jacksons' Blame it on the Boogie, there's a shot of a mobile phone with x-ray pictures of broken leg bones and it has the message: "This is how we are looking on Day 7. There's a lot more to it but we will explain in a video soon." 

LATEST

Later this morning (Thursday) there was another post on the Westheads' social media in which Louis and James gave a further update on Dyfan's condition. It also showed another picture pf him in his hospital bed.

The post said: "We wanted to give everyone an update on Dyfan following his accident. 

"He has suffered some very serious injuries, including major injuries to both legs and his left foot, a serious injury to his scalp and a fracture to his neck. 

"He has already been through multiple procedures and is receiving Specialist Care in hospital. 

"He still has a long road ahead of him, but thankfully, he is in good spirits, staying positive, and fighting through it all. 

"We know lots of people have been asking how he is, so we wanted to share an update. We're incredibly grateful for every message, kind word and bit of support we've received.

"Together, stronger. Yma o hyd!"