New Dot Cinema bids for stardom in major award contest

Llangollen's New Dot Cinema has entered the British Independent Film Awards' (BIFA) Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia, and is calling on their audience of cinemagoers to help them secure a nomination.

In July cinemas nationwide were invited to enter for a chance to be crowned this year’s Cinema of the Year – and now, the power is in the audience’s hands!

The public vote closes on September 22, the longlist will be announced on October 13, and five nominees will be revealed on November 3, alongside the rest of BIFA's 2026 Awards nominees.

From there, a specially selected jury of cinema professionals will decide the winner, to be revealed live at the BIFA ceremony on Sunday December 6 at London's iconic Roundhouse.

Cinemagoers can vote for their cinema this summer at www.bifa.film/coty-vote.

BIFA's Cinema of the Year award celebrates the venues that go beyond showing films, forming the centrepieces of their communities and bringing people together around the films that matter.

Since 2022, Kia has been a proud champion of independent cinema and the communities that surround it. Now in its second year, their partnership with BIFA on Cinema of the Year gives audiences across the UK the chance to get behind their local and celebrate what makes it special.

New Dot Cinema chairperson Olivia Brown said: “Since New Dot Cinema re-opened its doors just over a year ago, our audience have been telling us how much they love special the small things our cinema has to offer - from the movie quotes on our light box in the foyer, to the one-of-a-kind hand painted Llangollen and New Dot Cinema themed tables. 

"We work extremely hard to create an immersive and inclusive atmosphere and experience for our audience every month. With mood lighting and music that suit that evening’s films as they come in.”

BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said: “The response to our first Cinema of the Year award was incredible, and we are so excited to bring it back for a second year. Last year, amazing cinemas from all over the UK entered to show just how much they mean to their local areas, and we hope to see that same brilliant support this year. 

"This award is our way of recognising the value of independent cinemas to people and the industry, whilst celebrating the hardworking teams behind the screens and the loyal audiences who support them.”

Steve Hicks, Marketing Director at Kia UK Limited, said: “We are proud to once again support this award and uncover the best cinema in the UK. Film enthusiasts love celebrating their favourite movies during awards season, but now they can also celebrate the best venues for enjoying these films. 

"Nothing compares to the ‘big screen’ experience for those eager to fully immerse themselves in the latest releases, especially when cinemas are so central to their local communities. We are excited to collaborate with the British Independent Film Awards to once again recognise the cinemas providing film fans with the most memorable and enjoyable experiences.”

* Support New Dot Cinema and vote here: www.bifa.film/coty-vote

MP meets New Dot volunteers

* Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins, second from right, called in to meet New Dot volunteers at their Town Hall base yesterday (Thursday) and congratulated them on their achievements since the community cinema's re-launch just over a year ago. She also wished them the best of luck with their BIFA Award entry.

Dee Lane closed for urgent repairs by Hefren Dyfrdwy

 

Dee Lane, Llangollen, has been closed to facilitate urgent works to repair a water leak by Hefren Dyfrdwy.

 

https://one.network/?tmi=GB47209808

September events and activities at Pengwern Hub

Here are the September events and activities planned for the Pengwern Community Hub:  

Ysgol Dinas Brân congratulates GCSE and BTEC students on success

* Above and below: students celebrate their results.

Ysgol Dinas Brân is celebrating the success of its GCSE and BTEC students as they receive the results of their hard work, commitment and determination.

A school spokesperson said: "Today's results reflect the effort students have invested over a number of years, alongside the resilience and perseverance they have demonstrated throughout their studies. 

"Across a broad range of academic and vocational subjects, students have achieved outcomes that they should be immensely proud of, with many securing strong grades that will enable them to move confidently on to the next stage of their education and training.

"Results Day is an important milestone, recognising not only academic achievement but also personal growth. Throughout their time at Ysgol Dinas Brân, students have developed the skills, confidence and independence needed to take on new challenges and opportunities beyond Year 11."

Headteacher, Mr Mark Hatch, said: "We are exceptionally proud of the achievements of our students. Their results are a reflection of the dedication they have shown throughout their studies and of their determination to succeed. Every student has their own story and their own journey, and today is a celebration of the progress they have made and the goals they have achieved."

"The school extends its sincere thanks to staff, parents and carers for the encouragement, guidance and support they have provided. Student success is built upon strong partnerships, and today's achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when school and home work together to help young people thrive.

"Most importantly, we congratulate our students. Whether they are continuing their studies at Ysgol Dinas Brân Sixth Form, moving on to college, beginning an apprenticeship or entering the workplace, we are confident that they have the knowledge, character and ambition to succeed.

"As they embark on the next chapter of their journeys, everyone at Ysgol Dinas Brân wishes them every happiness and success for the future. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow, achieve and make a positive contribution to their communities and beyond."

Councillor Diane King, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “On behalf of the Council, I would like to wish a big congratulations to those that are receiving their GCSE results today.

"Their results today will help shape and determine their next steps when it comes to education.

"I’d also like to extend my thanks to the excellent staff in all of our schools whose dedication and commitment to educating young minds make days like this possible.

"Congratulations to all pupils on their achievements today, I wish them all the best in their next steps.”

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: I hired a company to install concrete fencing and a gate in my back garden. The quality of the work is poor, some wooden panels are loose and the gate doesn’t shut properly. I paid before I inspected the work. What can I do?

A: When you put your trust in a trader and they don’t meet your expectations it can be really frustrating.

When there’s a problem caused by a trader, you should be able to get it fixed or get some money back. Evidence is important - take photos and make notes about what happened and when, including times and dates, and keep hold of receipts or other proof of payment.

People can experience different types of problems with traders, and there’s specific advice available on our website depending on what the issue is. In your situation, it’s important to note if a trader hasn’t done a good job with ‘reasonable care and skill’, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 entitles you to ask for the problem to be fixed or for a refund.

This is something you can mention when you take the problem up with the trader and cite your evidence. They should fix the problem within a reasonable amount of time, without causing you too much inconvenience. The law doesn’t say what counts as reasonable, so you’ll have to agree on it with them.

If they can’t or won’t fix the problem, you can ask for a partial or full refund, depending on how bad the problem is. You’ll have to come to an agreement about how much you should get. It’s a good idea to start by suggesting a figure and explaining why you think it’s reasonable, then take it from there. Once you’ve agreed on the amount with the trader the law says you should get your refund within 14 days.

If you can’t come to an agreement, or they refuse to fix the problem or give you a refund, there are other steps you can take - including complaining to your card provider if you paid by card.

You can check if the trader is a member of a trade association or quality scheme. If they are, they might have to follow certain rules, and if they’ve broken them you could get help to take your complaint further. They might be part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme - a way of solving disagreements with a trader without going to court - or they might agree to use one.

If the trader isn’t part of an ADR scheme, and you’ve already complained to your card provider and the complaint isn't resolved, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Anyone who is experiencing a problem with building work, decorating or home improvements can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice and support from a trained adviser. The helpline number is 0808 223 1133. 

Grants up to £10,000 available to community groups

The Perthyn Grant Funding Scheme designed to help community groups is now open.

Newly-established groups and also those registered for up to 12 months on the date of application are eligible to apply for funding of up to £10,000.

The money, available across Wales, is to be used to accelerate progress in developing community-led Welsh-language social enterprises and housing initiatives.

The funding can support revenue costs only or a combination of revenue and capital costs.

Applications close when the fund is fully allocated or November 30 this year, whichever comes first.

* For further information, support or an application pack, contact perthyn@cwmpas.coop or visit Perthyn

Wrexham Concert Band to play John Williams music at Town Hall

In its debut appearance at Llangollen Town Hall next month, Wrexham Concert Band will be hosting an evening featuring the iconic tunes of John Williams. 

A spokesperson for the not-for-profit band, said: "Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with all your favourite movie themes brought to life. 

"We'll be playing lots of music you'll recognise including scores from the films Hook, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park  and E.T. 

"So whether you're a fan of epic scores or just love great music, this concert is for you.

"We've often been asked whether children coming along can dress up. They absolutely can and we've even decided to offer a prize of a Harry Potter Lego set to the best U16's fancy dress."

The concert starts at 7.30pm on Saturday September 19.

* Tickets: £12, under-16s go free when accompanied. Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/JohnWilliamsWCB or email: wxmconcertband@gmail.com