Lexus LBX - the 'little' big car aiming for younger market

Lexus LBX drive by Steve Rogers

You don’t have to buy a big car to be posh, and here’s one reason why.

The LBX is a tiddler, about the same size as a VW Polo, but it has big car luxury. So the little Lexus is still cheap? Erm, not really, premium doesn’t come cheap even in a small car so we are looking north of 30k and some climbing to the top of the range.

Lexus launched LBX three years ago for one reason: To get into the heads of the young and upwardly mobile. Yes, the Japanese company needed to cast its net wider than its traditional middle and ageing audience. And it had the means. On the opposite side of the factory floor is the Toyota Yaris Cross, highly efficient and sensible so it took the chassis, covered it in a trendy body, dressed it in upmarket gear and hey presto it has a car that will appeal to those bright young things who like cool and casual, as well as us fuddy duddy old ‘uns.

Just to get the record straight this is not a Toyota with a Lexus badge. No offence but this is proper premium. The door handles provide the first clue, nothing mechanical here, a soft touch and the door opens electrically.

Inside looks to have had an overdose of faux leather. Seats, dashboard inserts, door coverings and lots of red stitching leave you in no doubt why you are paying the extra bucks. It looks good as does the flowing dashboard design particularly the slim air vents which are neatly set and unobtrusive.

Everything looks up to date, a digital driver’s display and central touchscreen angled back to avoid glare and it works. There are a few switches to control the heating below the screen otherwise everything is screen based including the fan speed and heated front seats but they are always on display which is sensible.

The not so good bit is that the display often looks a mishmash and needs some quiet contemplation to work it all out. For whatever reason I could not get the navigation to work; not even voice control could find a destination.

Things are worse with the touch sensitive steering wheel functions. Menus appear in the head up display on the windscreen but dart around and are distracting when driving. Basically the Lexus needs a tech transplant and it is ready and waiting on the Toyota side of the garage. The RAV4 reviewed last week has the new system which is simple and user friendly and I am betting it is ready to be dropped into new Lexus models.

One last negative is rear legroom. There is no disguising the fact that it is tight and bettered by just about every other similar sized supermini I have driven. On the plus side the boot is big for its size, it might have been worth cutting it down a tad and giving a few more inches of legroom.

LBX uses the same 1.5 litre hybrid engine as Yaris but has more power. I covered a lot of miles driving to south Wales on endlessly twisting A roads and was grateful for the excellent pick up when overtaking. I loved the handling as well, safe and solid in and out of bends with nicely weighted steering giving plenty of feedback.

Economy is a given with any Toyota or Lexus models, the company’s hybrid technology is the envy of the motoring world and LBX gets the benefit. I often got mid sixties on individual trips but was disappointed not to crack 60mpg at the end of my 490 mile week. I nearly got there with 59.6mpg, a little shy of the official average.

This is an expensive package for a small car but is there if you like a bit of luxury, refinement and a decent spec which, at the top end, will give powered seats with memory, surround camera and powered tailgate.

Fast facts

LBX Premium Plus

£35,695 (starts £29,995)

1.5 litre 3cyl petrol; 134bhp

0-62mph 9.2secs; 106mph

61.4mpg combined

103g/km. 1st VED £405

Insurance group 24

Boot: 402-994 litres

Whodunnit shows there's no mystery to why Twenty Club has hit 80

 llanblogger review

                        * Above and below: scenes from Murder on the Nile.

Until the end of this week Llangollen Twenty Club are presenting a play based on a 1937 novel by Agatha Christie, known as the Queen of Mystery. 

But for anyone watching Murder on the Nile at the Town Hall for the next three nights or at the Saturday matinee there will be nothing mysterious about why this famous local drama group has been entertaining audiences so well for 80 years this year.

It's simply because they're so damned good!

This particular Christie whodunnit arrived in London's West End in 1946, the exact same year the Twenty Club first hit the stage in Llangollen, so it evokes the same era of glamorous period fashion, luxurious riverboat travel on a Nile paddle steamer and high-society class dynamics typical of British colonial and upper-class tourism in Egypt, where it is set.

It's also packed with secrets, jealousy, romance and, of course, murder most foul.

Set builders and the superb dozen-strong cast have pulled out all the stops to recreate the steamy, exotic atmosphere of a waterborne trip through Egypt, even arranging for a couple of pesky bead sellers to hustle not just the passengers but also members of the audience as they enter the hall.

Rather than the having the expected Belgian detective solving the murderous puzzles, taking the lead in this production is a probing priest named Canon Ambrose Pennefather, played with aplomb by old Twenty Club hand Kevin Williams.

Ranged around him are a band of the more usual Christiean suspects such as elderly British battleaxe Miss Ffoliot-ffoulkes, played as brilliantly as ever by another Club regular Helen Belton, her shrinking violet of a niece Christina Grant, portrayed well by newcomer Isabella Crowther, and the ever-present Egyptian steward, brought marvellously to life by another Club stalwart John Clifford.

There for excellent measure are two more possible suspects, the posh boy with communist tendencies William Smith, a part handled expertly by Aled Morris, and German-accented doctor Dr Bessner, perfectly played by Ally Goodman who has a handy history with this group.

At the very heart of the dark deeds are a very competent George Williams as chancer Simon Mostyn, Bev Maier as his wife Kay Mostyn who fits her role like a glove and Serena Young putting in a highly believable performance as the woman who does her best to come between them, Jacqueline de Severac. Louisa Jones switches from her more usual appearances with Llangollen Operatic Society to produce a first-rate interpretation as Louise, Kay Mostyn's French maid.

Those annoying bead sellers are neatly played by real life dad-and-daughter team Chris and Bethan Williams.

Production values are high in the hands of Serena Young, who doubles as producer and actor, and the whole, enjoyable show comes courtesy of director Emily Swindley.

Murder on the Nile is on nightly at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee this Saturday.

* Tickets, at £14 and £12 concessions, are available now at Llangollen Oggie Shop, Courtyard Books and online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollentwentyclub            

Council to discuss ending charges for replacing blue recycling bags

An end to the ongoing row over Denbighshire County Council charging residents to replace worn-out blue recycling bags could come next week.

On Tuesday the council's powerful cabinet will discuss a proposal to change its policy on waste and recycling containers, which means:

• Allowing all residents to collect free replacements for blue cardboard bags and orange food caddies from selected locations - initially household waste recycling centres - and
• Allowing households on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to order one free recycling container per year.  This applies to any recycling container, not just blue cardboard bags and orange food caddies. 

Cllr James Elson, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I have heard residents’ concerns about the blue cardboard recycling bags, and I recognise their frustration when they are charged for a replacement bags.  

"I know that people across Denbighshire want to support our county’s recycling efforts, so I want to help them by looking at practical options that make it easier and cheaper for households to keep doing their bit."

* To view the relevant Cabinet papers for the Waste and Recycling Container charges please visit here 

* Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins has used her social media to support the scrapping of the charges for blue bags.

She posts today: "People across Denbighshire are being charged to replace bags that simply aren't fit for purpose.

"I've heard from hundreds of residents who are fed up with it. Next week, the council has the chance to put this right.

"It's time to scrap these unfair replacement charges and stop penalising people for a problem they didn't create."

And she asks people to let her know if they have been affected by the charges.

Bryntysilio Centre gets go-ahead for £7 million refurbishment plan

* Above and below: Plans for Bryntysilio's £7 development. 

Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre has welcomed Denbighshire County Council's decision to grant planning permission for a £7 million refurbishment of its historic 12-acre site, paving the way for thousands more people to benefit from outdoor learning, wellbeing and community programmes.

The centre is an established provider of outdoor learning that currently welcomes more than 2,000 people each year, including pupils from over 50 schools and adults through a number of grant-funded projects. 

The redevelopment is expected to double the number of people able to benefit from Bryntysilio's programmes, while significantly increasing the charity's capacity, impact and long-term sustainability.

Dr Chris Eastabrook, Chief Officer, said: "We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to Denbighshire County Council Planning Team for their support.

"For nearly 60 years, Bryntysilio has helped all people build confidence, resilience and lifelong memories through outdoor learning. This decision allows us to safeguard our historic buildings for future generations while opening our doors to many more people.

"The redevelopment will enable us to welcome twice as many participants, expand our work with schools, and develop new community and adult development programmes. It represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Bryntysilio and the wider community."

Initial modelling suggests the project could generate more than £1.1 million in additional annual economic activity once operational, supporting around 10 new jobs and creating further opportunities for local businesses that benefit from increased visitor numbers.

* A party using the Brynty Escarpment.

The charity also estimates that the additional outdoor learning and wellbeing opportunities enabled by the project could generate up to £1.8 million annually in social value, based on the HM Treasury Green Book approach to measuring wellbeing outcomes.

Outdoor education provides experiences that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere. Through challenge, teamwork and time spent in nature, all people develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills.

Evidence summarised by the Institute for Outdoor Learning has linked outdoor learning with improved wellbeing, engagement, behaviour, attainment and social development.

Alongside its work with schools, Bryntysilio delivers funded programmes for adults that support wellbeing, employability, leadership development and community connection. These programmes help individuals build new skills and confidence while helping organisations develop stronger, more effective teams.

The centre also believes outdoor education plays an important role in fostering environmental stewardship by helping people build a meaningful connection with the natural world and Welsh culture and history

With planning permission now secured, Bryntysilio is launching the next phase of the project and seeking support from grant-makers, charitable trusts, businesses and individual donors to help deliver the £7 million redevelopment.

Dr Eastabrook added: “Planning approval is a major milestone, but it is also the starting point for what comes next. We are now seeking partners who share our belief that access to the outdoors can change lives.

"Whether through major grants, corporate partnerships or individual giving, we would love to hear from those who want to help create opportunities for future generations.”

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: “I have always recognised Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre as an important asset to our area, giving people the chance to experience and benefit from outdoor education and activities.

"I know it has been a lengthy process to reach this stage, and I appreciate the work and commitment involved in securing a sustainable future for the centre, enabling it to continue its important work for future generations.

"I am genuinely pleased to see this progress and look forward to seeing the centre move forward.”

Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East, said: “At a time when many young people are facing pressures on their wellbeing and confidence, access to opportunities like those provided by Bryntysilio has never been more important.

"For almost 60 years, the centre has helped people learn, grow and thrive through outdoor education.

"This redevelopment will secure that legacy for future generations while opening the door for thousands more people to benefit.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for our area, and I’m delighted to support it.”

* Taking the Brynty Plunge.

Llyr Gruffydd, MS for Clwyd, said: “As the Member of the Senedd for Clwyd, I welcome the proposed redevelopment of Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre as a significant investment in an invaluable community asset. For almost 60 years, the centre has provided young people with opportunities to build confidence, resilience and essential life skills through outdoor learning. 

"Expanding and enhancing these facilities is not only great news for the local area, but also for future generations across the region. By increasing access to high-quality outdoor education experiences, this redevelopment will help more young people benefit from opportunities that can have a lasting positive impact on their personal development, wellbeing and mental health.”

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd, for Clwyd, said: "I fully support this development. The investment in the facilities at Bryntysilio is significant and will safeguard the centre's future for decades to come.

"Every young person should have the opportunity to benefit from the opportunities that outdoor education centres provide, so the increased capacity that this investment will bring is also most welcome."

Tom Montgomery, MS for Clwyd, said: "Bryntysilio has helped generations of young people build confidence, develop new skills and experience the benefits of learning outdoors. The proposed £7 million redevelopment is an exciting opportunity to secure the centre's future, increase access to its programmes and deliver significant educational, social and economic benefits. I am pleased to support this vision and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come."

Remembrance service marks Armistice Day in the square

* Legion branch chair Mike Adams, left, with the Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, in front of the two war memorials.

The Royal British Legion's Llangollen branch organised a short Service of Remembrance to mark Armistice Day, when the guns of the First World War fell silent on November 11, 1918, in Centenary Square this morning.

Taking its cue from the tolling of the eleventh hour on the Town Hall clock, the traditional two minutes' silence was observed, the RBL standard was lowered by its bearer and extracts from the poem For the Fallen and the Kohima Epitaph were read by branch chairman Mike Adams.

The Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam and Cllr Charlie Jones, were both present and a small gathered around the square to watch the moving ceremony take place.   

* The Legion branch standard is ceremonially lowered during the service as those on parade stand to attention.

Have your say on reviewing county's Active Travel map

Denbighshire County Council are reviewing its Active Travel Network Map as residents and invited to have their say.

Under the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, all local authorities in Wales must regularly review and improve their walking, wheeling and cycling routes. 

Denbighshire’s current maps were approved by the Welsh Government in August 2022 and are due to be updated to reflect the changes and improvements that have been made over the past three years.

Active Travel is the name given for every day, short distance journeys that people make on foot or by cycle such as to work, school, college or to reach the shops and other facilities.

Denbighshire County Council have reviewed the Active Travel Network Map to include existing routes that meet Welsh Government standards as well as future routes that may need improvements to meet the required standards.

The maps have been prepared for consultation and residents are invited to have their say before the deadline on Friday November 27. The revised maps will then be sent to Welsh Government in December. 

Engagement events have also been organised for residents to view the Active Travel Network Maps, with sessions organised across the county, including one at Llangollen Library this Friday, November 13, from 10am to 12pm.

Councillor James Elson, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “When the Welsh Government originally introduced the Active Travel (Wales) Act in 2013, this legislation made it a legal requirement for councils in Wales to promote and develop a network of Active Travel routes within their area. Since then, the council has built new infrastructure, improved existing Active Travel routes and provided new facilities to benefit pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists.

 “We want to provide Denbighshire with a network that allows for walking, wheeling and cycling to become the most natural and normal way of getting about for local journeys. And, by doing so, promote the health and well-being of everyone and to make our towns and villages more livable places”.

* To have your say on Denbighshire’s Active Travel Network Map update click here.

Special date for Llangollen Parkrun

                       

Llangollen Parkrun is one of seven in Wales hosting Diabetes UK at its event on Saturday November 14.

The aim is to encourage diabetics and people with pre-diabetes to discover the benefits of exercise on managing their health.

Information about diabetes diagnosis and management will be on hand and there will also be the opportunity to talk to a Diabetes UK spokesperson.

You can get a Parkrun barcode by visiting https://www.parkrun.org.uk but you can still attend without registering.

For the local parkrun meet at the staff carpark of Llangollen Health Centre by 8.45am latest to benefit from the first-timers briefing. You can park in town or at Mill Street car park and walk the short distance to the start.