Honda CR-V presses my buttons ... eventually

Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid drive by Steve Rogers

This is an embarrassing admission having reviewed cars for 44 years but I couldn’t work out how to move off in the Honda CR-V.

It is not as if I haven’t come across buttons instead of a gear lever before, but the Honda is a bit complicated. At the top of a pad between the seats is a button marked R, which is obviously reverse, and normally a flick back on this switch engages neutral, then drive and off to go. No dice.

I kept looking and had to ask the delivery driver who pointed to the button marked D/B. We didn’t know what it stands for but it engages the gear. My blushes were only saved when later my normally car savvy wife failed the test as well. At least you only need to be told once.

This is the sixth generation of the CR-V which back in 1997 was a real game changer with driving characteristics more akin to a car than the cumbersome 4x4s of the day, so in effect the first SUV and look what’s happened since.

Apart from the boxy original, the CR-V has more or less maintained the same curvy silhouette although this one has some edgy body creases, new style grille, and headlight signature. It is also a smidge longer so the boot, which is the envy of its rivals, is even bigger and leads the space race for a plug-in hybrid.

Power comes from a 2-litre petrol mated to a two stage CVT gearbox and is offered as an all wheel drive hybrid or front wheel drive plug-in which has a potential electric range of 50 miles, more than the Toyota Rav4.

Once spent the system generates a small amount of electric power on the move dipping between power sources but it is petrol power for the majority until the battery is recharged. It is a smooth sophisticated system and the driver barely notices any change.

With the combination of engine and electric motor 181bhp acceleration is acceptable if down on some rivals, but devoid of the screeching at high revs which is often the case with a CVT gearbox.

In fact the whole driving experience is often eerily quiet with very little road noise. Honda has done a really good job on this CR-V.

The seats are superbly comfortable and supportive and you will have no trouble finding the perfect driving position with powered seat adjustment.

Unlike the eye-catching interiors of some rivals the dashboard layout is conventional with some attractive features in particular the full width mesh grille housing the heating vents. A standard digital driver's display offers plenty of information using steering wheel roller switches backed up by a central touchscreen with familiar Honda graphics.

Hats off to Honda for sticking with user friendly chunky switches for the heating along with switches for the heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outer seats are also heated.

It is compliments not complaints about space which is vast. Rear seat legroom is exceptional and the seats slide for greater flexibility and with wide opening rear doors fitting child seats is a doddle. The same can be said for the boot which has a wide aperture and low sill for easy loading. All that is missing are levers in the side walls to drop the back seats.

Honda has always been at the forefront of safety so it is no surprise that CR-V is packed with safety aids. It will emergency stop the car going forward or reversing and features a new 360deg all round camera system eliminating blind spots with an extra nearside camera which is invaluable for negotiating tight entrances or exits.

Right from the start diesel CR-V became a firm favourite with caravanners because of its 2000kg towing capacity, enough to pull a big twin axle outfit, along with its huge boot. But things changed once Honda ditched diesel for petrol hybrid power. Now the CR-V is limited to 1500kg which is a two-berth, or lightweight four berth. I hitched my four-berth to CR-V without a lot of enthusiasm but was pleasantly surprised. It pulled strongly, and quietly for the most part, and managed just over 27mpg, a lot closer to a diesel than I expected.

CR-V is a terrific all rounder and so it should be with prices starting just shy of 50 grand but it is packed with equipment even at entry level while the top of the range Advance Tech wants for nothing.

Fast facts

CR-V Advance Tech Plug-in hybrid

£53,995

2-litre petrol+electric motor

17kWh battery

Full charge: 2hr30min

0-60mph 8 secs; 116mph

42.2-353.1mpg

18g/km. 1st road tax £110

Boot: 587 litres

Insurance group 37

Towing capacity: 1500g/km

 

Latest local roadworks round-up from the county council

Latest local roadworks round-up from Denbighshire County Council is: 

A542 Wharf Hill / Castle Street ABBEY ROAD until 13/07/2025 Eisteddfod BIG PARKING LTD, Stopio Mynd/Stop Go 

Wrth / Nr 1 VICARAGE ROAD WEST 17/07/2025 22/07/2025 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works OCU GROUP (DCC), Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

Eisteddfod celebrates prestigious Welsh language recognition

* Pedair bring their beautiful harmonies and rich Welsh folk sound to the Globe Stage at Llangollen International Eisteddfod on Thursday July 10.

* Jane Edwards from the Welsh Language Commissioner's Office has been working for 18 months with Dr Rhys Davies and the Eisteddfod team on their Welsh Development Plan.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod has received formal recognition under the Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) scheme from the Welsh Language Commissioner. 

This accolade reflects the festival's long-standing commitment to promoting the Welsh language as a central pillar of its internationally-renowned cultural status.

The Eisteddfod takes place from July 8-13 and features amazing artists like Sir Bryn Terfel, Sir Karl Jenkins and Il Divo as well as a special Welsh language event on Thursday  July 10 when it hosts an early-evening showcase on the Globe Stage, entitled Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno/Rhys Mwyn Presents. Led by BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn, it features three standout Welsh Language artists Pedair, Mared, and Buddug before the evening concert with KT Tunstall.

Dr Rhys Davies, Board Member of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and Chair of its Welsh Language Working Group, expressed his pride in receiving the recognition: “We are absolutely delighted to receive formal Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner. 

"It is a major milestone for our organisation and a strong endorsement of our commitment to the language of Wales. I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the Commissioner and her office for their guidance and support throughout this process. In particular, I’d like to pay tribute to Jane Edwards, who has worked closely with us over the past 18 months and has been instrumental in helping us achieve this.”

The Cynnig Cymraeg recognition is valid for three years and signals to the public that Welsh services are available and valued. 

It is an opportunity to transform engagement with the public by showing how proud the Llangollen Eisteddod is to offer services in Welsh in a meaniful, measurable and ambitious way. The festival encourages all volunteers to use the Welsh they know - however little - and “rhoi Croeso” when welcoming visitors 

With over 4,000 competitors from across the world preparing to descend on Llangollen in just a few weeks for the 2025 Eisteddfod, organisers are eager to showcase Welsh culture and language on the global stage. 

They are actively encouraging volunteers to take up courses in basic Welsh, and working closely with like-minded organisations to promote the Welsh language, contributing to the Welsh Government’s ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

Dr Davies added: “The Eisteddfod has always celebrated the best of international culture, but we are equally passionate about ensuring the language of Wales is front and centre. Welcoming thousands of performers and visitors to Llangollen gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that – and we are proud to be promoting Welsh in such a positive and vibrant way.”

Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones commended the Eisteddfod’s approach,

“The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has an important role to play in Welsh cultural life and it allows for the Welsh language to be seen on an international stage. The development plan which the Eisteddfod has put forward is ambitious yet practical and measurable.

”Awarding the Cynnig Cymraeg is a recognition of the Eisteddfod’s dedication to embedding the Welsh language across its services and communications. In congratulating them on their achievement, I would also like to wish them well with this year’s Eisteddfod and for many years to come.”  

* For more information about the 2025 Eisteddfod, visit www.llangollen.net

Pavilion crowd lifts the roof for Manchester greats James

* James were real crowd pleasers. Pictures: Desh Kapur Photography/CUFFE & TAYLOR

Indie heroes James delighted a capacity crowd with a near two-hour masterclass at TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Sunday). 

The roar and chorus of the audience said it all as Tim Booth and pals were unstoppable. 

Opening with Johnny Yen from their 1986 album Stutter, the band powered through a dynamic set featuring fan favourites like Seven, Come Home, Just Like Fred Astaire, and She’s A Star.

 

The reaction to Shadow of a Giant from last year’s Yummy – the band’s first-ever number one album – proved why these Manchester legends are as relevant today as they were more than 30 years ago.

 

The final run – Sit Down, Tomorrow and Sometimes – became a mass singalong, with 6,000 voices lifting the roof off of the Pavilion. A euphoric encore of Sound and Laid brought the night to a powerful close.

 

Supporting James were rising indie stars The K’s and singer/guitarist Tom A Smith.

 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Thursday with headliner The Script.

* Fans chant along with the band.

* Strong support - the K's.

* Singer/guitarist Tom A Smith.

* A young fan in full bloom.

* A fab evening was the verdict.

* James light up the Pavilion stage.

Council carries out repairs to damaged cemetery tree

* The taped off area around the damaged tree at Llangollen's Fron Cemetery.

County council experts are carrying out investigations and repairs to an ash tree damaged by bad weather  at a cemetery in Llangollen.

An area towards the side of the graveyard has been taped off as a precautionary measure until the work is completed.

A spokesperson for the council said: "Following bad weather earlier in June, Denbighshire County Council was made aware of damage to an ash tree within the Llangollen (Fron) Cemetery.

"The site around the tree has been cordoned off for safety reasons pending investigation and remedial works. 

"We can confirm that the damage has now been assessed and remedial works are scheduled to take place soon.”

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell chill out Pavilion audience

* Ali Campbell up front.

Reggae legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell performed a hit-filled set at TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Saturday). 

With perfect music for a chilled weekend they kicked off the programme with Small Axe and Food For Thought before easing into classics If It Happens Again and Homely Girl.

 

Duets of Cathy’s Clown and Would I Lie with velvet voiced support artist Bitty McLean fitted perfectly into the 90-minute set which also included Burden of Shame, Cherry Oh Baby, Many Rivers and One In Ten.

 

To close the night, the Pavilion crowd joined Campbell for an encore of Red Red Wine and Kingston Town before a finale of hit cover (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You.

 

Opening the night was Reggae Roast featuring Mr. Williamz and a set from British reggae singer/songwriter Bitty Mclean.

 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues tonight (Sunday) with headliner James.

* Setting the scene.

* Bitty McLean in support.

* Fans loving it ...

Rag’n’Bone Man thrills with sold-out show at the Pavilion

* Rag’n’Bone Man.

Chart-topping British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man brought a Giant night to Llangollen with a sold-out show at the Pavilion last night (Friday).

Headlining TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion, the triple BRIT Award and Ivor Novello Award winner kicked off a 90-minute set with last year’s hit Lovers in a Past Life before segueing perfectly into the multi-award winning Skin.

 

Rag’n’Bone Man – aka Rory Graham – then introduced his brand-new song Time To Love, before treating the crowd to a hit-filled set including Anywhere Away From Here  - performed with blues star Elles Bailey, who also served as the night’s main support - All You Ever Wanted, Grace, Ghosts, and Rush of Blood.

 

He closed the main set with his global smash Human, returning for an encore featuring Put A Little Hurt On Me and the anthemic Giant.

 

Opening the night was rapidly rising pop talent Kerr Mercer.

 

Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues tonight (Saturday with reggae icons UB40 ft. Ali Campbell set to headline.

* Kerr Mercer opens the show.

* Elles Bailey in support.

* Fans enjoying the evening.

* Cheers to a great show.

Eve Goodman to perform at Eisteddfod's Bryn Terfel concert

 

                                                      * Eve Goodman.

North Wales singer-songwriter Eve Goodman will make her debut at the iconic Llangollen International Eisteddfod on Sunday 13 July 2025 in a major concert led by operatic superstar Sir Bryn Terfel, alongside Cornwall’s famous Fisherman’s Friends.

Eve, who grew up in Caernarfon and now lives in Y Felinheli, is thrilled to be part of such a prestigious night. 

“I’m very excited,” she said. “I love singing with Bryn and feel our voices weave magic together in a wonderfully unexpected way. Though we are both known for performing in quite different genres, I feel our voices meet in a very beautiful way.”

It will be a night that celebrates the songs of the sea and deep-rooted musical traditions – themes close to Eve’s heart. 

“I am also thrilled to be sharing the stage with Fisherman’s Friends. I am deeply inspired by the sea and spent some years living in Cornwall as my partner is Cornish, so I look forward to immersing myself in the nautical themes of the concert.”

The concert also marks a special moment in Eisteddfod history – 70 years since Luciano Pavarotti first performed at Llangollen as a young singer. 

Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, will be attending the performance in tribute to his legacy. 

The concert will also feature the Pendine International Voice of the Future final with Nicoletta presenting the Pendine Trophy alongside Mario and Gill Kreft from Pendine Park, the care organisation.

Reflecting on the occasion, Eve said: “I’m over the moon! As a singer I feel honoured to be sharing the stage with these incredible artists, and I feel moved and deeply grateful to be adding my voice to this prestigious chorus. To be following in the footsteps of Pavarotti and performing in front of his widow is such a privilege.”

Describing her style, Eve said: “As a bilingual singer-songwriter, I combine honest lyricism with mesmerising musical hooks and patterns. I take the stage with captivating presence and clarity. Inspired by nature and the more-than-human world, my music connects deeply to our inner and outer landscapes.”

Eve’s performance promises to add an intimate, poetic thread to a night already rich in talent and emotion. Her debut at the Eisteddfod is eagerly anticipated as part of one of the festival’s most powerful and poignant concerts in years.

The concert is being sponsored by the arts loving care organisation Pendine Park via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). 

Pendine Park owner and director Mario Kreft said: “We are absolutely delighted to sponsor this very special concert at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, marking not only the 70th anniversary of Pavarotti’s first performance here, but also the 40th anniversary of Pendine Park. 

"Supporting the arts has always been at the heart of our ethos, and we believe strongly in the power of music and creativity to enrich lives - something we’ve championed throughout our care work. It’s a real honour for Gill and me to help bring together such incredible artists as Sir Bryn Terfel, Eve Goodman and Fisherman’s Friends for what promises to be a magical evening in the heart of North Wales.” 

County council chief executive Graham Boase to retire

After nearly 40 years working in local government Denbighshire County Council’s Chief Executive is to retire.

Graham Boase (pictured), who has been in his role for the past four years but has worked for the county since its inception in 1996, will step down at the end of  next January.

A qualified town planner, Mr Boase previously held the posts of Director Economy & Public Realm and Head of Planning & Public Protection at Denbighshire. He previously worked for two London boroughs.

Announcing his retirement, he said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be CEO of such a wonderful council and county and while I’m still very much enjoying the role, following a period of reflection, I’ve come to the decision that now is the time for me to prepare for a different future away from work.

“I will remain one hundred percent committed and focussed on my duties for the remainder of my time with the council and the next seven months will provide time to recruit a successor and to ensure a brief handover period. It will also give the new CEO time to bed in before the next local government elections in 2027.

“I’d like to thank colleagues and councillors alike,  both past and present for the help, support and friendship throughout my time at Denbighshire – it’s meant so much to me. While I’m sad to be leaving my role, I’m immensely proud to have worked here for the past 30 years and will always keep a keen eye on what’s happening in Denbighshire.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “I’d like to thank Graham for all his hard work and dedication to Denbighshire County Council in his many roles over a number of years, and of course, most recently in his role as Chief Executive.

“In this role he’s guided the authority skilfully through extremely challenging times. Graham has been a huge support to me and we’ve worked well together – I’m going to miss that working relationship. While it’s sad to hear that he’s leaving the council, I understand it’s a personal decision and I’d like to wish him all the best for the future.

“I look forward to working with him over the coming months as we embark on the process to appoint a new Chief Executive to guide the authority into the future.”

Texas pay tribute to Mike Peters during Pavilion headline show

* Frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri. All pictures: Desh Kapur Photography/ CUFFE & TAYLOR

Scottish rock icons Texas brought their unmistakable sound to North Wales as they launched a summer season of live music at TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion.

 

It’s been 36 years since they burst onto the music scene with their debut hit I Don’t Want A Lover, and the band, fronted by Sharleen Spiteri, were on top form as they kicked off the night with that very song.

 

A 90-minute set followed, packed with hit after hit – including Halo, Hi, In Our Lifetime, Summer Son, Say What You Want and Black Eyed Boy – all interspersed with Spiteri’s trademark humour and easy conversation with the sell-out crowd.

 

But it was the encore that delivered the most emotional moment of the night. Returning to the stage, Spiteri paused to share a heartfelt dedication to her dear friend Mike Peters of The Alarm, describing him as: “A true gentleman, a great musician, a great songwriter, and one of the kindest, truest people I’ve ever met. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and he will be very sadly missed.”

 

Spiteri then dedicated a powerful rendition of Suspicious Minds to his memory.

 

A video of the special tribute can be found HERE.

 

Supporting Texas was rising country folk star Rianne Downey, adding a Scottish flavour to the evening. Downey impressed the crowd with her original material, as well as crowd favourites Rotterdam and Don’t Marry Her from her collaborations with Paul Heaton.

 

* TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Friday (June 27) with headliner Rag’n’Bone Man.

* Rianne Down supports Texas.

* Texas fans outside the Pavilion.

* A packed Pavilion crowd at the show.

Intrepid duo tackle tough Welsh 3000s Challenge for Royal British Legion

* Nic Palmer in his RAF Reserves uniform.

A man from Glyndyfrdwy and his close friend are lacing up their hiking boots for a noble cause as they prepare to tackle the formidable Welsh 3000s challenge in support of the Royal British Legion.

Starting late this afternoon (Thursday) Nic Palmer and Jake Noble will attempt to reach the summit of all 15 of Wales’s highest peaks — each over 3,000 feet — in under 24 hours.

That means they must cover roughly 30 miles and over 4,000 metres of ascent through some of Snowdonia’s most rugged and breathtaking terrain. 

The route begins with the steep scramble up Crib Goch in the Snowdon massif, continues through the Glyderau range, and finishes in the remote and rocky Carneddau.

* Jake Noble.

The challenge is particularly meaningful for Nic, a newly-enrolled member of the RAF Reserves, who is eager to give back to those who have served and sacrificed. 

“Joining the RAF Reserves has deepened my respect for the armed forces,” he said. “the Royal British Legion does incredible work supporting veterans and their families, and this challenge is my way of giving something back.”

The pair have already made a good start towards their £500 goal, with hopes of far surpassing that target by the time they complete the hike. Supporters can follow their journey and contribute via their JustGiving page.

The Royal British Legion, founded in 1921, provides lifelong support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces and their families. Donations raised through efforts like this help fund vital services ranging from mental health support to emergency financial aid.

* For more information or to donate, visit: justgiving.com/page/nic-and-jake-3000s

Bird flu protection zone set up in Glyn Ceiriog, says BBC

BBC Wales is reporting this morning that protection zones have been put in place in two areas of Wales - including Glyn Ceiriog - where there are confirmed cases of bird flu.

* For the full story, see: https://share.google/TH1BWkba0NoNRyujO