Llangollen's vicar helps create Church in Wales landmark

* Father Lee Taylor speaking in support of the bill at the Church in Wales Governing Body meeting in Llandudno.

The vicar of Llangollen has spoken of the significant part he played in the Church in Wales Governing Body voting to make permanent provision for church blessings for couples in same-sex civil marriages and civil partnerships.

Five years ago, after deciding that it was “pastorally unsustainable” for the Church to make no formal provision for those in committed same-sex relationships, the Governing Body yesterday (Thursday), meeting in Llandudno, approved a service of blessing for an experimental five-year period, which is due to come to an end in September this year.

Father Lee Taylor, priest-in-charge at St Collen's, said: "It’s a real landmark decision and I had the privilege of being a part of it by speaking in the debate and by being on the Select Committee to shape the new liturgy/service." 

Speaking in support of the bill, he said: "There’s a podcast called The Telepathy Tapes, exploring the experiences of non-speaking autistic people who communicate in alternative ways. In one part, someone was asked a simple but profound question: what is love? And the response was: ‘Love is anything that unifies.’

"Love is a unifying force. And this force, this power, this intelligence, this universal mind, we call God. God’s love does not diminish or separate… it unifies. I support this bill because it makes room for grace… for love. And it demonstrates that God is always at work where love, faithfulness and commitment are found.”

Over two days the Church's Governing Body debated a motion to make the provision permanent by incorporating a rite for the blessing of same-sex marriages and partnerships into the Book of Common Prayer

The measure needed a two thirds majority of each of the Orders which comprise the Governing Body: Bishops, Clergy and Laity.  All five Bishops voted in favour. The clergy voted 32 – 7 in favour, with 5 abstentions, and the laity 48 - 8 in favour, with 2 abstentions.

The Church in Wales does still not have provision to marry same-sex couples. However, in November 2025, after several months of careful listening exercises, the Bishops of the Church issued a pastoral letter noting that the process had shown a majority “in favour of the view that the time is right to offer equal marriage.”

Further proposals will duly be brought forward in April 2027 to allow the law of the state and of the Church to be changed to permit equal marriage in the Church in Wales.

Speaking about yesterday's vote, the Most Revd Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, said: “I want to thank everyone for the ways in which this debate was conducted – calmly, and with mutual respect. The Bench of Bishops and I recognise that this is an issue about which people hold strong convictions. We want everybody to be able to hold their views with integrity whilst not losing sight of the image of God that resides in all of us. We want to build a church that can make space for each other whatever our different perspectives.”

* You can read the proposed liturgy here, and the amendments proposed by members of the Governing Body here.

Decorated benches created by special Town Council project are installed

* One of the benches installed in Pengwern Valley Road.

Some of the dozen wooden benches meticulously etched with iconic images associated with Llangollen as part of a special Town Council project have been installed at various locations today (Thursday).

A group of dedicated community artists spent months decorating the benches using pyrography, which is the art of burning a design into the surface of the wood using a special tool.

The project was made possible thanks to a funding contribution from the Commuted Sums scheme and Llangollen Town Council partnered with The Little Learning Company to carry it out under the guidance of expert tutor, Dr Victoria Ward.

The beautiful work celebrates the local landscape, wildlife, landmarks, history and heritage and include depictions of St Collen's Church, the International Pavilion, a steam train at Llangollen Station, Plas Newydd, Pontysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Wharf, the Chainbridge and Llangollen town bridge.

* Another of the benches now in Maesmawr Road.

Others celebrate the library and Town Hall, music, theatre, dance, cinema and performance as well as reading and poetry. 

It is hoped that QR codes can be added to each bench so that people can map out a course to walk around town to admire them.

Of the 12 benches created, 11 replace ones the town council agreed to take over from Denbighshire County Council, one extra for between the Town Hall and library building, which represents the various users of both buildings celebrating reading, writing, dance, music, theatre, performing, and cinema, as well as the swifts nesting in the town hall.

Further benches are located at Wern Road, Donkey Hill, Upper Willow Hill, Fron Bache and the pathway between Berwyn station platform and the Chain Bridge.

The Town Council say they are keen to hear the community's thoughts on whether more benches in the area would be welcomed and, if so, suggested locations.

Members of the business community or individuals are also welcome to sponsor a bench. 

* Please address enquiries to deputytownclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk

A Town Council spokesperson said: "The response from the community so far has been fantastic, with people welcoming the replacement of old dilapidated or missing benches, but also for them to be so unique and special and representing with the pyrography is an added bonus.

"The Town Council would love for the benches to become a sort of treasure hunt, where people can enjoy walks to find all the benches and spot the hidden images on the bench legs."

Police boss hears concerns about town's anti-social behaviour

* PCC Andy Dunbobbin, centre, visits the Clwydian Butcher with PCSO Carl Joseph.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin recently visited Llangollen town centre to meet with local independent businesses and to view ongoing environmental improvements aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) and improving confidence within the local community.

He says the visit provided an opportunity for the PCC to listen directly to business and community concerns, reinforce his commitment to neighbourhood policing, and to highlight the importance of partnership working in creating safer, welcoming public spaces.

The PCC was accompanied by well-known local PCSO Carl Joseph, who introduced him to several independent shop owners across the town centre and shared local insight into the challenges and progress being made around ASB.

One shop owner, Chris Smith from Gifts from Wales, spoke about the impact of ASB near his premises and the effect it can have on both staff wellbeing and customer confidence and stressed the importance of a stronger police presence.

The PCC listened carefully to these concerns and agreed that increasing visibility and engagement from policing teams can play a key role in supporting businesses in popular tourist destinations such as Llangollen. He assured residents he would engage with relevant stakeholders on action to reduce ASB.

Key themes raised by businesses included:

• Concerns around shoplifting and ASB, particularly repeat incidents
• The importance of regular police visibility and reassurance patrols.
• The impacts of safety, cleanliness and the local environment on footfall and customer confidence

The PCC also took the chance to visit Robbo’s Café, and sampled some of the "best pies in Llangollen" at The Clwydian Butcher

The visit continued along the riverside and Riverside Park, where the PCC viewed ongoing works and recent environmental improvements.

Key observations and discussion points included the importance of maintaining spaces to remain welcoming, well-used and well cared for. 

PCSO Joseph also discussed the success of the Mini Golf Courses and an outdoor gym space among visitors and locals, both of which keep young people busy and help reduce ASB.

Carl added: “Showing the PCC around the town and speaking with businesses highlights how important visible leadership is. When policing, partners, and the PCC work together on the ground, it really helps us reduce antisocial behaviour and build confidence in the area.”

Speaking during the visit, Mr Dunbobbin said: “Being out in our town centres and speaking directly with the people who live, and work here is essential. Local businesses know their communities best, and it is important that their voices help shape local policing and community safety priorities.

“By listening to those experiences on the ground, we can make sure neighbourhood policing remains visible, responsive and focused on what really matters to local people.”

Resurfacing work planned for Brook Street and Pengwern next week

* The junction of Brook Street and the A5 where traffic lights will be sited.

Contractors Pronin will be carrying out resurfacing works on the A5 and up Brook Street/Pengwern from next Monday to Friday, April 20 – 24. 

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has been told that there will be two‑way traffic lights on the A5 (junction of Brook Street) and a road closure on Brook Street, a diversion route will be in place.  

The work will be completed in phases. They will be finishing off the resurfacing on the junction of the A5, then working their way up Brook Street.  

Chair tells prostate cancer support group to let its voice be heard

* Tony Collier, vice-chair of the charity Tackle Prostate Cancer, addresses the meeting in The Hand.

Members of Llangollen's Prostate Cancer Support Group should be speaking out to promote PSA screening on demand for men in the UK.

That was the strong message that came from their latest monthly meeting at The Hand Hotel yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening is a blood test that measures the level of protein produced by the prostate gland to help detect prostate cancer in men.

Widespread PSA screening is currently not recommended in the UK because the Government does not believe PSA is accurate enough to detect cancer that needs treatment. 

However, men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a test, even if they do not have symptoms. 

Llangollen support group - like many of its counterparts across the UK - says this stance is wrong and has decided to push for PSA screening as a matter of course..

Tony Collier, vice-chair of the charity Tackle Prostate Cancer, who was a guest speaker at yesterday's meeting, detailed his own cancer journey.

He described how he was diagnosed nine years ago, being told it was incurable and that he only had two to three years to live. 

He has survived so far with the help of treatment to become a passionate advocate for screening.

"I was told my own cancer had developed over 10 years and I was furious when I found out at the age of 60 that I had been eligible for a PSA test at 50 and that my cancer would have been curable if detected at an earlier stage," he said.

* Stuart Davies: "Our voices should be heard."

The group's chair, former Llangollen mayor Stuart Davies, who has also been a keen campaigner for widespread testing after his own prostate cancer battle, told the meeting: "We need voices like ours to be heard. We have got to say to the government: 'Come on, we want PSA testing on demand'.

"We are a group of 50-odd group of patients and we need to be making noises to the all-party Parliamentary group that is currently looking at this issue."

This group he referred to has over 100 members working together to highlight and champion improvements in policy towards better outcomes for men affected by prostate cancer.

The old Star will rise again as community hub, says new owner

* New owner David Anderson outside the Star Inn which his company is bringing back to life.

A former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil has promised to bring a once-popular empty pub in Llangollen back to life.

The Star on Queen Street has been closed and derelict for the past few years since the last landlord called time.

By late last year the large building, which stands alongside the town's fire station, had become an eyesore with broken windows and unlocked doors, until Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards had the property secured against vandals.

Now it's all change as David Anderson, who left Dinas Bran in 2000 and trained as an engineer before setting up a successful group of businesses based in Yorkshire, took over the building.

He says he plans to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with emphasis on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable.

David, who is originally from Cefn Mawr and served an engineering apprenticeship at Sharps Manufacturing in Llay, had a number of jobs in the area before moving to Doncaster where he is now based with his wife and two children.

He has since built up the successful Fess Group of companies, with branches working in the food industry and plant hire. One arm of the group is based in Poland. 

Also in the group is a property arm and from that has stemmed a new company named Star Inn (Llangollen) Ltd, which has taken over the pub.   

David said: "I actually used to drink at the Star in my younger days after playing in rugby matches, so I remember it well. When it came up for sale we decided to buy it and bring it back to life as a community pub or hub.

"When I come back to Llangollen these days there doesn't seem many places you can recognise from the past but the Star is one of them. The property element of the group is a real passion for me, so I wanted to put that to good use here.

"Our aim is to give it a real feel-good factor and we're keen to do everything right and to a high standard. The front of house will have a rustic feel about it but with a slightly modern twist. 

"However, we want to remind people of how the Star used to be and we're looking at depicting around the rooms any historical mentions it has had and old pictures it appears in."

David's company also plans to include five ensuite B&B bedrooms plus a kitchen to produce the breakfasts.

"Given the complexity of the building it's going to be a challenge technically to do this but we'll be taking everything back to brick to address any problems we encounter," he said.

"We definitely want the community to come back and use the place and I've also been talking to the local rugby club who say they want to have their social gatherings here, which is a great start.

"Depending how it goes, our aim is to have the Star open for business again this summer and we'll be doing regular updates for the community on how the work is progressing."

David explained that the new logo of the pub he has had produced is emblazoned "Established 1976" because that's the earliest any records showing the building as a pub he has been able to find. The banner now outside the pub also includes a star motif which he says represents the pub in the community and that's very much how he wants it to be, he says.     

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "I'm very pleased to see this former public house being purchased and brought back into use.

"Pubs are often at the heart of our communities, and it's encouraging to see investment that restores an important local asset.

"This development has the potential to create a welcoming space once again, supporting both social connection and the local economy.

"I fully support this positive step forward and wish the new owners every success." 

Group to host another free tour of town's historic highlights

* Sue Evans, manager of the St Collen's Genesis Project, introduces visitors to the wonders of the historic parish church during last year's Tour Through Time. 

Our Historic Llangollen/Hanesyddol i Bawb is staging another tour through the town's intriguing history early next month. 

Following on from the success of last year's event of the same name, the latest Tour Through Time will take place on Saturday May 2.

Organisers say it's free to attend with no bookings necessary.

The day's programme is:

10am - St. Collen’s Through Time: a guided journey through the history of St Collen’s, revealing its remarkable heritage and the ongoing work to conserve, reinterpret and make the church more accessible for all. St Collen’s Church, Regent Street, LL20 8HU. 

11am - Crime and Punishment in Early Victorian Llangollen: hear the stories of Victorian criminals and how they were punished in Llangollen’s first magistrates’ courtroom, gaol and police station. The Lock Up Heritage Centre, Victoria Square, LL20 8ET. 

12noon - Welcome to Plas Newydd: discover the story of two remarkable women and the home they created in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales. Plas Newydd, Hill Street, LL20 8AW. Why not stay for lunch at the delightful 'Stable Tearoom' at Plas Newydd? 

2pm - Hands on History: A journey through history and prehistory, viewing and experiencing items from the Stone Age to the present day. Llangollen Museum, Parade Street, LL20 8PW. 

3pm - Celebrating the Llangollen Railway: A look back at the preservation and development of Llangollen Railway. Llangollen Railway, Abbey Road, LL20 8SN. 

4pm - Peace and Music across the Years: the story of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Royal International Pavilion, Abbey Road, LL20 8SW. 

Railway's Branch Line Gala was a steaming success

* Every station along the line was packed for the Branch Line Gala at the weekend.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has hailed its 2026 Branch Line Gala as a big success, with huge attendances, a vibrant atmosphere and visitors travelling from across the UK to be part of the occasion.

Over three spectacular days, visitors descended on the Dee Valley, with some travelling hundreds of miles to experience the gala. 

The event not only showcased the very best of heritage railway operation but also provided an amazing opportunity to promote the beauty of the Dee Valley to a wide audience.

* Gala organiser Iain Ross with some of the volunteers who made the event possible. 

Passengers enjoyed an impressive line-up of four steam locomotives, alongside heritage diesel traction, all operating an intensive timetable that kept trains running throughout the day. From the first departures each morning to the final services, the railway was alive with energy, excitement and variety.

The event offered far more than just trains. Beyer’s Bar, located on the ramp at Llangollen Station, proved hugely popular throughout the weekend with live music from folk hero Chris Greve, while the ever-popular brake van rides gave visitors a unique perspective of the line and its stunning scenery.

The railway says it would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and supported the gala, helping to create such a memorable and successful event.

The gala was delivered virtually entirely by volunteers. From drivers and firemen to station staff, cleaners, catering teams and organisers, their dedication, passion and professionalism ensured the smooth running of a complex and ambitious programme.

* Four trains, including the GWR 3802 heavy freight, were popular with the crowds.

Branch Line Gala organiser Iain Ross said: “This year’s gala has been absolutely fantastic. We’ve seen a huge number of visitors, with people travelling from all over the UK to be here. The atmosphere right across the railway has been incredible.

“The combination of four steam engines, an intensive timetable, and the range of activities on offer has really delivered something special. It’s also been wonderful to see how popular Beyer’s Bar and the brake van rides have been.

“Events like this play a huge role in promoting the Dee Valley and supporting the local economy. Above all, this has been a team effort, and our volunteers have once again been outstanding.”

The railway is not resting on its laurels. Planning is already underway for its next major event - the 80s Diesel Weekend, taking place on May 30–31, promising a nostalgic step back in time with an intensive diesel timetable and plenty to see and do.

* Find out more here: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/80s-diesel-weekend/

Looking ahead, the railway is also delighted to confirm that the next Branch Line Gala will take place from Friday April 2 to Sunday April 4 2027, with tickets going on sale from Monday June 1 2026.

* For more information and updates, please visit the railway’s website – www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

New visa rules could mean care homes turning away people with dementia

* Warning: CFW chair Mario Kreft MBE.

Care homes in North Wales could be forced to turn away elderly people with dementia unless ministers act to “fix the visa” for overseas staff.

In a stark warning ahead of the May 7 Senedd election, Care Forum Wales (CFW) says tightening immigration rules and the closure of visa routes are choking off a vital lifeline for the sector.

According to CFW, which represents more than 400 private and third sector care providers, the crisis is deepening because Wales has an ageing population and a shrinking working-age workforce.

The organisation’s election manifesto points out that international recruitment is no longer optional but essential to keep services running, particularly in rural communities.

Domiciliary care companies are also being badly hit with fears that providers lack capacity to look after people in their own homes.

In the manifesto CFW is urging the next Welsh Government to follow Scotland’s lead and take on direct sponsorship of social care visas, creating a stable and ethical route for overseas workers.

Visa applications were already being driven down by negative rhetoric from Westminster, restrictions on dependants and tougher recruitment conditions.

It was also pushing existing overseas workers to consider leaving, exacerbating a chronic workforce shortage that is fuelling delayed hospital discharges and longer NHS waiting times.

But the Scottish Government has stepped in to sponsor overseas care workers left high and dry and facing deportation.

They are providing £500,000 to support international social care workers already in the UK displaced by visa changes to settle and work Scotland.

The funding is used to meet the costs associated with moving and to and working in Scotland’s social care sector, for those who have found themselves without sponsored employment elsewhere in the UK.

CFW chair Mario Kreft MBE rejected claims that care work is “low skilled”, describing overseas staff as highly trained, values-driven professionals who had stepped up during the pandemic and were now a cornerstone of the sector’s frontline.

Mr Kreft said employers had invested heavily in international recruitment  and are required to pay them more than the Real Living Wage paid to domestic staff, contrary to the belief that they were cheap labour.

The real risk, warned Mr Kreft, was that without a sustainable visa pathway, more homes would be forced to reduce their services or even close, piling even more pressure on the beleaguered NHS.

He said: “International care workers are not a ‘nice to have’ – they are the backbone of many services across Wales. Take them away and the system simply doesn’t function.

“To call care workers low skilled is frankly insulting. Try supporting someone with dementia at 3am or managing complex nursing needs with compassion and professionalism – that takes skill, compassion and heart.

“These are highly committed, highly trained people who stepped up during the pandemic when Wales needed them most. They deserve our respect and our support.

“They are doing a hugely important job keeping our most vulnerable people in a care home or their own homes when many of them would otherwise  be in hospital, leading to even more pressure on the NHS.

“Restrictions on dependants and constant negative messages have created fear and uncertainty. Good people are now thinking twice about coming to Wales – or staying here.

“The next Welsh Government cannot shrug its shoulders and say immigration is nothing to do with us. If social care collapse, it will have a disastrous knock on effect on the NHS.

“Scotland has shown there is another way. Wales needs to follow their lead, take control of sponsorship and send a clear message that care workers are welcome here.

“When social care can’t recruit enough staff, hospital beds fill up. Operations get cancelled. Families are left in limbo.

“There are far too many people peddling the myth that anybody can work in a care home or provide domiciliary care. That’s just absurd because it is a highly skilled profession.

“The other fallacy is that overseas workers are a cheap option when the complete is the case.

“It costs much more to recruit international staff than it does to employ local people. The truth of the matter is that not enough local people are willing to work in social care.

“If we don’t grasp the nettle, the unintended consequences are potentially horrendous.

“If care homes and domiciliary care companies don’t have enough staff, they will either have to reduce the number of people for whom they provide care or shut down completely.

“Things are bad enough now but even more people won’t be able to get into hospital when they need to and down the line it’s something that could cost lives.

“This isn’t just a social care issue – it’s a national crisis.

“We are already seeing providers really struggling financially. Without urgent action from the new Welsh Government, ministers risk presiding over avoidable closures and more bed blocking in Welsh hospitals.”

 

 

Acts of kindness in the desert hearten Thailand-bound trio

More acts of kindness from people they've met along the way have heartened the three lads from the local area cycling to Thailand to raise money for charity.

As they headed across the desert of Uzbekistan this week Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham were offered free overnight accommodation plus meals by families they encountered miles from anywhere in the Karakalpakistan region of the Asian country.

In one of these stop-overs they were extremely surprised and delighted to see a visitors' book signed by a person from Wrexham who had stayed there previously with the big-hearted Kushanov family. 

And a couple of times on the road when they had problems with their bikes good Samaritans passing by pulled over their cars to help sort them out.

* Protective headgear is necessary as they head across the desert.

Their daily video log shows that as they pedalled eastwards across the wide-open spaces the weather changed from high winds and clouds to bright sunshine and blue skies - plus high temperatures of an intensity they hadn't had to deal with so far.

There were also swarms of midges to cope with, requiring them wear nets over the cycle helmets.    

The lads are making their mammoth 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of a friend who died following a heart attack in 2024.

They've raised a massive £27,000-plus of their £50,000 charity target since they left Llangollen eight months ago.

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