County introduces healthier school meals

Healthy eating improvements are continuing across school catering to support the health and wellbeing of pupils, according to Denbighshire County Council.

Its Catering Service has been proactively introducing updates to the school menu during the last 18 months. This is due to the Welsh Government’s updated Healthy Eating in Schools Regulations (2025) which begin taking effect on October 31 this year.

Aligned with the Eatwell Guide, these updated statutory requirements will impact food provision across the entire school day.

To ensure a smooth transition for pupils and catering staff, the Catering Service has worked to gradually align the menu with the needs of the new regulations.

The nutritionally analysed three-week school menu already reflects these standards and includes:

• Enhanced Dessert Options: Llaeth y Llan yoghurts and fruit are now offered three times a week, and baked fruit based desserts to twice a week.
• More Vegetables: Catering staff have expanded daily vegetable selections to ensure every pupil can access at least two portions per day.
• Portion Sizes: There are now revised portion sizes for Infant and Junior meals that will be phased in during October. This gradual rollout will ensure full compliance immediately following the October half-term.
• Special Diets: To safely support students with specific dietary needs, parents are now asked to provide formal medical evidence to the catering service so staff can provide suitable meals.

The latest adjustments in September will see the school menu move closer to full legislative compliance by exclusively offering 50/50 wholemeal bread. 

Sandwich fillings will be limited to cheese, tuna mayonnaise, and egg mayonnaise and ham will no longer be available, as it is restricted under the new Welsh Government regulations as classed as a processed meat.

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “By introducing improvements gradually in the school menu to meet the new regulations, we have helped pupils become familiar with healthier choices in a positive and manageable way. This has also ensured that our schools are fully prepared for the new regulations.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated catering staff for the care, professionalism and commitment they continue to show in adapting menus, supporting our pupils and putting these changes into practice across our schools. These changes introduced are an important step in supporting the health and wellbeing of our children and young people going forward.”

Westheads give in-depth update on their cycling mate's condition

More than two weeks after the horrific crash which left their friend seriously injured the Westheads have give the most comprehensive update so far on his condition.

Dyfan Hughes, 18, along with 19-year-olds Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham have been 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 and raising money for the British Heart Foundation along the way, so far notching up over £50,000.

They were heading through eastern China when Dyfan was involved in the collision with a lorry which has left him with complex injuries to his legs, scalp and neck.

With his parents at his bedside, he has made a good start on the long road back to fitness.

Yesterday (Saturday) Louis and James gave a video update in which they said their mate was in good spirits and smiling through his ordeal.

Today they have posted a series of illustrated information panels - pasted over shots of the three of them earlier in their journey - on their social media in which they hold up cards giving more detailed information on Dyfan's injuries and likely course of his treatment. And they reveal this will not be completed at the hospital in the city of Chengdu which they have constantly praised for the level of care he is receiving.

The panels say:

"More than two weeks since the crash the main issue at the moment is Dyf's left foot, it has got many fractures and breaks and also has severe tissue and tendon damage.

"Dyf's got a lot of surgeries coming up, which should help the foot recover, luckily we are at one of the best hospitals in China and they have been truly amazing.

"Sadly Dyfan won't be able to complete the full course of treatment here in China. Once the doctors confirm it's safe for him to travel, his treatment will continue at a hospital closer to home.

"With these injuries it's going to take a long time to recover.

"Obviously we never wanted this to happen. Please don't think of this trip as being cut short, it's just another tale to tell our grandkids.

"We will be back cycling and finishing our trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand as soon as it's safe to do so!"

The lads once again say a big thank you for all the supportive comments they've received from people back home and promise to keep posting as much as they can.    

Tickets go on sale for Stiwt centenary show

 

* Mark Lewis Jones, left, and Stifyn Parri. Photo: Stiwt

Top Welsh actors Mark Lewis Jones and Stifyn Parri are inviting Llangollen people to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Stiwt Theatre in Rhos with a special production to be staged on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26. 

Mark, well known for roles in Star Wars, Game of Thrones and The Crown, and entertainer and producer Stifyn will lead a cast of actors and musicians in In a Hundred Years/Ymhen Can Mlynedd, a bilingual evening of music, comedy, drama and film. 

The pair - both born in Rhos - will be joined by renowned concert pianist Llŷr Williams, Caitlin Drake, Catrin Mai Edwards, Dylan Davies, Dyfed Thomas, the Rhos Male Voice Choir, Cantorion Rhos, the Barbershop Quartet, Theatr yr Ifanc/Rhos 1990 Youth Theatre, Director Daniel Lloyd (Theatr Clwyd) and other local talent.

The show has been written by BAFTA Cymru winner producer Bethan Jones and Llŷr Evans, with new poems by Gwynne Williams.

Show producer Bethan’s mother Nancy was appeal secretary for the successful Save The Stiwt campaign in the 1980s and 90s and Bethan herself produced the 1990 Rhos community play, Half Year End. Working alongside Michael Sheen, she is founder and co-creative director of Red Seam, a company dedicated to developing and producing innovative film and TV drama in Wales.

Bethan said: “It’s a privilege to have worked with this talented local community on Half Year End and now on the Stiwt Centenary production In a Hundred Years/Ymhen Can Mlynedd. 

"We hope this, alongside the hard work of the Stiwt Board of Trustees, will ensure this unique building remains at the heart of the community and a cornerstone of Welsh language and culture for another 100 years!”

* Tickets (£20 adult, plus limited numbers of £15 tickets for children) can be purchased online at stiwt.com or at the Stiwt Box Office, which is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10am-4pm.    

Latest video update on Llangollen teenager in Chinese hospital

* Dyfan: smiling through his hospital recovery.

The Llangollen teenager seriously injured in a collision with a lorry as he and his two mates were on the Chinese leg of their mammoth cycling trip to Thailand continues to make good progress in hospital out there.

That's the word on 18-year-old Dyfan Hughes in the latest video update from the Westheads, the other two members of which - 19-year-olds Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham - are biding their time in the city of Chengdu as he  recovers from the injuries to his scalp, neck and legs.

The dynamic trio 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 and raising money for the British Heart Foundation along the way, so far notching up over £50,000.

* Louis' mum and stepdad joined the Westheads in China.

* An inhabitant of Panda Valley.

Louis introduces the new video from the Westheads by explaining that he and James - and two special guests - have been out to Panda Valley, close to Chengdu, to see the furry inhabitants.

Dyfan's parents continue to provide support for him at the hospital and his friend explains that the guests he mentioned are his own mum and stepdad who have also flown across the world to be with the group.

Louis explains: "The last couple of weeks have been very different with Dyf being in hospital. We want to thank everyone back home so much for all your support.

"It really means the world to us and is really helping Dyf to recover."

Louis' parents then make an appearance on the video as he explains that after leaving Panda Valley they were all making their way back to the hospital to see Dyfan.

The video ends with a shot of Dyfan in his hospital bed with a grin on his face as Louis says: "He is still in great spirits and is smiling his way through this tough time."

* 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   

Railway discusses future plans with county council chief

* Tim Pulford, Mike Williams, Helen White, Charlie Brook and steam locomotive driver Dave Owen at the railway.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has welcomed Helen White, Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, for discussions about strengthening the partnership between the two organisations and communities in the Dee Valley.

Ms White, who took up her role in January, met David Hennigan, Trust Manager, and Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager, at Llangollen Station. 

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the significant contribution the Railway makes to the local economy, its 800 volunteers, investment in heritage engineering and apprenticeships, environmental improvements and the railway's growing work with communities along the line.

 

The county council is the railway's landlord and has worked closely with the organisation on a wide range of projects.

 

Discussions included the railway's work in Llangollen, Berwyn, Llantysilio, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen, and how increasing visitor numbers can translate into greater economic benefit for businesses and communities throughout the Dee Valley.

 

In Corwen, the railway is actively working with Corwen Town Council on its Placemaking Plan.

 

The railway has also developed a successful partnership with the community-run Owain Glyndŵr Hotel, including a Sunday roast experience which is bringing dozens of passengers into Corwen on Sunday afternoons. As recently as Saturday evening, more than 150 customers from the railway's Real Ale Train visited the venue.

 

The meeting also covered the railway's investment at Glyndyfrdwy, including plans to transform the Grade II listed former Barmouth South Signal Box into a new Visitor and Conservation Hub.

 

The chief executive was also updated on the work to develop the next generation of heritage railway skills, including its growing Youth Group and its work with Coleg Cambria to create apprenticeship opportunities within the railway's engineering operation.

 

The visit included a tour of Llangollen Motive Power Depot, where Ms White met some of the volunteers responsible for maintaining and restoring the Railway's historic locomotives and infrastructure.

 

Trust Manager David Hennigan said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Helen to the Railway and, most importantly, to have the opportunity to thank Denbighshire County Council for the considerable support they continue to give us.

 

“With around 800 volunteers, the railway makes a huge contribution to this part of Denbighshire. We bring people into Llangollen and then carry them through the Dee Valley to communities including Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

 

“Our job is increasingly about making sure those communities benefit from the visitors we attract. We don't want people simply travelling through these places. We want them to get off the train, explore, eat, drink, shop and discover what the Dee Valley has to offer.

 

“Denbighshire County Council is our landlord, but our relationship is about considerably more than a lease. We have so many shared interests, particularly around tourism, economic development, young people, volunteering and our local communities.

 

“Today's meeting was about looking at how we can make that partnership even stronger. When the railway succeeds, we want the communities along our line to succeed with us.”

 

The railway has worked closely with Denbighshire County Council through the Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting volunteer development, youth engagement, heritage interpretation and environmental improvements.

 

With the current programme approaching its conclusion, the railway and the Town Council are continuing discussions with Denbighshire County Council about future opportunities.

 

Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway said: “It was great to have the opportunity to show Helen around our Motive Power Depot and introduce her to some of the skilled volunteers who keep the Railway moving.

 

“One of our biggest challenges is making sure the specialist skills needed to maintain steam locomotives, heritage rolling stock and traditional railway infrastructure are passed on to another generation.

 

“That's why our work with young people and the development of apprenticeships with Coleg Cambria is so important. We want young people to be able to learn alongside people who have accumulated decades of engineering experience.

 

“Heritage engineering has a future, but only if we invest in the people who will be responsible for that future. We want Llangollen to be recognised as somewhere where those skills are learned, practised and passed on.”

 

Helen White said: “I was delighted to visit Llangollen and Corwen Railway and to see first-hand the enormous amount of work undertaken by its volunteers.

 

“The railway is an important part of Denbighshire's tourism and heritage offer, but today's visit also demonstrated the much wider contribution it can make through volunteering, skills development, environmental improvements and its connections with communities throughout the Dee Valley.

 

“It was particularly useful to hear about the work taking place in Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy and the railway's ambitions to encourage visitors to explore the communities along the route.

 

“We value our relationship with the railway and look forward to continuing to work together and exploring opportunities which can deliver benefits for residents, businesses and communities across the area.”

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.

 

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