Latest Tan y Ddôl seasonal tableaux have been unveiled

It's a sure sign that Christmas has really arrived in Llangollen when another of the brilliant seasonal tableaux appears outside Tan y Ddôl off Abbey Road. 

And the latest ingenious offerings created by the talented residents have the novel theme of the Poles - North and South. 

The one on the right of the gatepost depicts a well wrapped-up fisherman, the obvious resident of the nearby igloo, casting his line into a hole in the ice while a gang of polar bears hang around hoping to share anything he catches.

The tableau on the other side, which is equally clever and well-executed, is a ski-ing scene with lots of penguins and other cuddly toys blasting down the piste - and a couple taking a tumble along the way.

Why not take a look for yourself and be filled with the Christmas spirit!   

Railway invites travellers to tuck into its Mince Pie Specials

* The railway is steaming into a new season of Mince Pie Specials. 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is set to delight passengers once again with its popular Mince Pie Specials, running on December 27, 28 and 30. 

These steam-hauled journeys through the stunning Dee Valley have become a firm favourite for families and visitors, combining seasonal charm with the timeless appeal of heritage travel. 

This year, the railway is going even further by actively championing four outstanding local food venues situated along the route. Passengers are encouraged to step off the train and enjoy a relaxed post-Christmas lunch at one of these hand-picked establishments before continuing their scenic journey.

 

At Berwyn Railway Station, the riverside Chainbridge Hotel offers its Christmas Menu in one of Wales’s most spectacular settings. 

A short stroll from Glyndyfrdwy Station, the Berwyn Arms promises hearty seasonal dishes and a warm welcome. 

Further along the line at Carrog Railway Station, The Grouse invites visitors to enjoy its renowned home-style cooking in a traditional country inn. 

* The railway is championing four food venues along the line.

Those travelling through to Corwen can experience the hospitality of the historic Owain Glyndŵr Hotel, a much-loved favourite with both locals and tourists.

 

By promoting these venues, the railway says it is creating a complete day out that blends festive flavours with the beauty of winter in the Dee Valley. Passengers can enjoy lunch, re-join the train later in the day and make the most of a flexible timetable that includes return trips from both ends of the line.

 

Carriages on the Mince Pie Specials will continue to be decorated for the season. Adults receive a mince pie and festive tipple, while children enjoy their own treat and drink, ensuring a family friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

 

James Veal, Events Administrator at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “Our Santa Specials are virtually sold out this year, but they are not the end of the Christmas season at the railway. 

"Many families tell us they look forward just as much to our Mince Pie Specials, which offer a chance to unwind, enjoy the scenery and soak up the warmth of the festive season in a unique and memorable way. We are delighted to be championing some fantastic local food venues along the line this year, and we cannot wait to welcome passengers on board.”

 

Timings and fares:

 

Departures from Llangollen: 10:00, 12:20 and 15:15
Returns from Corwen: 11:05, 13:45 and 16:20

 

Ticket prices:

Adults (16 plus): £26
Children (3 to 15): £12
Infants (2 and under): free
Dogs (up to two): £3

 

The Mince Pie Specials offer comfort, charm and the joy of steam travel, with the added benefit of four excellent local pubs and hotels ready to welcome passengers along the line.

 

Ticket booking:

 

Book online at https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/mince-pie-specials/ or call 01978 860 979.

 

To book lunch during your visit, please contact:

 

Chainbridge Hotel
Nearest station: Berwyn Railway Station
01978 860 215

 

The Berwyn Arms
Nearest station: Glyndyfrdwy Railway Station
01490 430210

 

The Grouse
Nearest station: Carrog Railway Station
01490 430272

 

Owain Glyndŵr Hotel
Nearest station: Corwen Railway Station
01490 412115

 

 

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old.

A: The first thing to know is that anyone can make a lasting power of attorney; it's not something purely for older people to consider.

Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone such as a trusted friend or relative to act on your behalf and manage your finances, care or medical treatment, if you ever lose mental capacity. This could be because you're diagnosed with a health condition that prevents you from doing so, or something happens to you, such as an accident.

The kinds of illness which might prevent you from making decisions for yourself include: dementia, mental health problems, a brain injury, alcohol or drug misuse or the side-effects of medical treatment. Setting up an LPA doesn’t mean you’re expecting anything to happen, it’s something you might want to do in case something happens in the future.

There are two types of LPA, property and financial affairs and health and welfare. You don't have to make both types at the same time but you must make an LPA while you are still capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity. Both types must be registered before they can be used and you should choose who manages your affairs for you, if you’re no longer able to, very carefully.

A property and financial affairs LPA gives someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like buying or selling property, bank, building society and other financial accounts, welfare benefits and debts. You can give someone power of attorney to deal with all of those affairs, or only certain things. If you want to make an LPA which only deals with certain matters, you should make sure that it’s drawn up very carefully.

A health and welfare LPA gives someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like where you live, your day-to-day care, and your healthcare treatment - either for all aspects of your personal welfare, or only certain things. It's not possible to use a health and welfare LPA until the person who made it has lost their mental capacity.

There are two ways you can make an LPA - either online at gov.uk or by downloading the forms from gov.uk. There is one form for property and affairs and one for health and welfare. If you want someone to look after both aspects, you’ll need two separate LPAs.

Once completed, you’ll need to register the LPA by sending the forms to the Office of the Public Guardian. If you need to pay a registration fee, you'll need to send that too.

If the form has been correctly completed and there are no objections after people have been notified, the Public Guardian must register it. This can take around 20 weeks.

The Public Guardian must notify you and your attorneys that they have registered the LPA, and it can then be used. You can find lots of information on LPAs and other shorter term power of attorneys by visiting the Citizens Advice website.

* Local Denbighshire Citizens Advice drop-in-sessions for December to February are:

Meet Siôn Corn at Pengwern Hwb this Friday

At Pengwern Community Hwb this Friday you can get into the Christmas spirit at the festive grotto where you can meet Siôn Corn/Father Christmas straight after school, from 4-6pm.

His helpers say spaces are limited, so be sure to book your slot to enjoy a magical experience and receive a special gift. 

They add: "While you wait, join in on festive fun by making Christmas cards and badges with us. All this festive fun is available for just £2 per child.

"We thank Llangollen Town Council for their support for the grotto, enabling us to run such an activity for the community in Llangollen."

* For more details, please contact SDCP at office@sdcp.org. To reserve your place, follow this link: www.tinyurl.com/pengwern.

Residents lit up to support cancer charity praised by local branch

* Houses lit up on Green Lane to support prostate cancer charity.

The chair of of Llangollen Prostate Cancer Support Group has praised the residents of Green Lane for lighting up their row of houses to raise money for the charity.  

They've decked out their Victorian terrace, which overlooks Llangollen railway station, with a colourful array of Christmas lights with the aim of filling a £500 sackful of seasonal cheer for Prostate Cancer UK by January 5 next year.

Garry Perriton, who is acting as their spokesperson, said: "We've thought about Green Lane Christmas lights for a number of years and this year we've finally got around to doing it.

"Prostate Cancer UK is a cause that is close to our hearts. It affects so many lives, and by donating, people are helping to fund vital research and support services that make a real difference.

"We have produced a flyer explaining what we are doing which we will display in shops and bars around the town."

After reading the story on llanblogger, the charity's local branch chair Stuart Davies said: "I’ve just seen the article about Green Lane and Prostate Cancer. Excellent stuff. I have made a donation and I will put this on the agenda for our next meeting, which is on December 17 in the Hand Hotel in Llangollen at 2pm, to ask our members for their support.

"Could I also ask that anybody who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to talk about it and be part of a group which provides support to come along to our monthly meetings. 

"They take place on the third Wednesday of the month at 2pm in the Hand Hotel Llangollen. A small fee is charged to pay for tea and coffee with the Hand Hotel letting us use the room for free. All are welcome."

* Here's the fundraising link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/greenlane-1

MP welcomes reforms to give rape victims a fairer trial

* Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins.

Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East, has welcomed the Government's decision to make changes that aim to stamp out rape myths and prevent victims dropping out due to trauma at trial.

Alarming research by the former Victims' Commissioner shows that, in 2024, nearly 60% of victims overall believed they couldn't get justice. Now, the Government has taken action to improve victim experience at trial and prevent vile perpetrators evading justice.

Previous allegations of rape made by the victim, and their sexual history in general, can now only be used as evidence in favour of the accused if proven truly valuable. This will simplify legislation already in place and require that judges consider that the use of sexual history as evidence may perpetuate rape myths.

Among reforms being taken forward by the Government is formalising the use of companions as a special measure to help witnesses give their best evidence, and clarifying when the court can exclude intimidating individuals from the public gallery.

Recognising that most sexual offences happen in the home, it will be enshrined in law that previous convictions evidencing domestic abuse can be used at trial for further domestic abuse related offences.

Rebuilding this trust for rape victims is crucial to the Government's Plan for Change and mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

Becky Gittins said: "The UK Government is reforming our justice system so that it works for rape victims, not against them. I know from my experience talking to victims in Clwyd East that they have been waiting far too long for justice and can experience harrowing questioning at trials.

"I'm proud to be part of a government that is taking action to put victims first, and to stop rape myths having any place in our courts."

Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: "Far too many victims of rape are dropping out of the system because they feel that they are the ones on trial. This has enabled vile rapists to evade the punishment they deserve for far too long.

"This needs to stop. We must rebalance the justice system to serve victims first and foremost, and that starts with the crucial reforms we're bringing forward today."

Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies‑Jones, said: "Facing their rapist at trial is already one of the most difficult things a victim will ever have to do. The vast majority of these victims are brave women and girls who just want to be believed. The very least they can expect is not to be demonised for their experiences or made a spectacle of in the courtroom.

"These reforms are crucial to making the justice system a safe and supportive space for women. I thank the Law Commission and Katrin Hohl for their exemplary work in this space highlighting the injustices which women face."

Police presence around Natwest cashpoint in Castle Street

6pm UPDATE:

North Wales Police spokesperson said: "Officers responded to reports of a theft at an ATM machine in Llangollen at around 1.40am this morning (December 3).

"It is reported that four men took the machine using heavy machinery, before making off in a large Audi.

"Investigations into the incident are underway with partners and we would urge anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to contact police via our website, by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers quoting reference 25000986561."

HA Natwest spokesperson said: "We are supporting the police with their enquiries and assessing the ATM."

There is a police presence in Castle Street this morning where it is believed the Natwest cashpoint has been broken into overnight.

The section of pavement in front of the machine area has been cordoned of with tape an officer was seen examining the door to the service area which appears to have been broken open.

Eisteddfod seeks emerging Welsh composers for new project

* The winner will have their work performed on the world-famous Eisteddfod stage.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has launched a major new commissioning opportunity for emerging Welsh composers. 

This project is made possible thanks to significant support from the Arts Council of Wales, whose commitment has enabled the festival to expand its investment in new music and creative talent.  

The new initiative, ‘Harmony Without Borders', invites early-career composers who were born in Wales, live in Wales, or study in Wales to apply for a £6,000 paid commission to create a six-minute bilingual work for choir and orchestra. Full details are provided in the attached brief.  

 

The commissioned piece will receive its world premiere on Tuesday 7 July 2026 as part of the festival’s flagship opening concert, Uniting Nations: One World, a centrepiece of the 2026 artistic programme. 

* Sir Karl Jenkins.

This special evening, featuring Sir Karl Jenkins conducting his powerful work One World, opens the 2026 festival with a message of unity, renewal and global collaboration, making it the perfect setting for this major new Welsh commission. 

 

The work is expected to open with a bold orchestral fanfare, progressing into expressive choral writing in Welsh and English, with the option of incorporating additional languages. Composers wishing to collaborate with a lyricist may apply for financial support included within the commission. 

 

Applicants will be shortlisted by the Artistic Director, with the final selection made by a panel of industry professionals. The commission is open to composers aged 18 and over, with preference given to those at the beginning of their professional journey. 

 

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are thrilled to launch Harmony Without Borders, a project that reflects our dedication to nurturing Welsh creative talent and celebrating the musical languages of our nation. 

"None of this would be possible without the support of the Arts Council of Wales, whose commitment has enabled us to invest in new work on a scale worthy of our international stage. We look forward to welcoming a new composer into the Eisteddfod family and sharing their music with the world in July 2026.” 

Dave Danford, Artistic Director, said: "This commission offers a fantastic opportunity for an emerging Welsh composer to create a work that will sit at the heart of one of our most significant concerts in 2026. 

"We are looking for someone with imagination, ambition and a strong sense of musical identity. With choir, orchestra and a global audience at their disposal, the successful composer will have a powerful platform to showcase their voice. I cannot wait to see the ideas that come forward.” 

 

Key Dates 

• 19 December 2025 – Application deadline 

• 9 January 2026 – Composer notified 

• 6 March 2026 – First draft due 

• 31 March 2026 – Final draft due 

• 7 July 2026 – World premiere at Llangollen 

 

Composers can apply by filling out the following form: https://forms.gle/1hua1LGPJZ7dzfEa6 

 

* For more information please email composers@llangollen.net with the subject line “Harmony Without Borders”. 

Two early Christmas presents for St Collen's schemes

St Collen’s Church has just had two early Christmas presents.

Its Genesis Project to transform the ancient church into a modern community hub while retaining its historical fabric has been awarded £719,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) - more than they originally applied for.

And the separate campaign to preserve the ancient hammerbeam ceiling has also been given an important funding boost.

The massive cash injection from the NLHF takes the project a huge step closer to transforming the church into a warm, flexible, and welcoming space for the whole community, while protecting its unique medieval heritage.

Project manager Suzanne Evans said: "Our separate ceiling conservation fundraising has also had an important update in that Cadw, the Welsh heritage body, have agreed that we can submit a funding application for 50% of the costs of the repair.

"This is fantastic news as it will help with the amazing fundraising efforts the community has been undertaking.

"A huge thanks goes to the Collen Players Fundraisers, lots of private donations and bequests from individuals and families and our beautiful Evening of Song, supported by the Penley Madras Community Choir, which raised funds and awareness in equal measure."

Volvo XC60: a car that does almost all the work

 

Volvo XC 60 drive by Steve Rogers

We are inching closer to the day when we can sit back and let the car do all the work.

Blind comedian and Strictly star Chris McCausland gave us an insight in his TV documentary when he was taken for a drive in San Francisco with no one behind the steering wheel.

The whole idea is not that far-fetched because of the huge advances in driverless technology over the last decade, and there are already bits and bobs in cars we are driving today.

I've just taken a trip when I virtually handed over the driving to the car, and not surprisingly it was the king of safety - Volvo. I hit roadworks half way into my journey on a wet and busy M6. Average speed cameras, of course, so I selected a speed, engaged adaptive cruise control and lane hold and the Volvo pretty much drove itself, accelerating and braking while following a vehicle, and preventing the car drifting out of the lane.

Don’t be thinking you can sit back and take a snooze. After a few seconds a warning tells the driver to put hands back on the wheel but this is certainly a case of steering into the future.

The car will emergency brake if it detects pedestrians, cyclists or a vehicle if a collision is imminent along with rear cross traffic braking, useful when reversing out of a supermarket parking bay and the like.

XC 60 has taken over from the seventies 240 as Volvo’s best selling car of all time and has had a bit of a refresh, mainly technical stuff and even more safety features, and a new grille that makes it look even more like the XC 90.

Should mention an upgrade to the plug-in hybrid where the range is now up to 50 miles, so for some that could mean electric only driving with a home charge top up taking only three hours.

For me the best part of a Volvo is the cabin. It is Scandi cool, just like the laid back Swedes with high quality light materials and finishes. It is just a relaxing place to be.

We first saw this new look a decade ago and it has only needed a few tweaks to keep it bang up to date. Then the downside was the revolutionary portrait style touchscreen, which was a nightmare to navigate with a telephone directory of menus and sub menus. It was too clever by half.

The same screen dominates the XC 60 dashboard but has gone from complicated to simple thanks to large easy to read icons, but if it is still too much use voice control which does just about anything requested. The same simplicity is mirrored on the steering wheel buttons for selecting information in the large driver’s display.

As a family car XC 60 ticks the important boxes, the front seats are the most comfortable of any car I have driven, there is ample space for three in the back and the boot, while not the largest in the class, is a good size.

The ride is more twitchy than expected but is set up for comfort and does a reasonable job of absorbing our annoying road surfaces. If sharper handling is on the must list then look at an Audi Q5 or BMW X3.

There should be no complaints on the performance front. Volvo uses the 2-litre petrol that has served them well for years and this T8 all wheel drive delivers a stampede of horsepower that will have you hitting sixty in under five seconds.

With the aid of hybrid the economy figures sound impossibly high - would you believe 282mpg - but driving on petrol only I managed 40mpg which is nothing to complain about.

After my super bright headlights problems with the Cupra Tavascan the XC 60 seems to have found a happy medium. This is also a Matrix system that lays a superb, complex carpet of light that does not cause problems for other drivers.

Nearly 70 grand for this top of the range model is a big chunk of money though not out of step with its premium sector rivals. It comes with all the bells and whistles but the key was that I felt completely safe in this car and that is not too high a price to pay.

Favourite feature: Brilliant voice control.

Fast facts

XC 60 T8 AWD Ultra

£68,860 (starts £48,410)

2-litre plug-in hybrid; 455bhp

0-62mph 4.9secs; 112mph

Electric range: Up to 50 miles

40mpg (Actual petrol only)

Full charge: 3 hours

32g/km. First VED £110

Insurance group 42

Boot: 468 litres

Towing: 2250kg