Llangollen firefighters battle through their busiest month ever

* The hell of the scrapyard blaze the Llan crew assisted with.

Llangollen's hard-working firefighters have just notched up a record month.

Over the past 29 days up to today (Wednesday) - working their own patch and assisting other crews at serious incidents across north Wales - they have dealt with everything from wildfires to a massive scrapyard blaze and road collisions to rescuing a paraglider from up a tree.

And that's an incredible total of 60 calls - the most they have ever attended in a single month.   

On their Facebook page they give an account of their frantic July in which they say: "Over the past 29 days, the Llangollen crew have attended more than 60 incidents the most calls we’ve attended in a single month.

"From wildfires and scrapyard fires to car fires, water incidents, road traffic collisions, automatic fire alarms, and even rescuing a paraglider from a tree the list goes on.

"With the extreme weather and exceptionally busy period we’ve experienced, our crew have continued to respond whenever the call comes.

"But none of this happens without the incredible support of our families.

"Responding means missing family time, days out, work commitments, evenings at home and bedtimes with the kids. It can be hard for us, but often it’s even harder for those at home who pick up the slack when the pager goes and we have to leave.

"So, a massive thank you to our partners, families and children for their patience, understanding and continued support. It genuinely makes what we do possible.

"A big mention must also go to all the crews across North Wales who we’ve worked alongside throughout this busy period. The teamwork between crews and emergency services is what ensures incidents are brought to a safe conclusion.

"Over 60 calls. 29 days. One incredible team effort both on the fireground and at home. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible."

* A fire deep within woodland.

* Dealing with the scorched earth of a wildfire in north Wales.

* Crew members taking a well-earned rest after their exertions.

Latest Denbighshire Citizens Advice drop-in sessions

Here are the latest Denbighshire Citizens Advice drop-in sessions for Llangollen and Corwen:

Railway's golden anniversary reaches fitting conclusion

* Llangollen and Corwen Railway is powered by hundreds of volunteers.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will bring its landmark 50th anniversary year to a fitting conclusion with a spectacular celebration weekend on September 12 and 13.

The event, "50 Years Finale", will see the railway operate an intensive timetable featuring steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage diesel multiple units (DMUs), offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy unlimited travel across the railway throughout the weekend.

A special rover ticket, priced at £30 for adults and £8 for children, will allow visitors to travel as much as they like on the railway's special event services. Passengers can still book their normal tickets on the day, meaning they sample the atmosphere that makes the railway so special.

Dave Owen, one of the UK's longest-serving railway volunteers and a veteran steam locomotive driver, said: "When a small group of enthusiasts arrived in Llangollen over half a century ago, few could have imagined what the railway would become. 

"Today we have a thriving railway carrying record numbers of passengers and making an enormous contribution to the local economy and tourism industry. None of that would have happened without the determination, hard work and vision of the pioneers who refused to let this railway disappear.

* Llangollen Station was left derelict after the Beeching era cuts.

"This anniversary is about much more than trains. It is about the people who gave their time, skills and passion to create something truly remarkable. We are hoping to welcome as many of our founders and early volunteers as possible to the celebrations so that we can recognise their achievements and thank them for everything they have done for the railway over the last 50 years.

"The 50th anniversary year has provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved over the last five decades, and this finale weekend will be a celebration worthy of that remarkable milestone."

Iain Ross, organiser of the railway's popular Branch Line Gala and a locomotive driver on the railway, said: "We want there to be a real gala atmosphere throughout the weekend, with steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage railcars all operating alongside a packed programme of special events and activities. Whether you're a dedicated enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or someone who simply wants to join us in celebrating this milestone, there will be something to enjoy.

* Llangollen Railway Station pictured in 1976 - the start of a huge journey.

"The railway is currently seeing record passenger numbers and attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond, which is fantastic news. However, while we celebrate our success today, it is vital that we recognise and remember those who built this historic railway. The founders and early volunteers including my late father, created something truly extraordinary from very modest beginnings, and this event will give us the opportunity to honour their achievements while showcasing everything the railway has become over the last 50 years.

"The event will bring together supporters, volunteers, visitors and founders for a celebration of the railway's past, present and future, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a memorable and fitting finale to our anniversary year."

As well as a packed timetable of train services, visitors will be able to enjoy a range of special attractions, including:

• An intensive steam, diesel and heritage railcar timetable.
• A special Ales from Wales Celebration Train.
• Behind-the-scenes shed tours, available to book online.
• Exhibitions and displays celebrating the railway's first 50 years.
• Opportunities to meet some of the people who helped create the railway.
• The railway is also hoping to welcome as many of its founders and early volunteers as possible as part of the celebrations, recognising the vision and dedication of those who transformed a derelict branch line into one of Britain's leading heritage railways.

The September finale will not be the end of the railway's anniversary programme. They will also host a special commemorative event featuring live music at Llangollen Town Hall on October 16. More details of the evening will be announced shortly.

Further details, the intensive timetables for the 50 Years Finale weekend will be released shortly. Tickets can be bought here: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/50th_anniversary/

* Many of the original civil engineers still work with the railway team.

Audi Q6 is car with a curtain of steel around it

Audi Q6 e-tron drive by Steve Rogers

Audi is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to keeping us safe.

This Q6 is loaded with safety aids and laden with tech. They have virtually thrown a curtain of steel around the car with a string of warnings and collision avoidance aids.

Adaptive cruise control, emergency front, and rear braking to head off a crash when reversing are pretty common but I liked the side warning which could stop you taking out a cyclist when turning left as well exiting either side. As a cyclist it has nearly happened to me a few times.

Then you get audible warnings of hazards and a neat diagram in the driver’s display showing a roundabout, crossroads, or the steepness of a hill and the need to brake. On a brighter note you can use digital services to book a ferry crossing or hotel room. This is some tech fest.

Well, Audi, along with the rest of the premium brands, have to come up with something special to counter the Chinese onslaught of electric cars with their exotic shapes and staggering value for money, so quality and safety are front and centre of the package.

Q6 was a landmark model in 2024 as it was Audi’s first electric SUV. Back then all they had to worry about were premium rivals Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Volvo. They offered much the same, and at the same price, now the competition is vehicles half the price.

Audi is banking on a reputation built over the last 30 years; plush fixtures and fittings and nailed on build quality. Whether that is enough to win the sales battle will play out over the next five years. That said, the Q6 is some car.

Its credentials stack up well. A sizeable 100kWh battery feeding a 225kW electric motor for a claimed range of 365 to 381 miles. I say claimed because my car came with a 90 per cent charge yielding 244 miles. I wasn’t any good at maths but even I know another 10 per cent does not come to 365.

I topped up to 50 per cent midweek which gave me 152 miles then drove four miles downhill and gained an extra 20 miles through regenerative braking which reduced fairly quickly but that would seem to push the range well over the 300 mile mark which isn’t bad given that you have to be driving in perfect conditions to get anywhere near a manufacturer’s range claim.

That aside I felt very comfortable behind the wheel of Q6. It is a big car, but doesn’t feel big. The high driving position gives a good view of the car’s extremities which is handy when pulling into tight parking spaces.

The dashboard layout is typical of the times: A twin screen storing a lot of menus and information. I make no apology for preferring Audi’s old rotary controller for accessing menus but it is gone for good and surprised myself by not just coping but even liking this set up.

The central section is curved towards the driver which adds a bit of style while sound German logic has made it relatively easy to operate with quick keys for heating controls

and discreet switches for accessing regular features. A pad on the door armrest controls lights, powered seat memory and door mirrors, all functions annoyingly stored in a touchscreen on most Chinese cars.

As is the way with Audi every bit of trim fits perfectly, no rattles or creeks here. My S Line model threw up a surprise with a lot of fabric trim along the dashboard and door cards matching the seat covers. Not at all Audi and I’m not sure I liked it, and would it show wear over time? At least it is a welcome change from the usual swathes of black.

Q6 is a big car so no need to dwell on passenger and boot space, there is plenty of it. It is comfortable to a degree but the firm suspension can get unruly on rougher roads and you will feel the thuds over pitted surfaces. On decent roads and motorways it is a cracking drive and stable ride.

With 382bhp on tap there is no shortage of rip roaring acceleration but best to curb your enthusiasm to conserve the range. I managed 3.4 m/kWh which is a very good return on economy. The updated model can take a maximum charge of 270kW and can store up to 158 miles in 10 minutes at a high powered charging station.

Not much not to like about the Q6 e-tron, apart from the price but that is what you pay for premium cars although I would like to have seen a better 360 degree view camera. It sometimes gives a distorted view and is strangely pale.

Favourite features: The 64 litre under bonnet storage for the cables and a terrific head up display.

Fast facts

Q6 e-tron S Line

£66,145

Battery: 100kWh

Range: 365-381 miles

Output 225kW

Efficiency: 3.5m/kWh

0-62mph 6.7secs; 382bhp

Boot: 526-1529 litres

Insurance group 44-50

Towing: 2000kg

It's friendliness all the way for Westheads in China

* Eleven-year-old Nia hands over the panda lucky charm.

As the Westheads reached the largest city they have so far encountered in China one of the trio declared how much he loves the country.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are making their 1,000 journey 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. 

Last week they reached Chengdu, which has a population of 20 million, where Louis told their daily video log as he walked about the city: "I love China. Everyone is always smiling. I've never felt so safe in my life ... China is the safest country in the world!"

Also on the log he sent a "massive shoutout" to the children at Llangollen's Ysgol y Gwernant, of which both he and Louis are old boys.

He praised them for having raised an amazing £840-plus for the lads' chosen charity, The British Heart Foundation, by taking their bikes to school and riding them in a fundraising game between posters set up on the school field showing some of the places where the Westheads had passed through so far.

The only real problems the lads have come up against of late have been the 42C degree heat, which forced them to take a short break from riding, and the local wildlife after James was bitten by a racoon in the street and needed some precautionary tetanus and rabies jabs.

* Chongqing, city in the sky.

But back out on the streets in Chengdu there was more evidence of the friendliness being shown to them by local people when an 11-year-old girl called Nia told them in extremely good English that she was gifting them a panda lucky charm.

In a later video log there was a brief glimpse of the city of Chongqing, something of a phenomenon as it's built into the mountains, which means that on one side your standing on the ground floor but actually 100 feet in the air when you step across the road.   

All the time the lads are taking in the spectacular sights and sounds of China there's a continuing flood of online donations from supporters back home for the British Heart Foundation for which they have so far raised over £50,000. 

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

Would you like to see Chamber of Trade and Tourism revived?

* The Town Council is seeking the views of local businesses on a possible revival of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

Llangollen Town Council is looking into the possibility of reviving the town's Chamber of Trade and Tourism and is sounding out support for the move with local businesses.

In a letter which has gone out to them, the Deputy Town Clerk, Heulwen Wright, says: "Llangollen Town Council has recently been discussing the possibility of re-establishing a Chamber of Trade and Tourism for the Town and surrounding area. 

"Before taking any further steps, councillors would like to understand whether local businesses would welcome such an initiative and, importantly, whether there is interest in becoming involved.

"A successful Chamber of Trade can provide a strong collective voice for businesses, help promote the town, encourage collaboration, and support local economic growth. However, for any new organisation to be effective, it is important that it reflects the needs and aspirations of the business community."

The council believes there are a number of areas that it would like to explore with local businesses, including:

* What businesses would like a Chamber of Trade to achieve and what its aims and objectives should be.

* Whether a membership fee should be introduced and, if so, what benefits members would expect in return.

*  What support the Town Council could provide to help establish the group and what support businesses would find most valuable.

* How the Chamber could become self-sustaining, resilient, and representative in the long term.

* Identifying common goals and priorities for the short, medium, and longer term.

* Opportunities for business and staff training.

* Interest in regular guest speakers, presentations, and networking events.

* Whether the Chamber should represent Llangollen alone or a wider Llangollen and District area.

* The roles that would need to be filled, such as Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, and whether business owners would be willing to take on these responsibilities and attend regular meetings.

* Working collaboratively with partner organisations, including North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council.

The letter adds: "We would very much welcome the opportunity to meet with you, hear your views, and discuss whether a Chamber of Trade and Tourism could bring benefits to the local business community.

"Your ideas and feedback will play an important role in shaping any future plans, and we hope you will be able to join the conversation. Please tear the slip below and pop it through the door of the Town Council Office to enable us to gauge initial interest and plan a first meeting with Business owners.

"We look forward to hearing from you."

Interested businesses are asked to answer yes or no to the question: "Would you be interested in joining a Chamber of Trade and Tourism?" and, on a slip of paper, fill in the following details: 

Name of Business_______________________________________________

Name of Business Owner_________________________________________

Email Address _________________________________________________________

* The filled-in slips of paper can be dropped into the Llangollen Town Council office in Parade Street.

Mayor invites people to his annual Civic Service

The Town Mayor of Llangollen, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, has issued an invitation to everyone in Llangollen to attend his annual Civic Service to be held at St Collen's Church on Sunday August 9, starting at 11am.

The service will be led by Father Lee Taylor.

The Mayor said: "I’m looking forward to welcoming our community, local organisations and visiting guests and to my Civic Service. It will be a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our community spirit and strengthen the connections that make our community so special. I hope to see many familiar and new faces there."

After the service light refreshments will be served at Llangollen Town Hall, to which all members of the congregation are invited. 

The Mayor added: "All are welcome - individuals, community groups and so on."

* To accept the invitation, email to: deputytownclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk by July 27.