Llangollen-born blind golfer Shaun swings to victory

   

     * Blind golfer Shaun Burke, left, with his "eyes" Ian McCormack.

A blind golfer originally from Llangollen has swung his way to glory in a series of major tournaments over the past couple of months.

Shaun Burke lost his sight completely after being involved in a serious road accident on the A5 near the town in 1985 which left the then-18 year old with a catalogue of injuries to his legs, ankles and head. He also had to have his face totally rebuilt by surgeons.

But undeterred Shaun went ahead with his studies, took a degree at De Montford University and eventually qualified as a teacher.

He is now in his 29th year teaching the subject at Trinity Catholic High School in Essex, the county to which he moved and now lives with his wife.

With the aid of a sighted guide, he's been golfing for the past dozen years, switching to it as a less physically demanding alternative to the marathon running he had been heavily into since his younger days.

Going part-time at school about 18 months ago gave him more time to take his golf more seriously and take the trail to competition success.

This August, helped by his regular guide Ian McCormack, he landed himself the title of Masters Best B1 Player at the British Blind Masters tournament at the Meon Valley Golf & Country Club near Southampton - the category for players who are totally or near-totally blind.

Shaun followed that up at the Portal Golf & Spa Resort in Tarporley, Cheshire last month when he was one of two Welsh men players in the 12-strong England & Wales team which took the Great Britain and Ireland Four Nations prize with a 13-5 victory over the Scotland & Ireland team in the inaugural Four Nations competition.  

At the same tournament England & Wales also shot to success in the Auld Enemies Cup by beating Scotland 4½ – 3½.

A report by England & Wales Blind Golf which staged the competition said: "A fantastic achievement and a brilliant performance from Shaun across the championship, supported throughout by Ian.

"The partnership between player and guide is such an important part of blind golf, and this is another great example of that teamwork in action."

Shaun recalled that following his catastrophic accident, which ironically happened on the road near Llangollen Golf Club, he was cut free from the wreckage of the car by a crew from Llangollen fire station, members of which he later started to train regularly with as part of his rehabilitation.

And he eventually became so fit that he went on to run in marathons and triathlons in the UK and abroad, completing no less than 10 London Marathons between 1987 and 2003 and also travelling abroad to places like Sweden and even Siberia where he ran in temperatures of minus 30F.

"I kept running until my legs got a bit knackered and that's when I took up golf," said Shaun.

"I do this mostly with the help of Ian McCormack who takes me to the ranges and to practice and competitions. He's my eyes.

"When I started doing the competitions I didn't know what would happen but I tried hard and eventually got into the England and Wales team and now my goal is to get into more international competitions next year."

Healing Prayer drop-in at Penllyn Chapel this Saturday

 

What's on at Llangollen Pavilion

 

October 11th 2026 - 19:00 - Pavilion Hall Simon Yates of Touching the void – My mountain life. On the remote Siula Grande in Peru in June 1985, mountaineer Simon Yates found himself in a desperately unenviable position. He was slowly being pulled off the mountain face by his injured partner, Joe Simpson, dangling on the rope 50 metres below. His decision to cut the rope saved both their lives in the epic of survival that followed and with the publication of the book ‘Touching The Void’ and the later film, both climbers became household names. click here for more details Book tickets for Simon Yates

December 2nd 2026 - 7pm - Pavilion Hall North Wales Opera presents Puccini's Madama Butterfly Anne Williams-King (Director of North Wales Opera) travelled the globe singing the title role in this opera to great acclaim and has directed a beautifully traditional portrayal of this opera. It takes a heart of stone not to be moved by the great tragedy of this story, which is so enriched by the composition. Everyone will have heard the humming chorus and the “Un bel di” (One fine day). Like many of its class, this opera can be expressed in a few sentences and knowing the plot will allow you to sit back and allow the drama to unfold.   Under the proven leadership and artistry of international soprano Anne Williams-King and her team, North Wales Opera benefits particularly from the experiences of Anne Williams-King as she has performed the opera so many times all over the world. A great introduction to this work by Opera Australia can be found here: link to youtube video Click here for more details Book tickets for Opera

December 19th 2026 - 7:30pm - Pavilion Hall Bingo Lingo Deck the Balls - Christmas Special Get ready for the most festive, fun-filled night of the year with Bingo Lingo's Christmas extravaganza, Deck the Balls!  This one-of-a-kind holiday event takes the traditional game of bingo and gives it a hilarious, high-energy twist. Expect music, mayhem, and plenty of prizes-this isn't your average bingo night! Deck the Balls combines hilarious hosts, outrageous performances, and a little sprinkle of Christmas magic for an unforgettable night out.  Whether you're a seasoned bingo player or a newbie looking for some festive fun, the show guarantees non-stop entertainment. With live DJs spinning the hottest tunes and the classic bingo you know and love, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends, co-workers and family! Book tickets for Bingo Lingo

May 29th 2027 - 7:30pm - Main Pavilion  The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Plymouth The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth will be performing for the very first time at Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday 29th May 2027. During this special event, the band will perform Overtures, military marches and popular show stoppers – to name but a few. In addition, their world famous Corps of Drums will demonstrate their precision, accuracy and musical skills. There is something for everyone at this spectacular concert, so grab your tickets now and make sure you reserve your place early. Tickets may also make a great birthday gift for all the family. Book tickets for Marines Band

Llangollen Pavilion Limited Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8SW events@llangollen.net    01978 862010

Book your places for hospice's Chirk Dark Run

* Oliver Evans.

A family who say they don't know what they would do without the support of Hope House Children’s Hospices will have the special honour of starting the charity's Chirk Dark Run.

Oliver Evans and his mum, Bethan, from Wrexham will set runners, joggers and walkers on their way at Chirk Castle on Saturday October 17 as families and supporters light up the night to raise money for their local children’s hospice.

For Bethan, the evening has a particularly special meaning because of the care and support Hope House provides to her and Oliver.

She said: “Hope House means so much to me and Oliver. The staff make sure Oliver enjoys his stays with games and activities, while giving me the chance to recharge my batteries.

“We are always treated amazingly. I don't know what I would do without Hope House. The support is incredible. They are only a phone call away and are always happy to help. It’s an amazing place.”

Oliver first became seriously ill as a young child following a viral infection and lives with a chronic lung disease and required oxygen around the clock.

Now the family will be at the heart of one of the charity’s fundraising events when they start the Chirk Dark Run.

The event takes place in the grounds of Chirk Castle, with participants encouraged to dress in their brightest glowing outfits. Everyone taking part receives a glow-in-the-dark medal and goody bag.

Adult entry costs £15, while entry for children aged 16 and under is £10. The family-friendly event offers a 4k route, with a shorter 2k option. Participants are also asked to raise sponsorship to support children with life-threatening conditions.

Hope House fundraiser Bethan Young said: “We’re delighted that Oliver and his mum Bethan will be starting this year’s Dark Run. Their family knows first-hand what the support of Hope House means, so it feels particularly special to have them at the heart of the evening.

“The Dark Run is always a brilliant night for families and friends to enjoy together, but there is an important reason behind all that colour and glow. Every person who takes part and raises sponsorship is helping us to be there for local children and families who need our support.

“Thank you also to our headline sponsors ABP and supporting partners for helping make this event possible.”

Doors open at 5.30pm, with the warm-up beginning at 6.10pm and the run getting under way at 6.30pm and free parking is available.

* Places for the Chirk Dark Run 2026 can be booked at hopehouse.org.uk/dark-run-2026

Have your say on county’s recycling ambitions

                                     

Residents are being invited to have their say on the development of a new five-year plan for recycling and waste in Denbighshire.

Denbighshire County Council is developing a document that will guide how it approaches recycling and waste management in the county over the next five years.

Upcoming changes to national guidelines for recycling mean it is vital that the council plans ahead and makes sure that the recycling services offered are reliable, future-proof and offer good value for money to taxpaying residents.

The council has to set key priorities around the following areas:

• Waste prevention and reduction: the council needs to make sure it is helping residents to make choices which prevent waste from being created in the first place
• Re-use and repair: the council needs to consider ways in which it can help residents to make the best use of items they already own
• Recycling: the council needs to achieve a 70% recycling target as soon as possible

To help inform the development of the plan, the council has launched a consultation with two key focuses:

• Residents will be asked to look at a draft action plan for each of the priority areas and state whether they agree or disagree with the proposals
• The council will ask residents some questions around their personal recycling habits to try and understand what motivates people to recycle, and what might stop people from recycling

The consultation is open to all Denbighshire residents until Sunday October 18.

Cllr James Elson, lead member for Environment and Transport said: “Recycling and waste is one of the most visible services that the Council provides impacting on every household in the county. We have made major changes to our recycling and waste collections in the last few years to stay ahead of the legislation, and we’re continuing to do more. We have just launched a trial of soft plastic collections from around 4,500 homes in Denbighshire. Once this trial concludes, we will consider options regarding future collections before rolling this out county-wide.

“The recycling and waste service the council provides needs to be forward-thinking and ready for future changes. Asking residents to help us shape our five-year plan is vitally important and I would encourage everyone who is interested to make sure they take part.”

* To take part in the consultation, residents can visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/consultations or they can visit any Denbighshire County Council Library and One Stop Shop to request a paper version of the consultation pack.

Llangollen man hurt in China now back home after marathon flight

* Dyfan back home in Wales at last.

Following a flight of over 13 hours from China, 19-year-old Dyfan Hughes from Llangollen is at last back home in Wales after the serious accident which ended his cycling marathon to Thailand with two mates. 

And he hints that he'll be back pedalling to Thailand when the time comes. 

Dyfan was hit by a truck as he and his two friends of the same age, Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham - together known as the Westheads - were on one of the final stages of their 10,000-mile cycling trip to Thailand in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024, and along the way raising over £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.  

Dyfan was rushed to hospital in the city of Chengdu with injuries to both legs, spine, neck and scalp and ja few weeks ago had major corrective surgery lasting for many hours.

Louis and James have already flown home after staying by is bedside along with his worried parents for an anxious couple of weeks. 

In his latest social media update Dyfan describes his long air journey home via Hong Kong at the end of which he checked into Wrexham Maelor Hospital where he will complete his treatment and rehabilitation.

In the film, which begins on Monday as he leaves the Chinese hospital, he says: "It's now 20 to eight on Monday morning, and I am flying home.

"The doctors came last night and they checked on me. Everything is in place for me to fly home today. We've got around six hours until the first flight."

Then: "I'm leaving the hospital in two hours ... I have no clue how this works, but apparently I've got nine seats [on the plane].

* Dyfan is stretchered out to the plane in China.

"So here we go, 10am and I am all strapped onto the stretcher. And we are outside. We are going, we're leaving this West China Hospital in the past and let's get on that plane."

At the airport: "So we're at the airport and I've just been exchanging to the ambulance that's allowed on the runway. That'll put me in the aeroplane not long until the first flight."

Later, after he lands back in the UK: "In the UK ... officially in London. We have just landed the flight went a lot quicker than I expected. Thirteen hours and 30 minutes.

"And now we can't wait to get off the flight head up to Wales and then see our friends and family."

Finally: "Now back in Wrexham, it does feel very weird to be here, but it was amazing to see a lot of my family, and it's amazing to have a comfy bed as well. This bed is so much more comfy than it was in China.

"Okay, now I'm gonna get my stitches removed. Put me through a few scans and then we'll see what the crack is from there.

"Repatriation was a lot nicer than I was expecting. I had a good nine-hour sleep on the flight.

"Thank you very much to Chris and Kate, my doctor and nurse, for accompanying me and making me get here, safely.

"So happy to be back here. Yeah. And I love the rest of my treatment is to be done and my rehab here in Wales."

And in the caption to his post Dyfan says: "We hope to be back in China cycling down to Thailand when the time comes!"