Elderly czar says older people face 'significant' barriers in everyday life

Significant inequalities are impacting on the health, well-being and independence of many older people across Wales, creating barriers in their everyday lives and limiting opportunities to live and age well.

That’s the key finding from a new report published today by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, marking a year since she took on the role.

The report – Growing older in Wales: A snapshot of older people’s experiences – examines available data and research, tracking trends over time where possible, to provide a snapshot of people’s experiences of growing older across key areas of their lives.

The report finds that while later life is a time of fulfilment and empowerment for many older people, others find themselves facing a range of issues and challenges that put them at greater risk of being left behind or excluded.

This is reflected by a number of findings within the report, including:

• Two-thirds of older people struggle to get a GP appointment
• Levels of dissatisfaction with social care services are higher in Wales compared to other parts of the UK
• Around a third of people aged 75+ have no access to the internet
• Around a third of older people feel unsafe walking or travelling in their local area, or using public transport
• Older people are at greater risk of experiencing some form of abuse than people from other age groups
• Older people face significant discrimination relating to employment
• Older people’s vital contribution as employees, volunteers and care providers – worth billions of pounds a year to the Welsh economy – often goes unrecognised

 

The report also highlights data that illustrates the ways these kinds of issues are impacting upon people’s health and well-being.

This includes data that shows that people living in Wales’s poorest areas can expect to live in poor health for almost a decade longer than those living in more affluent areas.

Similarly, the report shows that these kinds of issues also seem to be impacting on older people’s mental and emotional health, with nearly a third saying this was something they have struggled with during the past 12 months.

The Commissioner will be sharing the report with the Welsh Government and other key public bodies, highlighting the action needed to respond to the issues identified, and will use the important evidence captured to support her calls for change and improvements.

Rhian Bowen-Davies said: “Today marks a year since I took up post as Commissioner, which provides a good opportunity to examine people’s experiences of growing older in Wales, the issues and challenges affecting older people’s lives and the action needed to address these.

“That’s why I’m publishing this report today, which brings together a wide range of data and other research to provide a snapshot of older people’s experiences in key areas of their lives.

“It’s positive that the data within the report shows that many older people feel fulfilled, empowered, and are able to do the things that matter to them.

“Other older people, however, face significant inequalities, leading to issues and challenges that create barriers to living and ageing well. This can affect many areas of people’s lives, including access to services and support, feelings of safety and being treated fairly by society.

“As highlighted by the report, these issues undermine people’s health, well-being and independence, all of which play a key role in our quality of life as we grow older.

“I will be sharing my findings with the Welsh Government and key public bodies, setting out the action that must be taken to tackle the issues I have identified, and calling for the change and improvements older people want and need to see.”

Thailand-bound trio stop for video chat with their old school

* The lads enjoy a Serbian family barbecue.

A couple of the Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand stopped to give an online update to children at their old school as they headed across Serbia last week.

As part of a travelling theme a Ysgol Y Gwerant the pupils took part in a video call with the pair who updated them on their progress and answered some questions about what their mammoth trek has been like so far.

Known collectively as The Westheads, Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

Day 51 off the journey saw the lads enjoying a barbecue with a local Serbian family before they were back in the saddles and heading for the capital city of Belgrade in the intense heat.

Once in the city there was a shopping trip which saw them purchase a surprise gift for James. It was a smart new pair of trainers to replace the flip-flops he had been wearing since his previous pair gave up the ghost along the way.

Day 56 saw the intrepid trio leaving Belgrade behind, only to run into more bike trouble for a couple of them, which they stopped to have fixed before pushing on.

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Eisteddfod puts out call for UK-based international talent

* One of the buzzing outside stages at this year's Eisteddfod.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is inviting UK-based international artists to perform at its 2026 festival, which will take place from July 7–12.

Since its founding in 1947, the festival has welcomed thousands of musicians, singers, and dancers from every continent – from a young Luciano Pavarotti to grassroots ensembles bringing the sounds and rhythms of their homelands to the Welsh hills.

Organisers are now issuing a rallying call to international artists living in the UK.

 “Our mission has always been to bring the world to Wales and create a space where cultures connect through music and movement,” said Dave Danford, the Eisteddfod's artistic director. 

“In 2026, we’re particularly keen to showcase the incredible diversity of international artists living and working here in the UK. If you have something unique, fresh, and inspiring to share, we want to hear from you.”

The 2026 Eisteddfod promises a dazzling line-up, with performances across multiple stages. Audiences can expect everything from traditional folk and global dance to contemporary fusion, jazz, and experimental collaborations.

Who Should Apply?

The Eisteddfod is seeking applications from:

• Solo musicians and vocalists
• Choirs and vocal ensembles
• Dance groups of all styles
• Cross-cultural and experimental acts blending traditions

If your art form can move, excite, or inspire, the Eisteddfod wants to hear from you, adds Dave Danford.

How to Apply

Artists can apply by completing the official application form here: https://forms.gle/GN7uvyHtBR3AGef8A

Applications close on October 31 with successful applicants contacted before Christmas.

* For more information about the festival’s rich history and vibrant future, please visit Llangollen.net

Llangollen churches extend invitation to everyone

Llangollen churches have extended a welcome to people to come and join them.

Cytun - Churches Together in Llangollen - says: "All our churches are ready to welcome people from the town, especially newcomers and also visitors, to any of our services or activities, which are many and varied.

"To find out more about ways to be involved in our church community, contact us online."

Contact details are:

* St Collen's (Anglican) www.stcollenschurch.org.uk

* St Tysilio's Church - see website for St Collen's Church

* St John's Church - see website for St Collen's Church 

* Llangollen Methodist Church www.llangollenmethodist.org.uk

* Church of the Holy Cross (Roman Catholic) www.rcdwxm.org.uk/llangollen

* City Church, Brook Street www.citychurchllangollen.org.uk

* Glanrafon Evangelical Church www.llangollenevangelicalchurch.com/

* Seion Chapel (Welsh language) Welsh medium chapel

Update on £6.8m project to improve the River Dee

For World Rivers Day, which takes place today (Sunday), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has given details of the £6.8 million LIFE Dee River project.

From its headwaters in the uplands of Eryri (Snowdonia), the Dee descends via Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales. 

After flowing through a broad valley to Corwen, it tumbles eastwards through the spectacular Vale of Llangollen, under the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site, before breaching the Welsh foothills near Bangor-on-Dee, and meandering northwards through the Cheshire plain to its tidal limit just below Chester.

The main uses of the Dee are farming, predominantly cattle and sheep grazing; water abstraction for water supply for 2.5m people, tourism including recreational angling, canoeing and navigation; and nature conservation.

The LIFE Dee River project aims to bring many benefits to the environment, most notably improving the numbers of salmon, lamprey and freshwater pearl mussels to help them become more sustainable in future.

So far the project, which is funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from Welsh Government, has worked with farmers to install 26 miles (42 km) of fencing which has created thriving riverside corridors that have been planted with 20,000 trees.

It has also improved in-river habitat by introducing 3,090 tonnes of boulders and 5,330 tonnes of gravel, and removed or adapted 10 barriers to improve fish migration.

Action taken includes:

• Removing the constraints to fish migration and wider ecological connectivity

• Restoring or improving natural riverine physical processes, features and habitats in at least 55 km of river

• Improving agricultural and forestry land management practices to reduce the input of nutrients and sediment entering the SAC

• Initiating conservation management for the critically-endangered freshwater pearl mussel

• Establishing and building long-term positive relationships with key stakeholders during and beyond the life of the project

Progress to date:

• 15,000 trees planted alongside the river
• 730 metres of natural bank stabilisation
• 4,250 tonnes of gravel introduced into the river
• 36 kilometres of fencing erected to create riverside corridors
• 1,000 tonnes of boulders reintroduced into the river
• 7 barriers removed or adapted to help fish migration

NRW says: "The communities living along the River Dee will be at the heart of the project. We will work closely with local people to ensure they understand the biological, social and economic value of the habitats and species, the river and the SAC in terms of their historic and present-day importance.

"Our hope is that people will feel a greater sense of community ownership and responsibility for the Dee and ensure the project’s legacy continues for years to come. We will be encouraging people to get involved as much as possible by holding over 50 events during the project’s lifetime including river walks and talks, workshops, open days and a schools hatchery programme."

* To find out more about the project, go to: LIFE Dee River 

MS calls on people to support Llangollen Food Festival

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling on his constituents across the region to back next month's Llangollen Food Festival.

Mr Rowlands, Chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism,  said: “Everybody knows I am a big supporter of promoting tourism in North Wales and I am always delighted to see the return of this extremely popular food festival which brings thousands of food lovers to the area.

 

“The highly successful Llangollen Food Festival returns to the area on October 11 and 12 with chef demonstrations, tastings and live music on the day.

 

“It is fantastic to see North Wales hosting this again as it is a great opportunity not only to bring communities together but it gives local producers a chance to show their wares to the public and visitors alike.

 

“As chair of the Welsh Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, I believe they are a great way to promote our towns as tourist destinations on North Wales and encourages more visitors who spend money to help the local economy.”

 

The Llangollen Food Festival, which also offer live music throughout days, is held across several venues in the town over the weekend of October 11 and 12 from 10-5pm and features over 80 stalls.

Venues include:

Gales Wine Bar

Town Hall

Silver Band Rooms

Market Street

Riverside Park

Llangollen Railway

And new for this year… Blas Cookery & Wine School

 

Pavarotti's 1995 Llangollen concert to be released on disc

Three decades after it was recorded one of the most iconic voices in music history returns to captivate audiences with the release by Mercury Studios of "Pavarotti: The Lost Concert – Live at Llangollen 1995" on November 21.

This remarkable and previously unreleased performance by the legendary Luciano Pavarotti, recorded at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 1995, will finally be available to fans on Blu-ray disc. 

Keeping a long-held promise, Luciano Pavarotti returned to Llangollen in 1995 to give a special gala concert at the International Musical Eisteddfod 40 years after winning a singing competition as part of a choir from his hometown of Modena that changed the course of his life in 1955.

This historic concert captures Pavarotti, at the height of his powers, performing with the BBC Philharmonic, soprano Atzuko Kawahara and Corale Rossini, offering a rare glimpse into an unforgettable evening of music, passion, and artistry.

This year marks what would have been the maestro's 90th birthday on October 12 and to honour this milestone, Decca Records is spearheading PAVAROTTI 90, a worldwide tribute celebrating the tenor's unmatched contribution to classical music, his international appeal, and his legacy of bringing opera to the masses.

They will release this concert in full, alongside two never-before heard tracks from 1955 – the earliest known recordings of his voice aged just 19.

Decca will release, on the same day, the audio component of The Lost Concert: Live from Llangollen 1995. The recording has been mastered with the latest technology and comes with a 100-page collector's book filled with essays, photographs, and archive material. 

It also includes two original 1955 recordings of the Corale Rossini, Bonjour mon coeur and In Nomine Jesu, believed to be the earliest surviving audio featuring Pavarotti's voice, as well as a rare interview where he recalls his first visit to Wales.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Nicoletta Mantovani, Pavarotti's widow, who visited this year's Eisteddfod, said: "It was the beginning of everything. Luciano often said that without Llangollen, there would have been no career."

Our Future public consultation is today and tomorrow

 

Local MP welcomes major clean-energy project for region

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins (pictured) has welcomed a major clean-energy investment which will create hundreds of skilled jobs and help cut carbon emissions in North Wales.  

Two world-leading carbon capture projects – including the UK’s first carbon-capture-enabled cement plant at Padeswood in Flintshire – have signed final contracts with government, unlocking construction and securing 500 clean-energy jobs across North Wales and the North West.  

Backed by £9.4 billion of UK Government investment in carbon capture, the Padeswood project will remove around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ every year, protecting skilled manufacturing jobs and helping to keep British cement competitive as the UK moves to net zero. 

Becky Gittins said: “This is a huge boost for Flintshire and the wider Clwyd East economy. Padeswood will not only cut emissions on an unprecedented scale but will secure and create the kind of high-quality, long-term jobs our communities deserve. 

“North Wales has the expertise and ambition to lead the clean energy revolution – and today’s announcement proves it.” 

The Padeswood plant, developed by Heidelberg Materials UK, will be one of the first anchor projects within the HyNet carbon capture network, which will safely transport and store captured CO₂ under Liverpool Bay. Together with a sister project at Protos in Ellesmere Port, the two sites will remove 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, supporting 2,800 jobs across the wider HyNet cluster. 

Ms Gittins added: “This is a clear sign that the UK’s transition to net zero can go hand-in-hand with the creation of good quality jobs and industrial growth right here in North Wales.” 

 

Community transport social outings October to December.

Here are the South Denbighshire Community Partnership community transport social outings for Llangollen between October and December.  

Bookings open three weeks before each trip so bookings cannot be taken earlier. 

You will also need to be a registered member with SDCP and have paid a £10 membership fee to use its Community Transport for the year. 

Llangollen seller puts rare 50p coin up for sale online

The Rhyl Journal has a story about a rare 50p coin expected to fetch more than £4,000 after being listed for sale online by a Llangollen seller.

* For the full story, go to: Denbighshire seller lists rare coin on eBay for over £4,000 | Rhyl Journal 

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

Cyffordd / Jct Grange Road BACHE MILL ROAD 06/10/2025 26/10/2025 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works

OPP 10 Regent Street JNC QUEEN STREET AND CHURCH STREET Llangollen LL2 BROOK STREET 15/09/2025 02/10/2025 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure 

Junction of Chapel Street and Regent Street CHAPEL STREET 06/10/2025 25/10/2025 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works GTC LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure 

MS highlights devastating impact of migraine

In Migraine Awareness Week, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has highlighted the devastating impact of this neurological condition on those affected and referred to research which highlights the disadvantages faced by people with migraine in the workplace.

Mr Isherwood raised the matter in yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament when calling for a Welsh Government Statement on support for people with migraine in the workplace.   

He said: “This week is Migraine Awareness Week. Migraine is widely misunderstood as ‘just a headache’, yet it is a serious neurological condition causing debilitating pain, visual disturbances and nausea, affecting one in seven people in Wales - nearly half a million individuals.

“Research released this week by the Migraine Trust, 'Challenging Stigma: the urgent need to improve workplace support for people with migraine', highlights the shocking disadvantages faced by people with migraine in the workplace.

“Findings show that 60 per cent of employers would hesitate to hire a qualified candidate with migraine. Additionally, 15 per cent of sufferers have had to move from full-time to part-time work, and 19 per cent have been forced to leave employment entirely, at significant cost to the economy, a situation, I'm sure you'll agree, that is both sad and unnecessary.

“Straightforward, low-cost adaptations and a change in workplace culture can be transformative for many people with migraine and their ability to work. 

“I urge all Members of the Senedd to support the Migraine Trust in raising awareness and improving understanding of this important issue, and I call for a Statement from the Welsh Government accordingly.

Responding, the Trefnydd, Jane Hutt MS, thanked Mr Isherwood for raising “a very important topic” and said the Welsh Government “recognise the debilitating effects of migraines”.

She added:  “We continue to work with the NHS to improve care services and access to services. It's Migraine Awareness Week, and it's important, and we've all heard how we should address this in the workplace as well. It's a chronic condition. We do have the all-Wales headache toolkit, which supports front-line clinical teams in diagnosing and planning care for people experiencing different types of headaches, including migraine. But also, as you drew attention to the workplace particularly, I will refer your question and your point to the Minister for Social Partnership in terms of our engagement with social partners.”

Britannia Inn goes on the market for £595,000

* The Britannia is is on the market. Picture: Sidney Phillips.

Wales Online has a story which says the Brittannia Inn on the Horseshoe Pass is up for sale for £595,000.

* For the full story, go to: Roadside Welsh pub built by monks in 14th century up for sale for first time in over 20 years - Wales Online

Museum to host talk on Llangollen Railway's 50th anniversary

This year marks a distinguished milestone in the history of the Llangollen Railway - the 50th anniversary of the moment it all began, when the first tentative steps were taken to revive a vanished line from the shadows of dereliction.

And at talk at Llangollen Museum tomorrow (Wednesday) will reflect on this historic achievement.

 

In September 1975, a small group of volunteers from the Flint and Deeside Railway Preservation Society arrived at what was then little more than a quiet car park on the site of the old Llangollen station. 

There was no fanfare, no certainty, and certainly no working railway. Just a vision. A belief that something precious could yet be recovered from the embers of closure. That belief, tempered by grit, goodwill, and no small quantity of grease, would become one of the great heritage restoration stories of our time.

 

In his illustrated talk entitled Steam in North Wales and the Border Counties, Peter Dickinson will tell the story of the trials, tribulations and ultimate success of the revival of the line between Llangollen and Berwyn in 1986, Deeside Halt in 1990, Glyndyfrdwy in 1993, Carrog in 1996, and finally Corwen East in 2014, with the crowning glory coming in June 2023, with the opening of Corwen Central.

 

He will then look at other standard gauge railways that operate in the area and take the audience on a nostalgic journey back to the 1950s and 1960s.

 

The talk is part of a series of events, and complements the exhibition about the Llangollen Heritage Railway that is currently on display in the Museum gallery.

 

The talk will be at Llangollen Museum on Wednesday September 24 at 7:00pm. Tickets will be £3 on the door, to include refreshments.