Welsh-language Christmas trains return to Llangollen Railway

* Sion Corn is ready to greet the Santa Specials on Llangollen Railway.  

Families are invited to climb aboard a magical festive journey this December as Llangollen Railway once again runs its popular Sion Corn - Tren Arbennig (Santa Special) services. 

Running on a beautifully restored heritage railcar, the trains will travel from Corwen to Llangollen on December 5, 12 and 19, with departures at 10.00am and 12.20pm.

 

Tickets are £12 per person, with each child ticket including a special gift from Sion Corn, who meets each child personally during the journey and spreads festive cheer in the heated comfort of our cosy carriages.

 

Sion Corn is a cherished part of Welsh Christmas folklore. Meaning Chimney John, Sion Corn is the Welsh counterpart to Santa Claus - a friendly, story-telling figure who brings warmth and community spirit to the season. Llangollen Railway’s special trains celebrate this unique Welsh heritage, helping families experience the magic of Christmas in their own language.

 

The service is perfect for group trips, home-educated children, and younger families, as it runs during term time and offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong Welsh flavour.

 

Bookings can be made directly through the Llangollen Railway office by calling 01978 860979 (Mon–Fri, 9.30am–4.30pm) or emailing info@llangollen-railway.co.uk

 

Ian Lebbon, Director of the Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Marking this Welsh language Christmas tradition is so important to us at Llangollen Railway. The Sion Corn trains bring communities together to celebrate the season in a way that’s uniquely Welsh – full of warmth, community, and pride in our heritage. We’re delighted to offer this magical experience once again and look forward to welcoming everyone aboard.”

 

* For more information, visit www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Forthcoming community events in Llangollen area

The following events and activities are happening in the Pengwern Community and Llangollen area in November and December:

Details of Llangollen's Remembrance commemorations

* Last year's Remembrance Sunday service in Centenary Square. 

Llangollen Town Council will hold the annual Remembrance Sunday Service on November 9 on Centenary Square. 

As usual the parade will muster on Market Street at 10.30am. The Service of Remembrance will start at 10.55 am at the War Memorial.

At 10.45am on Armistice Day, Tuesday November 11, there will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial organised by the Llangollen Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Volunteer fair planned for railway this week

 

* To book, go to: DVSC Llangollen Volunteer Fair - Stall Holders Tickets, Sat 8 Nov 2025 at 11:30 | Eventbrite

Fund aims to boost Denbighshire voluntary organisations

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) has relaunched its Key Fund which aims to increase the sustainability and resilience of third sector organisations across the county.

The initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which supports the government’s five national missions, including empowering local communities, kickstarting economic growth, and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.

Supported by Denbighshire County Council, this year’s Key Fund has seen strong demand, with 99 applications submitted from a diverse range of organisations and community groups across the county.

Following a rigorous assessment process, 45 applicants were successful, securing vital funding to strengthen their operations. In total, DVSC’s 2025 Key Fund has awarded £212,114 in Capital grants and a further £633,906 in Revenue grants.

These grants are designed to help ensure the resilience and long-term sustainability of Denbighshire’s third sector organisations, many of which deliver essential services to local people.

The Key Fund is a central part of DVSC’s wider work under the UKSPF programme, which runs until 31 March 2026. Alongside grant funding, DVSC is delivering a broad package of support including:

• Free training sessions, masterclasses, and workshops
• A GROW support programme to strengthen governance and strategic planning
• An exciting mentoring programme, matching senior professionals from the corporate and public sectors with third sector groups seeking targeted support

Tom Barham, Chief Officer of the Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) said: “We are delighted to relaunch the Key Fund and to see such strong interest from organisations across Denbighshire. The funding and support available through this programme will help strengthen the resilience of our third sector, enabling groups to grow, adapt, and continue providing vital services for our communities.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “It’s fantastic that so many third sector organisations who deliver such vital services to the County can be supported through the relaunch of the Key Fund as well as other services that the DVSC provide. This is a great example of the strong partnership working that exists between the Council and the voluntary sector, through DVSC”.

The Key Fund represents DVSC’s commitment to empowering local organisations, building stronger communities, and ensuring that the third sector in Denbighshire is equipped to thrive in the years ahead.

Plan for flats at the Royal approved by county councillors

* A plan for the creation of eight apartments at The Royal Hotel has been approved.

An application to extend and alter part of the Grade II Listed Royal Hotel to create eight self-contained flats, including parking, was approved by the county planning committee at its meeting this morning (Wednesday).

The scheme, put forward by Mat Jones of Mavi Royal Ltd, retains the frontage of the building onto Bridge Street, and creates a contemporary extension to the rear.

Recommending that it should be granted an officer’s report says: “The proposal has been designed to complement the physical features of the building that justify its listing and contribute to its historic significance.

“The proposals involve the demolition of some historic fabric to facilitate the alterations and extensions, however, these are from the later additions.

“The Heritage Impact Assessment sets out how works have been carefully designed to protect the integrity of the building whilst carrying out necessary works in carefully selected locations.

“It is considered that the proposal has been designed to complement the intrinsic architectural or historic interest of the building as well as its setting within the Conservation Area and in proximity to other important listed/scheduled features such as the Bridge.

“It is proposed that all works to the historic fabric are to be done under watching brief so that any historic fabric can be examined, understood and recorded.

“The extent to which the proposed works would bring substantial community benefits for example, by contributing to the area’s economy or the enhancement of its local environment.”

The Royal closed in 2019 and in 2022 the site was granted planning permission for the renovation of the existing hotel, 15 apartments on the current application site plus spa facilities.

The latest planning submission advised the committee that the original £4.7 million project has escalated to over £6.4 million due to rising construction and energy costs, interest rate increases, and fundamental shifts in the hospitality sector since 2020.

In response, the applicant has revised the scheme — based on market testing, financial modelling, and lender requirements — to ensure it remains “viable, fundable, and deliverable”.

Speaking in support of the application, Mat Jones told the committee that the Royal, which he described as “a large and significant building,”  had fallen into disrepair, adding that the proposed apartments were “not a compromise” and would make the restoration of the hotel viable.

He stressed: “Without it the Royal will fall into further disrepair.”

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, who is a member of the planning committee, said: “I agree with what the applicant has said. I welcome the investment and propose that it is granted subject to conditions.”

The plan was approved by members as was an associated application for Listed Building Consent for the scheme.

Mazda6e - good car but shame about its daunting touchscreen

Mazda6e launch drive by Steve Rogers

This is a big moment for Mazda because at last the Japanese company has produced a serious electric car… with a little help from the Chinese.

Mazda gave us the low range electric MX30 as far back as 2021 but since then seems to have been trading water concentrating on super efficient petrol and diesel hybrids while rivals have been churning out electric models like no tomorrow.

If the MX30 is a cute short journey runaround then there can be no doubt the Maz6e is a full blown five door hatchback to get the company’s electric programme up and running in earnest, and we were assured there are more in the pipeline.

But what of the connection to China? Mazda has a long standing partnership with Changan, hardly a familiar name here but a big player with the wherewithal to build electric cars. The 6e bears a striking resemblance to the company’s Deepal SL03 but let’s park that.

Whatever its origins the new model looks for all the world the next generation Mazda6. Like its predecessor it is stunning from nose to tail. The frontal design is spectacular with the traditional grille flanked each side by a fluttering display of daylight running lights. During charging the DRLs light up gradually until the job is done.

Along the side there are pop out door handles, frameless windows and a coupe roofline topped with a retractable spoiler that’s deployed automatically at 56mph.

We were driving Swiss registered left hand drive models as a taster because the car will not reach our shores until next summer. In Europe it is selling for 45,000 euros which on the current exchange rate would drop it below the magic £40k mark but we will have to wait and see.

The rear wheel drive 6e comes with either a 68.8kWh or 80kWh battery which throws up a strange anomaly. The lithium lower powered unit is the more powerful (258bhp) and charges to 80 per cent in 22 minutes while the larger nickel battery (245bhp) takes 47 minutes to reach the same level of charge for a gain of 46 miles.

It is all down to the lithium-ion unit’s ability to take a 165kW charge against 90kW for the nickel unit. The ranges are 299 and 345 miles respectively.

It is inside the car where things get really interesting - Chinese technology meets Japanese craftsmanship. My first thought was the similarity with the Chinese BYD Seal, my car of the year in 2023, huge central touchscreen, no switches.

But the ambience of the interior is classic Mazda mirroring the sumptuous CX-60 and CX-80. It is a lovely, soothing place to be… until you have to take on the touchscreen.

A teenager, young city slicker or anyone who lives with a smartphone glued to their ear will have this sussed in no time. Think of everything you can do with a smartphone then triple it, or even quadruple it!

I had a 10 minute personal tutorial before taking a two hour drive and tried to take in the countless themes and menus but failed miserably. In the end I resorted to voice control to change the radio station, it will do just about anything provided you use the right terminology. The saving grace was the permanent display at the base of the screen for heating controls. Short cut keys can be used to customise the screen and to a limited extent through buttons on the steering wheel. It was all too much for me but I suppose in time I could get the hang of most of it.

The driver display is typically Chinese, a smaller rectangular screen which is overcrowded with bits of information, although the large head up display, which Mazda has championed for years, is excellent.

By the time the car reaches the UK some changes are likely to be made and I hope it involves the ride which is very unlike Mazda. We have become used to sporty yet settled; this car’s ride is too fidgety so some fine tuning is needed to satisfy us Brits.

Like all electric cars performance is brisk but does not light up the acceleration charts.

So what do we think? From the outside a car with an elegant silhouette, a beautifully crafted interior, reasonably roomy with a good sized boot and a useful storage box under the bonnet.

It can take on the Chinese invaders but it will not be an easy ride.

Fast facts

Mazda 6e Takumi Plus

£40-£45,000 (estimate)

Battery: 80kWh; 245bhp

Range: 345 miles

Max charge: 90kW

0-62mph 7.6secs; 109mph

Emissions: zero

Boot: 466-1074 litres

Trunk: 72 litres

Wild Pheasant's hotel group aims to create 100 jobs using AI

* Everbright Group Hotels Operations Director Darryl Shaw, Operations Manager Nic Rowland Operations Manager and Managing Director Lei Ma. Picture by Mandy Jones

A hotel group celebrating its 10^th anniversary and investing in the power of artificial intelligence to drive growth and create 100 new jobs.

The Everbright Group, which operates the Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa in Llangollen, says using AI is enabling them to significantly reduce costs and provide a better, more personal service for guests.

At the same time, the company is also looking to use their bespoke technology to expand further by taking over the management of other hotels under contract for their owners.

The Everbright story started in 2015 when it took over the Rossett Hall Hotel in Rossett, near Wrexham. Since then it has also added the Llandudno Bay Hotel and the Belmont Hotel in Llandudno and the Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa, along with Stonecross Manor in Kendal in the Lake District and The George Hotel in Penrith to its portfolio.

Around 300 people are currently employed across all the sites and Managing Director Lei Ma says they’re expecting staff numbers to rise to approximately 400 over the next few years.

Everbright has also won a string of awards for its pioneering approach to cutting carbon which was piloted at the Llandudno Bay Hotel.

The initiative will achieve an 84 per cent reduction in the hotel’s carbon footprint and see energy bills being slashed from £300,000 to just over £90,000.

The green revolution is now being rolled out across the whole group.

In the meantime, Mr Ma says harnessing the potential of AI will make their operation more efficient, saving money and enhancing the quality of the service for guests at the same time.

He said: “Currently, we use external providers to support our property management systems but we have realised that by creating a central, digital platform, using the benefits that  AI brings, we can make everything work together.

“Previously, for example, it would take our accounting team a week or two to collate all the financial figures for the group at the month end – occupancy, revenue and costs – which is an un-necessary delay.

“Now, by digitalising our systems and using AI supported software, we’ve made the process much faster and more accurate, allowing us to abstract information in real-time.

“By integrating all the information across the different aspects of the operation into one platform, gives us accurate analysis which enables us to make better decisions more quickly. That also saves money.

“It is also helping in other areas like staff training and inductions for new employees as the software can be tailored to suit the different roles that employees can undertake.

“Most importantly, it’s going to help us to improve the guest experience which is at the heart of everything we do.

“It will give us the information to reassure us that everything is being done to deliver our business vision, so we can provide the best possible service for our guests from the time when they start searching for the hotel online to when they arrive, during their stay and until their departure.

“It sounds counter-intuitive when we’re using AI but essentially we’re create a better, more personal service.

According to Everbright, the introduction of the new tech is going to enable the group to continue to grow.

The plan is to continue to improve how they the run their own hotels and operate other hotel businesses on the behalf of the property owners.

Operations Director Darryl Shaw said: “We can help other small to medium sized businesses to operate their hotels more efficiently and more cost-effectively, making them more profitable. They can benefit from our hard work in developing the software and our investment in green energy.

“The savings we generate can be invested in making the hotels more energy efficient which in turn will lead to greater savings and profitability by creating a virtuous circle to enable other hotels to reap the benefits of the successful business model we have created.”

Mr Shaw added: “Looking back, I have always congratulated Lei on the way he protected the team during the pandemic when a lot of businesses let staff go. It was a difficult decision to make but it meant that we came out of the Covid pandemic trading on full throttle. It’s been a great 10 years and we are excited about the huge potential for future growth.

“We’re very lucky to have a brilliant team and that will stand us in good stead as we continue to expand. In every area we operate, we are boosting the local economies so it’s good news all round.”

MP welcomes new £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy

* Becky Gittins MP.

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins has welcomed the Labour Government’s new £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy, which it says is the biggest renewal of military housing in more than half a century. 

The landmark plan will see nine in ten military homes across the UK upgraded or rebuilt, including hundreds here in Wales, where more than 800 service family homes are set for major improvements.

 

The government says the new Defence Housing Service will put service families first, ensuring that those who serve our country are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

The strategy also aims to unlock thousands of new homes on surplus Defence land, helping to deliver new affordable homes for veterans, military personnel and civilian families across the UK.

 

Becky Gittins said: “The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces — and their families — make huge sacrifices to keep us safe. The very least they deserve is a warm, safe home they can be proud of.

"For too long, families in military accommodation were let down by years of neglect and a botched Tory privatisation deal that left homes to crumble while private landlords cashed in.

This Labour Government is putting that right. We’ve brought military housing back into public ownership, we’re investing billions to fix and modernise homes, and we’re delivering homes fit for our heroes.”

 

Earlier this year, the Labour Government brought 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, saving taxpayers around £600,000 every day — money that is now being reinvested directly into upgrading and rebuilding homes for forces families.

 

Across Wales, service family homes — including those connected to North Wales bases — will benefit from this investment, alongside opportunities to deliver new housing on surplus Defence land, says the government.

 

The local MP added: “As the MP for Clwyd East, I’m proud to back a plan that recognises the vital contribution that Welsh service families make.

"Whether it’s those serving locally or the many veterans who’ve chosen to make North Wales their home, this investment will deliver better housing, stronger communities, and the respect our Armed Forces community has earned. At this time of year, as we prepare to mark Remembrance, it’s more important than ever that we honour those who’ve served — not just with words, but with action.”

 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Our British forces personnel and our veterans fulfil the ultimate public service. The very least they deserve is a decent home.

"This new strategy will embed a ‘Forces First’ approach that tells our forces, our veterans and their families: we are on your side.”

National Park consultation event now to be held in Llangollen

Natural Resources Wales has announced that a local public consultation event has been added on the proposed new National Park, which includes Llangollen.

They say: "There will be a drop-in event on Wales’s proposed new National Park at Llangollen Town Hall. Tuesday 18 November 2025 4pm – 7pm. All welcome!

"Drop by at an in-person event, come along to a public meeting, or email us at: designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk to sign up to an online event."

This announcement of an extra date follows criticism, reported by llanblogger, that no consultation event was to be held in Llangollen, which would be a key area within the proposed park. 

* For information on the consultation, go to: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/proposed-national-park-statutory-consultation-2025/?fbclid=IwVERDUAN2pEdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHiABLO7pKhBAbJRRnVm-P2heIDStupjAqCYu_cCGXglPehPT84crw1yQgLzP_aem_jUOH_i0nM__BMYD41_AyEg 

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

OUTSITE HOLLYTOPS, FRON BACHE, 05/11/2025 - 07/11/2025, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JCT VICARAGE LANE/WILLOW STREET, 03/12/2025 - 04/12/2025, Torri Coed / Tree Cutting KTL CONTRACTING LTD

OUTSIDE NUMBER 40 MARKET STREET, 17/11/2025 - 19/11/2025, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

From Castle Street to Greenfield, MARKET STREET, 29/11/2025 - 29/11/2025, Ffair Nadolig / Christmas Fair, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Brook Street, Llangollen, BROOK STREET, 03/11/2025 - 27/03/2026, Active Travel Improvements from the A5 up Brook Street, towards Ysgol Bryn Collen / Y Gwernant, DCC TRAFFIC SECTION (BECK LLANGOLLEN) Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights.

Cycling trio fight off colds as they head deep inside Turkey

* Out of Istanbul and into the Turkish countryside.

It was chesty colds all round last week for the three Llangollen area lads making their way overland by bike to Thailand.

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 this summer.

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. 

We last looked in on them as they reached Istanbul and decided to take a few days' well-earned rest in the bustling Turkish capital.

They had contemplated trying to get tickets for the Galatasaray match which was on but were warned off by a local who said it was too dangerous for foreigners to try to buy them.

However, there was time to take a look a the famous Blue Mosque after being earlier turned away because they were wearing only shorts and t-shirts.  

It was soon time to hit the road again and continue striking out into the expanse of the Turkish countryside, battling their way through lots of rain - and starting to feel the first affects of the cold they had all picked up, which came with coughs and sore throats.

Luckily the weather turned warm and dry again but there was more bike trouble for Dyf which took three hours for the local repair shop to fix for him before it was back in the saddle.    

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

Railway will pay its own tribute to fallen on Remembrance Day

* The loco with its Remembrance headboard.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will pay its respects this Remembrance Sunday (November 9) by pausing its first service of the day to allow staff, volunteers, and visitors to attend local services of Remembrance. 

Veterans, serving personnel and cadets are invited to travel free on the day. 

The railway counts multiple veterans amongst its volunteers and Remembrance Sunday will see services steam-hauled using 1938-built Collett 2884 Class 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive No 3802, which will carry a special ‘The Remembrance’ headboard for the day.

As a mark of respect, the 10am service from Llangollen and the 11:05am from Corwen will not run.

Services will resume with trains departing Llangollen to Corwen at 12.20pm and 3.15pm, returning from Corwen at 1.45pm and 4.20pm respectively. 

These journeys will form part of the railway’s special Remembrance Trains, giving visitors the chance to reflect and remember as they travel through the beautiful Dee Valley. 

To mark the occasion, the locomotive will carry a special headboard displaying “The Remembrance”, in tribute to those who have served and sacrificed so much.

 

In recognition of the contribution and bravery of the Armed Forces, veterans, serving personnel and cadets are invited to travel free of charge on Remembrance Sunday. 

Passengers simply need to bring a form of ID, medals, or attend in uniform to receive complimentary travel. They are advised to get their tickets from either Corwen or Llangollen Ticket Offices on Remembrance Sunday.

 

Charlie Brook, ex-Royal Navy Leading Stores Accountant (LSA) and Steam Driver at Llangollen and Corwen Railway said: “Remembrance Sunday is a time to pause and reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and service of those who came before us. As a heritage railway with deep local roots, we are proud to honour those who have served and continue to serve our country. 

"Many former members of the armed forces went on to work on Britain’s railways, continuing a proud tradition of service, discipline, and dedication. We warmly invite veterans, serving personnel, and cadets to join us for a special journey of remembrance aboard The Remembrance, a chance to travel together in reflection and gratitude. During the day, we will also be collecting for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal to support the vital work they do for our veterans and their families.”

* The famous soldiers' graffiti in the Berwyn Station underpass.

 

Terry Pickthall, LR Press Officer & Volunteer, said: “We look forward to celebrating this important and reflective occasion with both veterans and the local community. 

"The underpass beneath the railway at Berwyn station down to the Chain Bridge is especially poignant as many of the tiles that line it are inscribed with graffiti from people who were on their way to serve in both World Wars. 

"This includes an inscription by Albert Candy, whose name can be found on the War Memorial in Llangollen (incorrectly identified as Alfred). After leaving Wales to join the Royal Artillery, Albert was posted to France. On 17^th April 1917, whilst serving at “D” Battery, 285 Brigade, Albert was killed. He never returned to Wales and is buried at plot 4, Row D, Grave 14 in Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, Morbecque, Northern France. 

"That is just one story to reflect on as we thank Allbert and the millions of others who have made the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflict for the freedom we all enjoy today."