Section of A483 closed to traffic

Breaking news

The A483 is currently closed from Halton to Ruabon in both directions, Wrexham.com is reporting this evening (Saturday).

For the full story, see: https://www.wrexham.com/news/full-a483-closure-between-halton-and-ruabon-218482.html

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I am a single parent, with two young children. I am already struggling to stay on top of my household bills; my weekly food shop isn’t stretching as far anymore and now my energy bill is going up too. I don’t know how I’m going to afford all of these price rises. What can I do to stop my finances spiralling out of control?

A: First of all, you are not alone in this and there’s support to help you.

It’s always worth checking if there are benefits you don’t know about that you’re eligible for, including support with your energy costs and living costs. On the Citizens Advice website there’s a benefits calculator, advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/dealing-with-your-debts/reducing-your-regular-living-costs/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/dealing-with-your-debts/check-if-you-can-increase-your-income/ 

There’s also emergency support that you may have access to, such as food bank vouchers or fuel vouchers. You could contact your local council to see if they could also offer support.

If you’re struggling to stay on top of bills, it’s really important to understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool on its website that can help with this.

And if you’re already behind on bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. You should speak to the person or company you owe money to, to see if they can help you repay your bills sustainably.

We know that times are incredibly tough but please remember, you don’t have to face this alone, do contact your local Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward.

Work planned for next week on 2020 project

Work planned for week starting May 2 on the town's 2020 project is:

• Paving the west side of the bridge
• Begin night surfacing works along Castle Street from 6pm to 12am (midnight), Tuesday to Friday
• Miscellaneous works around Castle Street such as replacing manhole covers

More details of 2022 Eisteddfod and Llanfest revealed

* Performers lined up for this year's Eisteddfod. Top row L to R shows performers at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2022: Aled Jones (credit Simon Fowler); Russell Watson (credit Simon Fowler); Anoushka Shankar. Bottom row L to R: performers at Llanfest 2022: Amber Run; Llareggub Brass Band; Elles Bailey; And a past Llanfest stage (credit Allan Potts).

This July, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Llangollen Fringe Festival join forces to celebrate two significant cultural milestones for the town - the Eisteddfod's 75^th anniversary and the Fringe's 25^th.

These two events combine to make an amazing 100 years of summer festivals in the town.

To mark these two anniversaries, the Eisteddfod and Fringe are collaborating for the first time to produce Llanfest 2022 on Sunday 10th July, the final day of the four-day International Llangollen Eisteddfod music festival, which runs from 7-10^th July.

Llanfest has become a firm favourite in the summer festival diary and this year there will be an emphasis on home-grown talent incorporating eclectic music, theatre and comedy. 

Headliners British indie three-piece Amber Run will deliver lush, cinematic alt-pop with a moody and introspective tone.  

mber Run are supported by Welsh/Bajan singer Kizzy Crawford, described by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens as ‘real talent' and ‘wonderful' by Radio 4's Richard Coles, and Elles Bailey, a smoky-voiced human dynamo, who straddles the worlds of Americana and the blues. 

Tickets are now on sale for Llanfest on the main festival website.

After an online event last year organisers are thrilled to welcome back visitors to Llangollen. 

This year's festival has been redesigned with a more compact site revolving around a single Pavilion music stage and a new in-the-round stage developed for spoken word events, offering a thought-provoking series of talks.  

Live music, talks, food stalls, bars and free community events will be around the site from midday to 9pm plus the Pavilion main acts will start at 6pm.

Llanfest is the final day of the Eisteddfod, which returns after a two-year hiatus with a line-up that celebrates the best traditional and contemporary music from around the world.

Two of the classical world's vocal powerhouses, Aled Jones and Russell Watson will be performing together for the first time to open the 2022 programme and further highlights include Grammy Award winner Anoushka Shankar with Manu Delago and the Britten Sinfonia .

Celebrating its 75^th anniversary, the festival returns this year with a broad cultural programme that spreads the message of peace and friendship on which it was founded in 1947 after the second world war.  

Each year around 4,000 performers from around the world and as many as 35,000 visitors converge on this beautiful small Welsh town to sing and dance in a unique combination of competition, performance and community spirit. 

The festival's ability to spot future talent is renowned and it's credited with helping to launch the career of Luciano Pavarotti among others.

In recognition of the festival's founding principle to spread peace, visitors to the festival and Llanfest will be invited to write a message of peace on a luggage label and attach it to trees around the site to create a forest of peace. 

On Thursday 7^th July, children's day, the festival is teaming up with The Welsh Centre for International Affairs, Size of Wales and Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services to create the first Young Peace Makers' Awards - celebrating young people who have contributed to peace and global citizenship at home and overseas.  Details of how to enter can be found here: www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/get-involved/young-peacemakers-awards-2022/

Camilla King, executive producer of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, is leading the transformation of the festival into a fresh, diverse fusion of contemporary and traditional cultures that will connect with both new and existing audiences.

She said: "For years the festival and the fringe have worked independently to help Llangollen to punch above its weight on the international music scene so it is exciting that for the first time we are joining forces to co-curate Llanfest this year.  

"Together we will be bringing an eclectic and inspiring line-up of music, spoken word and comedy to north Wales in the spirit of peace and togetherness that the Llangollen Eisteddfod was founded on the 75 years ago and is now more relevant than ever."

Paul Keddie, chair of the Llangollen Fringe Festival, said:  "Llangollen Fringe Festival is delighted to be working alongside LIME this year to gather everyone together on the Sunday of the Eisteddfod.  75 years of the Eisteddfod and 25 years of the Fringe gives 100 years' worth of experience to share with the world... it's going to be magical."

The 2022 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod programme comprises:

Thursday 07 July | 7.30pm | Back In Harmony: Russell Watson and Aled Jones  
Following their 2019 sell-out In Harmony tour, two of the world's most loved classical voices launch the Llangollen 2022 concert programme performing songs from their album, Back In Harmony.  Limited tickets available.

Friday 08 July| 8pm | Anoushka Shankar & Manu Delago In Concert   
In this captivating concert highlights from Anoushka Shankar's catalogue are presented in new arrangements by Jules Buckley, featuring several co-written with her friend and collaborator Manu Delago, whose solo compositions round out the performance, for an evening that will transport audiences on a wild and surprising ride.   

Saturday 09 July | 7.30pm | Choir of the World, Dance Champions & Voice of the Future 2022  
Choral finalists compete for the coveted Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy. Alongside this we crown the 2022 Dance Champions with the Lucille Armstrong Trophy, and the International Voice of the Future. Expect an evening to remember with the best performers and dancers from across the globe.  

Sunday 10 July | from 11.30am | Llanfest  
Llanfest has quickly become a firm favourite in the summer festival diary with outside stages featuring live music throughout the day and a chilled, family friendly, atmosphere in the spectacular setting of the Dee Valley. Headliners, British indie three-piece, Amber Run, will deliver lush, cinematic alt-pop with a moody and introspective tone.  Amber Run are supported by Welsh/Bajan singer Kizzy Crawford, described by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens as ‘real talent' and ‘wonderful' by Radio 4's Richard Coles and Elles Bailey, a smoky-voiced human dynamo, who straddles the worlds of Americana and the blues.

* For more information and to buy tickets please visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/whats-on/

Llangollen firm scores UK sales first

* The new eco tent now available at Pro-Adventure.

A family-run Llangollen business says it has scored a UK first with a new "green" product.

Pro-Advenure in Castle Street believes it is so far the only retailer to offer the Safir Eco Tent for sale. 

Claimed to be "so durable it can last for generations," the Safir Tentipi Safir 7 eco is made from hemp, organic cotton and recycled polyester and is new to the UK, Wales and the world, say it makers.

Peter Carol, founder and managing director of ProAdventure, said: "We are excited to get hold of the first Tentipi Eco Tents in the UK. 

"I approached Tentipi when I found out that Tencate were making the Eco-Hemp fabric and was glad to find that Tentipi had been testing the new fabric and were hoping to put it in to production to add to the Range of Tentipi Adventure Tents that we have been stock for over a decade.

"Now the first Eco Hemp Tipi Tents have arrived we are looking forward to showing them off at our Annual Tentipi Camp here in Llangollen. 

"We haven’t been able to run a camp for three years and are so excited to get together again with Tentipi Campers, friends old and new.”

He added: "ProAdventure strive to look after our environment by offering Eco friendlier options to mainstream camping, walking and bushcraft products."

Talented group voices passion in superb La Traviata

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* Scenes from La Traviata at the Stiwt.

A group of talented people passionate about classical singing are set to bring one of the world’s greatest operas stunningly to life at the Stiwt in Wrexham later this week.

Under the expert direction of international opera professionals Anne Williams King and David Bartlett, the group from the acclaimed North Wales Opera Studio (NWOS) will present Verdi's tragic love story La Traviata in the fittingly ornate setting of the  Rhos theatre tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday evenings (April 28 and 29) then at St George’s Hall, Liverpool in the afternoon and evening of Saturday, April 30.  

I was able to catch a preview performance at the Stiwt and was highly impressed with the sheer professionalism of the presentation, which enjoys the deft touch of Janet Haney as music director and accompanist, joined by a small instrumental ensemble. Choreography is in the experienced hands of Lyn Aston.

The unfunded NWOS is an educational group for young aspiring opera singers to train and get excellent performing experience. It also encourages local people to be involved who want to be part of a top-class venture.

The group returns to the Stiwt after its successful Night at the Opera concert there last month and la Boheme last September.

Anne Williams King said: “We are providing an opportunity for those who appreciate opera, to see impressive, traditional productions with young exciting singers, without having to travel miles and pay huge prices for tickets.

“I'm trying to build a following in the area and encourage people to come and support us and the Stiwt Theatre.”

Judging by the sheer power and majesty of their La Traviata, which is played out in its original language, the success story of NWOS looks set to continue. 

Featuring one of the most iconic, romantic and tragic scores of all time, Verdi’s masterpiece contrasts spectacular party scenes with tender, intimate moments.

It tells the story of the tragic love between the courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo Germont.

Played out against the hypocrisy of upper-class fashionable, Alfredo and Violetta’s love threatens to shame his family.

When his father directly appeals to Violetta to give up her one chance of happiness Violetta submits but her act of self-sacrifice leads to her paying the ultimate price.

NWOS has two alternating casts for the lavish production. 

In the version I saw Violetta was played with power yet tenderness by Australian soprano Joelene Griffiths who stepped into the challenging role at virtually the last minute after the person originally due to appear in it was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

Luckily, Joelene had become familiar with the part while studying at the Welsh Academy of the Voice in Cardiff and was able to seamlessly take it on.

Playing opposite her as Alfredo, with great aplomb, was tenor Lewis Quinn. He presented a marvellous portrayal, his strong, clear voice dominating the auditorium.  

Appearing as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo's father, was Ambrose Connelly. He brought true gravitas and authority to the demanding role.

The chorus was simply superb and memorable for its sheer supportive power.

Music accompaniment was more than capably provided, costumes were dazzling and settings arranged to perfection.

This not-to-be-missed production is a true extravaganza of musical exuberance and acting skill.    

* Tickets for NWOS’s La Traviata are available at: https://www.northwalesopera.co.uk/upcoming

Llangollen college learners earn awards

* Emma Roberts and Caitlin Mann with their awards.

Coleg Cambria Llysfasi learners Emma Roberts and Caitlin Mann, both from Llangollen, were among the finalists at this year’s Lantra Cymru Awards.

Emma, 22, received the College Lifelong Learner of the Year Award.

Nineteen year-old Caitlin was Highly Commended in the College Young Learner of the Year category.

Both former pupils of Ysgol Dinas Bran, they were delighted to be part of the event – held at The Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells – and thanked Level 3 Animal Management tutor Alex Morgan for nominating them.

Emma, who plans to study Agriculture with Animal Science at university from September, has her heart set on becoming a teacher.

She said: “My mum and grandmother both grew up on dairy farms but I was unsure what career I wanted to do until spending some time on a farm doing work experience.

“I loved it and from that point knew I wanted to work in agriculture, particularly education.

“I look forward to seeing what the future brings and was really happy and surprised to win this award, it’s given me a huge confidence boost as I come to the end of my time at Cambria, which has been fantastic.”

Caitlin, who works at Llangollen Wharf and on a dairy farm, will return to Llysfasi next year to begin a Level 3 course in Agriculture.

She added: “I’ve never been nominated for an award before so that was lovely, and it was a great night.

“It has been a challenging time as over the last two years a lot of lessons were held online and we weren’t working, but luckily things are getting back to normal now and the college have been very supportive.

“I’m looking forward to coming back next year and beginning a new qualification, with my long-term aim to work in the dairy sector. The guidance and help I’ve had from the college is a big reason I’ve decided to return, and the fantastic lecturers we have here.”

Alex paid tribute to Emma and Caitlin for their diligence and dedication, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Both learners were nominated for the same principal reasons, they are very hard-working, dedicated and show a genuine interest in the industry,” she said.

“It’s been a very difficult couple of years, so it was a great privilege to have had an opportunity to nominate them and celebrate their fantastic achievements. Congratulations again to you both, your success is so well deserved.”

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, added: “Each one of this year’s very worthy Lantra Cymru Awards winners and runners-up is, through their commitment to lifelong learning, making a valuable contribution to the modernisation and professionalism of the agriculture industry in Wales. 

“Your collective efforts are helping our industry safeguard the future of family farms and rural communities for future generations. I want to congratulate all this year’s nominees and in particular, our very worthy winners.

“I wish you all well as you make your mark on agriculture in Wales and beyond – the future of our industry is in very safe hands.”

* For more on the Lantra Cymru Awards, visit www.lantra.co.uk

Special events day marks Ladies' crafting

Plas Newydd has a new site-specific exhibition launching next Saturday, April 30 inspired by the crafting intimacies of the Ladies of Llangollen. 

The day will include a symposium at The Hand Hotel, a visit to St Collen’s Church where Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby and Mary Carryl are buried and a private view of the exhibition with drinks reception at Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens. 

The exhibition, entitled Beloved: Crafting Intimacies with the Ladies of Llangollen, has been created by Manchester-based artist Sarah-Joy Ford after a period of artist residency at Plas Newydd. 

She says the embroidered intervention is inspired by the deep and lifelong intimate relationship between the Ladies and the extraordinary home that they created together, as well as Sarah Ponsonby’s own creative practices undertaken in the home.

The day will include a symposium hosted by Queer Research Network Manchester with three speakers at The Hand Hotel, a visit to St Collen’s Church and a private view of the exhibition with drinks reception at Plas Newydd.

Sarah-Joy Ford said: "Queer Research Network Manchester is an inter-disciplinary research network that aims to bring together researchers working with queer themes across the Manchester universities. We host regular discussion and reading groups for PhD students and organise bi-monthly events and speakers.

"This project is funded by the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership through their Researcher-Led Knowledge Exchange scheme, with support from the Arts and Humanities Research Council."

Timetable of Events

Date: Saturday, April 30:

Beloved Symposium: Talks from Professor Alison Oram, Dr Freya Growley and & Sarah-Joy Ford Time: 2-4pm.

Location: The Hand Hotel, Bridge Street, Llangollen LL20 8PL.

Guided Visit to the grave of Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby and Mary Caryl: Time: 4pm - 5pm.

Location: St Collen’s Church, 8 Church St, Llangollen LL20 8HU.

Exhibition Private View and Drinks Reception

Time: 6.30pm - 10pmLocation: Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens, Hill St, Llangollen LL20 8AW.

* You can find the full details on the Eventbrite page here https://beloved-plas-newydd.eventbrite.co.uk

Elections watchdog advises county over postal votes mistake

Polling watchdog the Electoral Commission is advising Denbighshire County Council on how to deal with a situation which has developed after it sent out the wrong advice to postal voters, llanblogger has discovered.

As we reported yesterday, the council told voters in a message last Friday that they would only be able to vote for one candidate in the county and community/town council elections on May 5.

However, in a number of wards of Denbighshire - including Llangollen - there is more than one seat to fill.

On Saturday evening the council put up a message on its website apologising for "any confusion" and stressing that in all cases the instructions on the individual ballot papers was correct and would indicate clearly how many votes may be marked. 

It also pointed people towards the council website to get more advice.

This is: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/your-council/voting-and-elections/county-council-elections-local-elections.aspx  or from the Elections Unit on 01824 706000 (Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm), e:mail:  elections@denbighshire.gov.uk

Yesterday afternoon llanblogger asked the Electoral Commission to confirm whether it was involved with the matter.

And a spokesperson said: "We are aware of the issue relating to an incorrect information sheet included within postal voting packs.

"It is important to note that the instruction on the ballot papers themselves is accurate.

"We are in contact with the local authority to provide advice, and understand that they are taking steps to correct this error and issuing new information to affected voters.”

Denbighshire County Council has been asked to comment.

It is understood that a number of county candidates have expressed concern about the situation and how it could affect the result of the election.

In Llangollen there are two county council seats in contention with six candidates standing for them.

The candidates are:

* Butters Dawn Welsh, Conservative Party 

* Davies Stuart Arthur, Independent  

* Edwards Karen Anne, Independent 

* Jarvis Roger Welsh. Conservative Party 

* Keddie Paul, Independent 

* Marshall Sarah, Wales Green Party 

There will be no election on May 5 for Llangollen Town Council as only six candidates were announced for the 11 vacant seats. The remaining five seats will therefore have to be filled by co-option.

Work planned for next week on 2020 project

Work planned for the forthcoming week on the town's 2020 project is:

• Paving outside the Town Hall
• Begin paving on the west side of the bridge
• Drainage works on the south side of Mill Street

Custodians of Dee Valley exhibition on display

* An example of the Custodians of Dee Valley exhibition.

An outdoor exhibition focusing on the ‘Custodians’ of the Dee Valley landscape is  on display in the area.

As part of Our Picturesque Landscape, the National Lottery Heritage Funded project in the Dee Valley, artists in residence Jessica and Philip Hatcher-Moore have interviewed and photographed local caretakers of the landscape.

Jessica has written vignettes about each person while Philip has taken portraits of them. These have been combined on exhibition boards to be displayed in the landscape.

Five of these boards were displayed at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve throughout October 2021 and now the full exhibition of ten boards is on display along the footpath between Berwyn station and the Chain Bridge, Llangollen.

The railway would also like to feature the exhibition at their launch event in Corwen when the station opens formally later in the year.

The exhibition will be displayed at other locations within the Dee Valley in the coming months. This partnership working will allow more people, both locals and visitors to the area, to engage with the images and stories curated by the Hatcher-Moores during their residency.

Jessica said: “I think wherever you live there is going to be an extraordinary cast of characters around you, but that feels particularly true here in the Dee Valley. As our stories show, the dramatic landscape of the area has been inspiring people for centuries, and it’s been such a joy to explore the impact it continues to have on people today.

“The biggest thing that emerged for me from these stories is how the community spirit is very much still alive in the Dee Valley – and how the landscape, with its rich social and natural history, supports it.

“We are very hugely grateful to the Our Picturesque Landscape and National Lottery Heritage Fund for giving us the opportunity to explore these stories."

“Exhibiting these photographs outdoors, in the landscape in which they were shot, adds another dimension to the work, with the interplay of light and shadows dancing across the images,” said photographer Philip Hatcher-Moore who specialises in outdoor installations of his work.

Phil Coles, Chairman Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Llangollen Railway is very pleased to be helping the local AONB in this project and we hope this helps tourists to the area to understand more about the beautiful Dee Valley."

Town's 2020 Project is within budget, says county council

Denbighshire County Council has given llanblogger a progress report on the town's ongoing 2020 Project, explaining that it is "within budget" and due to finish by the end of next month.

There has been speculation locally that the scheme to widen pavements on Castle Street along with other modifications to the traffic system was running over budget and also behind schedule.

When llanblogger posed these questions to the council, a spokesperson responded: “The Llangollen 2020 Improvement project, which started in October, is being undertaken by Denbighshire County Council in partnership with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

“The project is within budget and due to be completed by the end of May.

“The scheme was developed following extensive consultation with the local community, local county councillors and Llangollen Town Council and aims to improve pedestrian access to the town as well as improving the flow of vehicles.

“This work provides more space for pedestrians and improved pedestrian crossing facilities making it easier for pedestrians to walk around the town centre, while upgraded traffic signals will improve the flow of vehicles.”

When work on the scheme began last October, the council said that it would take up to six months to complete. 

New High Sheriff pledges to help keep youngsters on right path

* The new High Sheriff of Clwyd, Zoë Henderson, at her Declaration at Nantclwyd y Dre, in Ruthin.

The new High Sheriff of Clwyd has pledged to work with schools across North East Wales to help keep young people on the straight and narrow.

Zoë Henderson, 60, a former executive with the giant US-based Dow Chemical Corporation, has hit the ground running by arranging a series of meetings with head teachers at the area’s secondary schools.

She held the Declaration to begin her year in office at historic 15^th century Nantclwyd y Dre, in her home town of Ruthin.

Her own education began at Llanbedr village school in the Vale of Clwyd before going on to Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin and she joined Dow after graduating from Wye College, part of London University, with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

She spent many years in sales and marketing roles across the USA and latterly back in Europe before stepping down from Dow, buying the family farmhouse, historic Caerfallen near Ruthin, from her parents and restoring it.

Zoë said: “I plan to take a particular interest in what causes young people to get into trouble with the law and what can be done to prevent this.

“The last thing you want is for a child in their teens looking forward to a wonderful life in the world of work to then see that future blighted by involvement in some sort of crime.

“I was very inspired recently by a visit to my old school, Brynhyfryd, to discuss local issues and I’m looking forward to visiting other Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham schools to discuss the issues faced by young people.”

She succeeds former Airbus UK executive Steve Thomas, from St Asaph, but the origins of the office date back to Saxon times when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown.

The Queen appoints the high sheriff of each county of England and Wales by ‘pricking the vellum’, a custom dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I who signified assent by piercing the vellum or parchment by each name and signing the document.

It was in the reign of Elizabeth I that Zoë’s home at Caerfallen was built as the residence of Robert Turbridge, an earlier royal appointment as Baron Exchequer of North Wales with the job of collecting the taxes in recognition of his “constant diligence about the Queen’s affairs in said counties.”

Her duties as High Sheriff will also include supporting the Lord Lieutenant, Henry Fetherstonhaugh, in the event of any Royal visits to North East Wales and to sitting with and supporting judges and magistrates.

Her involvement in legal affairs will be supported by the Under-Sheriff of Clwyd, Sarah Noton, Managing Director of North Wales and Cheshire law firm Swayne Johnson.

Zoë added: “The official charity of High Sheriffs is Crimebeat and Crimebeat North Wales celebrates 20 years this year and in that time has issued grants worth more than £130,000 to projects mostly run by young people and aimed at cutting crime, supporting the victims of crime and improving life in communities across North Wales.

“I want to continue that work and also from my business background ask if we can promote that work better and do some things differently which might be more effective.

“I think I can do that and it gives me a real focus on ensuring that Crimebeat is fit for the future and for the differing needs of different parts of North Wales.”

Zoë, a keen horsewoman who has ridden all her life including during her time in the USA where she lived in Indiana in the Mid West, has kept busy since leaving Dow, first on the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board and more recently on the Board of Natural Resources Wales as well as doing business consultancy work.

She has also been gradually restoring Grade Two Star-listed Caerfallen and its buildings, including a 16^th century barn which is now a beautifully appointed holiday property.

* For more information on the office of High Sheriff of Clwyd go to https://highsheriffs.com/clwyd/ and for the work of Crimebeat North Wales go to http://www.crimebeatnorthwales.co.uk/

Collen Players' next variety and music hall show is May 6

* The cast of the last Collen Players' show in March.

The first acts have been announced for The Collen Players' next variety and music hall show.

Due to be held in St Collen's Community Hall on Friday May 6, The Good Old Days will transport the audience back in time to a place where a selection of acts will recreate the rumbustious Victorian music hall of the naughty 1890s.

Chairing the proceedings as usual will be Father Lee Taylor, who is an aficionado of this form of vintage entertainment and originally put together The Collen Players to present the very first Llangollen music hall just a couple of years ago.

So far announced as appearing in a bill of comedy, sing-a-long, dance and tribute acts are Mike Connolly, Alison Jarvis, John Williams, Phil Robinson and speciality act Colin Bourdeic.

There will be a special prize for best dressed Victorian in the audience.

* The show begins at 6.30pm and tickets, priced at £15 and including supper, are available by calling

01978 861768, or emailing stcollens@gmail.com

More night works to take place in Castle Street

* The recent re-surfacing work in Castle Street.

Denbighshire Count Council has announced that night works are due to take place in Llangollen as part of the town’s major public realm improvement project.

Work to re-surface Castle Street from Market Street junction up to and including the Mill Street/Abbey Road junction will take place between May 3 and May 20, excluding weekends, between 6pm to 12am, Monday to Friday.

The re-surfacing works have to be conducted under a road closure, says the council. 

It explains: "Consideration was given to other options, such as undertaking the work during the day or conducting a shorter series of night time closures.

"However, it was determined these options would not be feasible for safety reasons and because, in the case of the shorter series of night time works, they would cause more disturbance to residents.

"The council would like to thank residents for their understanding during this period."

County council candidates introduce themselves

Soon after nominations for the Denbighshire County Council elections were announced llanblogger issued an invitation, via the blog, to the candidates for the two Llangollen seats to send in their biographies/manifestos to help readers decide who to vote for.

Up until Friday's submission deadline only four of the six candidates had sent in any information. They are:

Stuart Davies - Independent candidate

I have been a Town Councillor and County Councillor for several terms since 1995. I have wealth of experience as a councillor and “know how to get things done”. 

At the moment there seems to be a disconnect between Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and Llangollen residents. Residents find it difficult to access and engage DCC.

If elected I want to give residents more voice and direct access to their County Council, to make sure their views and concerns are taken in to account properly. 

If elected I promise to do what I have always done and that is to be available at all times to residents, by phone, email or social media. 

I will call for a website review with the emphasis on easy resident access to the areas they want. 

If elected I want to make phone access easier and simpler for residents and my aim is to ensure that the One Stop Shop resource is always there.

The things I will concentrate on in the first 100 days are:

* Waste and Recycling. The new rules on black bins which are causing concern at the moment, in the absence of a Waste Strategy Plan for the Dee Valley I aim to work with the DCC Head of Service to address this and  to revisit the Plas Madoc issue. In the interim I will request DCC to provide more resident access to the Pavilion site without the need to book a slot in advance.

* Parking in the town centre and the 2020 scheme should both be subjected to a review of the effects following completion of the works and changes made if required.

* I will also push to make a start on near town parking provision.

* I will carry on the campaign for an environmental weight restriction on the Town Bridge.

* I will continue to campaign for the Green Dee Power electricity generation project which I started as a Town Councillor, as well as for more Electric Vehicle charging points in the town centre.

* I will support the Llangollen Riverside Park local community group at DCC level to attempt to get the funding and support they are requesting.

* The Horseshoe Pass reduced speed limit recently came into being. I will call for a review after a year in operation to determine if it has been effective in reducing accident rates. If it has not achieved the desired results, I will call for a review of historic and current data and a push for enhanced solutions.

Karen Edwards - Independent candidate 

I grew up in Llangollen and am familiar with the issues that affect the town and surrounding community.  I am a truly independent candidate with no affiliation to any political party. 

I have previously served the local community in various roles. As a Town Councillor I initiated the purchase of land around Castell Dinas Bran to protect our heritage.  

Between 2013 and 2018 I also worked with local businesses to raise money for the improvement of the Christmas lights to enhance the character of the town during the Christmas period, and I was part of the team that delivered the Centenary Square project.

I assisted with the campaign to secure access to a proper waste recycling site. Over 1000 residents supported the campaign but there has been no agreement to date. If elected I will encourage Denbighshire County Council to renegotiate with Wrexham County Borough Council for an access agreement.

My key priorities are:

-     * Protection of our heritage, culture and environment

     * Providing affordable housing through the re-use of derelict/brownfield land

-  * Sustainable tourism that acknowledges the needs of local residents and businesses

-  * Traffic management and parking that properly serves the interests of our businesses and residents

-     * Ensuring that decisions take into account the climate change agenda

* I will ensure a common-sense approach to the challenges facing our community. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope I can count on your support.   

Paul Keddie - Independent candidate

Firstly, I'd like to thank the dozens of residents who have been in touch to wish me well since I announced I was standing to be your new County Councillor. 

I am the only candidate standing in both the Town and County Council elections, this shows my level of commitment.  I want to be the strong voice in County Hall that you deserve. 

I have a strong track record of putting our community first. I am a Director of the Llangollen Fringe Festival, I volunteer as a Stage Manager at the Eisteddfod, I organise the monthly Comedy Nights and am a member of Llangollen Town Council. 

I will always fight; fight to improve our town and villages, fight to keep Council Tax as low as possible and fight for our fair share.  

Whether it’s promoting our tourism and events, fighting for more police, fixing our broken roads and pavements or a 2 hour round trip to get rid of our waste - I have a plan to finally get to grips with these issues. 

I have a record of action and a promise of much more. 

On Thursday, 5th May, please support me - PAUL KEDDIE - a real Independent.

Sarah Marshall – Green Party candidate

The caring community, thriving business and cultural life of our town inspires me. I want to protect what’s great for future generations, balancing the need for all residents to have safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

I live in Llangollen (since 1992), have two Welsh educated children, their father is a local organic livestock farmer. I have worked for over 30 years in NHS, Local Government and Public Health. 

Community roles included:

· Outdoor pursuits instructor, Tyn Dwr YHA

· Youth Club Leader

· Secretary - PTFA

· Production team - Llangollen Community Panto

· Choreographer - Llangollen Operatic Society

· Volunteer - Friends of the Eisteddfod 

Key Green Party principles:

· Affordable housing and work opportunities

· Access to excellent local food/produce

· Renewable/affordable energy.

I am committed to the following goals, aligned with DCC 2030 Net Zero strategy.

1. Ensure the Council prioritises tackling climate and ecological change in decision making.

2. Improved biodiversity (pollinators, wild-flowers and trees) of local greenspaces and access to thriving natural settings.

3. Local business development, contributing to a circular and sustainable local economy.

4. “Fit for the future” active travel and public transport options for residents and visitors, including accessible electric charging.

5. Improved local recycling facilities. 

The other two candidates are:

* Butters Dawn Welsh, Conservative Party 

* Jarvis Roger Welsh. Conservative Party 

In the last county council election in 2017, the two councillors elected for Llangollen were Graham Timms of Welsh Labour 659 votes (29% of votes) and the Independent Melvyn Mile with 658 votes (29%).