Audi Q6 is car with a curtain of steel around it

Audi Q6 e-tron drive by Steve Rogers

Audi is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to keeping us safe.

This Q6 is loaded with safety aids and laden with tech. They have virtually thrown a curtain of steel around the car with a string of warnings and collision avoidance aids.

Adaptive cruise control, emergency front, and rear braking to head off a crash when reversing are pretty common but I liked the side warning which could stop you taking out a cyclist when turning left as well exiting either side. As a cyclist it has nearly happened to me a few times.

Then you get audible warnings of hazards and a neat diagram in the driver’s display showing a roundabout, crossroads, or the steepness of a hill and the need to brake. On a brighter note you can use digital services to book a ferry crossing or hotel room. This is some tech fest.

Well, Audi, along with the rest of the premium brands, have to come up with something special to counter the Chinese onslaught of electric cars with their exotic shapes and staggering value for money, so quality and safety are front and centre of the package.

Q6 was a landmark model in 2024 as it was Audi’s first electric SUV. Back then all they had to worry about were premium rivals Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Volvo. They offered much the same, and at the same price, now the competition is vehicles half the price.

Audi is banking on a reputation built over the last 30 years; plush fixtures and fittings and nailed on build quality. Whether that is enough to win the sales battle will play out over the next five years. That said, the Q6 is some car.

Its credentials stack up well. A sizeable 100kWh battery feeding a 225kW electric motor for a claimed range of 365 to 381 miles. I say claimed because my car came with a 90 per cent charge yielding 244 miles. I wasn’t any good at maths but even I know another 10 per cent does not come to 365.

I topped up to 50 per cent midweek which gave me 152 miles then drove four miles downhill and gained an extra 20 miles through regenerative braking which reduced fairly quickly but that would seem to push the range well over the 300 mile mark which isn’t bad given that you have to be driving in perfect conditions to get anywhere near a manufacturer’s range claim.

That aside I felt very comfortable behind the wheel of Q6. It is a big car, but doesn’t feel big. The high driving position gives a good view of the car’s extremities which is handy when pulling into tight parking spaces.

The dashboard layout is typical of the times: A twin screen storing a lot of menus and information. I make no apology for preferring Audi’s old rotary controller for accessing menus but it is gone for good and surprised myself by not just coping but even liking this set up.

The central section is curved towards the driver which adds a bit of style while sound German logic has made it relatively easy to operate with quick keys for heating controls

and discreet switches for accessing regular features. A pad on the door armrest controls lights, powered seat memory and door mirrors, all functions annoyingly stored in a touchscreen on most Chinese cars.

As is the way with Audi every bit of trim fits perfectly, no rattles or creeks here. My S Line model threw up a surprise with a lot of fabric trim along the dashboard and door cards matching the seat covers. Not at all Audi and I’m not sure I liked it, and would it show wear over time? At least it is a welcome change from the usual swathes of black.

Q6 is a big car so no need to dwell on passenger and boot space, there is plenty of it. It is comfortable to a degree but the firm suspension can get unruly on rougher roads and you will feel the thuds over pitted surfaces. On decent roads and motorways it is a cracking drive and stable ride.

With 382bhp on tap there is no shortage of rip roaring acceleration but best to curb your enthusiasm to conserve the range. I managed 3.4 m/kWh which is a very good return on economy. The updated model can take a maximum charge of 270kW and can store up to 158 miles in 10 minutes at a high powered charging station.

Not much not to like about the Q6 e-tron, apart from the price but that is what you pay for premium cars although I would like to have seen a better 360 degree view camera. It sometimes gives a distorted view and is strangely pale.

Favourite features: The 64 litre under bonnet storage for the cables and a terrific head up display.

Fast facts

Q6 e-tron S Line

£66,145

Battery: 100kWh

Range: 365-381 miles

Output 225kW

Efficiency: 3.5m/kWh

0-62mph 6.7secs; 382bhp

Boot: 526-1529 litres

Insurance group 44-50

Towing: 2000kg

It's friendliness all the way for Westheads in China

* Eleven-year-old Nia hands over the panda lucky charm.

As the Westheads reached the largest city they have so far encountered in China one of the trio declared how much he loves the country.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024. 

Last week they reached Chengdu, which has a population of 20 million, where Louis told their daily video log as he walked about the city: "I love China. Everyone is always smiling. I've never felt so safe in my life ... China is the safest country in the world!"

Also on the log he sent a "massive shoutout" to the children at Llangollen's Ysgol y Gwernant, of which both he and Louis are old boys.

He praised them for having raised an amazing £840-plus for the lads' chosen charity, The British Heart Foundation, by taking their bikes to school and riding them in a fundraising game between posters set up on the school field showing some of the places where the Westheads had passed through so far.

The only real problems the lads have come up against of late have been the 42C degree heat, which forced them to take a short break from riding, and the local wildlife after James was bitten by a racoon in the street and needed some precautionary tetanus and rabies jabs.

* Chongqing, city in the sky.

But back out on the streets in Chengdu there was more evidence of the friendliness being shown to them by local people when an 11-year-old girl called Nia told them in extremely good English that she was gifting them a panda lucky charm.

In a later video log there was a brief glimpse of the city of Chongqing, something of a phenomenon as it's built into the mountains, which means that on one side your standing on the ground floor but actually 100 feet in the air when you step across the road.   

All the time the lads are taking in the spectacular sights and sounds of China there's a continuing flood of online donations from supporters back home for the British Heart Foundation for which they have so far raised over £50,000. 

* 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 

Would you like to see Chamber of Trade and Tourism revived?

* The Town Council is seeking the views of local businesses on a possible revival of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

Llangollen Town Council is looking into the possibility of reviving the town's Chamber of Trade and Tourism and is sounding out support for the move with local businesses.

In a letter which has gone out to them, the Deputy Town Clerk, Heulwen Wright, says: "Llangollen Town Council has recently been discussing the possibility of re-establishing a Chamber of Trade and Tourism for the Town and surrounding area. 

"Before taking any further steps, councillors would like to understand whether local businesses would welcome such an initiative and, importantly, whether there is interest in becoming involved.

"A successful Chamber of Trade can provide a strong collective voice for businesses, help promote the town, encourage collaboration, and support local economic growth. However, for any new organisation to be effective, it is important that it reflects the needs and aspirations of the business community."

The council believes there are a number of areas that it would like to explore with local businesses, including:

* What businesses would like a Chamber of Trade to achieve and what its aims and objectives should be.

* Whether a membership fee should be introduced and, if so, what benefits members would expect in return.

*  What support the Town Council could provide to help establish the group and what support businesses would find most valuable.

* How the Chamber could become self-sustaining, resilient, and representative in the long term.

* Identifying common goals and priorities for the short, medium, and longer term.

* Opportunities for business and staff training.

* Interest in regular guest speakers, presentations, and networking events.

* Whether the Chamber should represent Llangollen alone or a wider Llangollen and District area.

* The roles that would need to be filled, such as Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, and whether business owners would be willing to take on these responsibilities and attend regular meetings.

* Working collaboratively with partner organisations, including North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council.

The letter adds: "We would very much welcome the opportunity to meet with you, hear your views, and discuss whether a Chamber of Trade and Tourism could bring benefits to the local business community.

"Your ideas and feedback will play an important role in shaping any future plans, and we hope you will be able to join the conversation. Please tear the slip below and pop it through the door of the Town Council Office to enable us to gauge initial interest and plan a first meeting with Business owners.

"We look forward to hearing from you."

Interested businesses are asked to answer yes or no to the question: "Would you be interested in joining a Chamber of Trade and Tourism?" and, on a slip of paper, fill in the following details: 

Name of Business_______________________________________________

Name of Business Owner_________________________________________

Email Address _________________________________________________________

* The filled-in slips of paper can be dropped into the Llangollen Town Council office in Parade Street.

Mayor invites people to his annual Civic Service

The Town Mayor of Llangollen, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, has issued an invitation to everyone in Llangollen to attend his annual Civic Service to be held at St Collen's Church on Sunday August 9, starting at 11am.

The service will be led by Father Lee Taylor.

The Mayor said: "I’m looking forward to welcoming our community, local organisations and visiting guests and to my Civic Service. It will be a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our community spirit and strengthen the connections that make our community so special. I hope to see many familiar and new faces there."

After the service light refreshments will be served at Llangollen Town Hall, to which all members of the congregation are invited. 

The Mayor added: "All are welcome - individuals, community groups and so on."

* To accept the invitation, email to: deputytownclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk by July 27.

Dream comes true for Aled at the Royal Welsh Show

* Aled Morris sings with the Hawkstone Farmer's Choir.

A Llangollen town councillor has revealed what it was like to achieve a dream by singing with his TV-star choir at the Royal Welsh Show.

Back in May former town mayor Aled Morris - himself a working farmer - stormed to victory in this year's Britain's Got Talent competition with the Hawkstone Farmer's Choir, which was formed by Jeremy Clarkson to boost mental well-being amongst the farming community.

Their prize was £250,000 and an appearance in the Royal Variety Performance.

The amazing run of success continued last week with a coveted appearance at the prestige Royal Welsh in Llanelwedd where they performed a rousing version of Welsh classic Calon Lân.

And Aled, who also got married recently to partner Sarah Griffiths, has told llanblogger exactly what it felt like to sing to thousands of adoring fans at the home of Welsh agricultural pride.

He said: "It was an incredible experience to have stepped into the main ring at the Royal Welsh showground.

"Many of the choir members had never been to the Royal Welsh Show before, so for many of them, it was their first experience, and what an experience to have!

"There was a real buzz around the place and I was stopped a number of times by members of the public asking what time we would be singing, which was 5.30, which is quite late in the day, but we were all blown away by the amount of people that had come to see and hear us. The grandstand was full, the bank was covered in members of the public, and it was five or six deep all around the ring.

"As we walked around the ring before the performance, we were cheered on with plenty of well wishers and high-fives a-plenty!

"We sang our three Britain's Got Talent songs and then sang Calon Lân, with the Welsh members singing the verses and the other members singing the chorus. It went down really well with a standing ovation from the members' stands."

During their performance, the 30-strong choir shared with the crowd that they are soon to release their first album and that their debut single will be This Is Home, the song they performed during BGT.

Aled added: "It was definitely a dream that was achieved that day and we have been all working incredibly hard down in the recording studio - real world studios - last week and will be there again this week to finish off our album with a single release planned for late August/early September and the album to launch- mid September."

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is: 

2m south of entrance to slurry pit JUNCTION OF A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION OF TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 TO APPROX 85M FURTHER EAST A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

ADJACENT DRILL HALL, WERN ROAD 09/09/2026 - 11/09/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Heol y Farchnad / Market Street, MARKET STREET, 10/10/2026 - 11/10/2026, Gwyl Fwyd Llangollen / Llangollen Food Festival CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 11/08/2026 - 21/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works QUANTUM TM (DCC), Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 22/08/2026 - 23/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION (QUANTUM LLANGOLLEN) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD 10/08/2026 - 11/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION (QUANTUM LLANGOLLEN) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PROPERTY GLANABER 2 BACHE MILL ROAD 29/07/2026 - 31/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

North Wales Opera lays on an evening of scintillating song

* Ladies’ choir Lleisiau’r Afon perform the witches' chorus from Macbeth.

The International Eisteddfod is famous as the place where Llangollen meets the world. And last night its Pavilion home greeted and played perfect host to a Night at the Opera.

For one night only the marvellous North Wales Opera, under the consummate direction of Anne Williams-King, filled the famous auditorium with a colourful cavalcade of scintillating singing where we could drink in the very best from the immortal pens of Verdi, Mozart, Puccini and and Verdi. 

As a bonus, towards the conclusion of a packed programme, came a tantalising taste of Rodgers and Hammerstein and Bernstein.

This feast was laid on in fine style by a hugely talented cast of professional and emerging singers from both near and far, all to the skilled accompaniment of musical director Andrew Charity. 

Priscilla Fong from Singapore and Linus Lai from Hong Kong let us hear well-known arias from operas such as the Magic Flute and Marriage of Figaro while also duetting with North Wales Opera's two youngest and most promising singers, 17-year-old Grace Worrall and Llangollen’s own Rose Burgon, 16, fresh from her recent success of being crowned the Eisteddfod's 2026 Young Voice of Musical Theatre.

Adding the voices of rich experience were acclaimed baritone Robin Gruffudd Hughes, who has sung with leading companies including the Royal Opera, and classical tenor Lee J Cander. By them we were treated respectively to the Father's Aria from Hansel and Gretel by Humperdink and Puccini's La Bohème. 

And it was Lee, from South Wales, who provided the evening's stunning grand finale with the timeless Nessum Dorma - once sung into legend from a stage just the other side of the Pavilion partition by Maestro Pavarotti himself. 

Also swelling the North Wales Opera ranks for this special occasion were Yorkshire-based soprano Victoria Price and North Wales soprano Eve Marie who skilfully performed arias from Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, and Carmen.

Leigh Mason, musical director of the Fron Male Voice Choir and ladies’ choir Lleisiau’r Afon, and Lizzie Clifford, a regular in local productions by the Llangollen Operatic and Twenty Club, entertained with songs from musicals such as Carousel and Cabaret. 

Lizzie's Mr Snow was particularly sweet and fine and who can readily forget Leigh's clawsome Cat Duet with Katie Nilsbird. 

Only minutes earlier Leigh had been on stage at the helm of her choir for a spectacularly atmospheric version of the witches' chorus from Verdi's Macbeth.

It was truly an occasion for exquisite solos - Rose Burgon's hauntingly touching O Mio Babbino Caro, for instance - dazzling duets and powerful chorus pieces.

All this combined to create an evening of entertainment not easily to be forgotten.

But perhaps it can be somewhat relived as next up from North Wales Opera at the Pavilion comes Madame Butterfly this December. Booking: llangollenpavilion.co.uk or call 01978 862001.

* Robin Gruffudd Hughes with some expressive Mozart.

* Linus Lai journeyed from Hong Kong to perform.

* Priscilla Fong duets with Rose Burgon.

*  Katie Nilsbird, left, sets to in the Cat Duet with Leigh Mason.

* Lizzie Clifford's sweet on Mr Snow.

Police update on smell of smoke in Llangollen

Police have issued information on their Facebook page following numerous reports about a smelly of smoke in the area, which says:

New technology will improve access to museum’s collection

Museum news latest update from David Crane ...

Here at Llangollen Museum we are delighted to announce that we have been successful in securing funding to allow us to improve access to, and care of, items in our collection via digitisation and conservation. The £42,778 award is from the Welsh Government.

The programme will allow us to employ exciting new technology to create new displays in the Museum, as well as conserving and recording more of our artefacts and improving the information that we can make available online.

The main new display in the Museum will be a Dreamoc ‘holographic’ display cabinet. This will allow us to show 3D imagery of items in our collection that are not normally on display. We hope to have the first ones showing later in August. Alongside that will be Victorian stereographic viewers. These were the 19th century equivalent of Meta Quest, and will allow visitors to view 3D photographs of scenes around Llangollen, that we hold in our collection, as they were in the late 1800s.

Another new addition will be a touchscreen timeline display, available in the Museum and on our website, helping visitors to understand where items in our collection, and local landmarks, originated – both in time and space.

Importantly, we will also purchase a Braille printer, letting us make all of our display material available for those with visual impairments.

We will increase the number of images of items in the Museum database by over 1,000. We will also purchase a new 3D photogrammetric scanner, allowing us to add more than 100 items to our 3D digital archive. A new collections management PC will be purchased, helping us to future proof our collections management system. Prior to digitisation, selected items will have critical restoration work carried out.

Finally, we will digitise microfilm records that we hold of the Llangollen Advertiser newspaper, between 1920 and 1945 (that are not yet available digitally), enabling everyone to access this vital source of information. The digitised versions will be made available on our website, and given to the National Library of Wales to be included on the Welsh Newspapers Online web pages, alongside the existing 50 years that they already have.

Our next talk will be on July 29, when Andy Harrop-Smith will give a presentation about The Folklore of Birds. In August there will be no talk, but on September 30 Professor Howard Williams will give a talk entitled What’s Watt’s Dyke? Do come along and enjoy finding out about these diverse subjects, and keep an eye on our social media for announcements about future talks. All talks start at 7:00pm at the Museum. Tickets are £3 at the door with refreshments provided. Do get the dates in your diaries - we hope to see you there!

The next exhibition in the Janet Wakefield Gallery at the Museum will start at the beginning of August and will be an exhibition of paintings by the Llangollen Art Group. They will be followed in September by a display by the Pen y Cae Art Group and then by local artist Tricia Lea in October.

For all of the latest information about what is happening at the Museum, do keep an eye on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Llangollen-Museum-100057657969751/.

Finally, as with many voluntary organisations, we need more volunteers, especially to cover the weekends. If you want to be more involved with the history of the area, and become a volunteer at the Museum, please contact our manager Gill Smith at gilliansmith2@hotmail.co.uk or on 07516 023524.

* After a very successful first six months, the Clwyd and Dee Valley Young Archaeologists Club (YAC), finished for the summer holidays. The session in July focused upon The Pillar of Eliseg, Offa's Dyke and the Bronze Age burial mound beneath the Pillar. 

The youngsters were taught about finds from the burial cairn and how to record them. Arrangements are underway to take the group to the open day at the Bryneglwys dig in August and to host members of that dig for a finds’ session. We are in the process of arranging the sessions for the next six months beginning in September, dates to be announced. 

We are excited to have storyteller Andy Harrop-Smith joining our team in the near future. Please email Gill Smith on gilliansmith2@hotmail.co.uk for more information and membership details. For details of the themes for upcoming meetings please look at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/14TB2VbYbL6/.

Our window displays change every month. August will see a display about medicine in Llangollen, followed by a display of medieval items from our collection in September. October will feature the Ladies of Llangollen, November will focus on Remembrance Day and December will celebrate Christmas.

Inside the Museum, the item of the month for August will be a stone Tudor head, discovered at Pentre Hall in Bronygarth near Chirk, home to a branch of the Edwards family in the 17th century. The type of stone and the appearance of the head, along with the connection of the Edwards family to Valle Crucis, make it possible that the head originated at the Abbey.

Double tragedy unfolds involving man, 46, who died in River Dee

* The headline on the Daily Post story.

A mum died on her way to identify her son's body in a heartbreaking double tragedy involving the 46-year-old man who died in an accident on the River Dee in Llangollen, according to a story in the Daily Post.

* For the full story, go to: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mum-dies-crash-travelling-north-34340182

Kayaker's 'huge progress' after breaking neck in river incident

A kayaker is “making huge progress every day” in hospital after breaking his neck following an incident on the River Dee near Llangollen, his wife has said.

* For the full story, see Denbighshire Free Press at: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/26400417.kayaker-broke-neck-near-llangollen-making-huge-progress/

Railway launches Glyndwr Steam Roast experience

* The traditional Sunday roast served at the Owain Glyndwr Hotel in Corwen.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has teamed up with the community-run Owain Glyndwr Hotel to launch The Glyndwr Steam Roast, a new visitor experience combining heritage steam travel with a traditional Sunday roast in the heart of Corwen. 

The first departure takes place on Sunday August 9, with the experience running every Sunday until November 8 with just 30 places available on each departure,

The new package has been created to encourage more visitors to spend time in Corwen while showcasing two of the Dee Valley's most treasured attractions.

Passengers will depart Llangollen aboard the 12.20pm heritage steam service, enjoying one of Britain's most scenic railway journeys through the Dee Valley before arriving at Corwen Station shortly after 1pm. 

* A steam train like this GWR Heavy Freight will bring diners to the hotel (below) which is just two minutes' walk from Corwen station.

A short two-minute walk takes visitors to the Owain Glyndwr Hotel, where they will enjoy a traditional Sunday roast before returning to Llangollen on the 4.20pm steam train.

Tickets cost £40 per adult and £15 per child, with the package including return steam train travel and a reserved Sunday roast. Drinks, starters, desserts and any additional purchases will be paid for separately at the Owain Glyndwr Hotel.

The partnership forms part of the railway's wider commitment to supporting Corwen town centre, strengthening links with local businesses and creating new reasons for visitors to explore the town.

Wayne Ronneback, Station Master at Corwen Station, said: "This is exactly the kind of partnership we want to see developing in Corwen. The railway has always been about much more than trains – it's about bringing people into our communities and supporting local businesses.

"Working alongside the fantastic team at the Owain Glyndwr Hotel allows us to create something genuinely special. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful steam journey through the Dee Valley before experiencing one of Corwen's most welcoming community-run venues.

"It is wonderful to be collaborating in such a positive way. By working together, we're creating an experience that benefits everyone – our passengers, the hotel, other local businesses and the wider community. We hope The Glyndwr Steam Roast becomes one of the must-do Sunday experiences in North Wales."

The railway says it has seen increasing demand for experience-led travel, with dining experiences proving particularly popular with visitors looking for memorable days out. 

As well as offering visitors a relaxing day out, the initiative is expected to increase visitor dwell time in Corwen, support the community-run Owain Glyndwr Hotel, encourage additional spending within the town and further strengthen tourism links across the Dee Valley.

* For more information, to see the menu and to book, visit https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/glyndwr-steam-roast/ Please advise of any dietary requirements at check out.

Pentredwr resident gets the rotting blue bag blues

* The Pentrdwr resident's picture of their rotting blue recycling bag.

A Pentredwr resident is one a number across Denbighshire having trouble with disintegrating blue recycling bags.

But the county council, which is responsible for recycling, says it is aware of the problem and is looking at ways of addressing the issue.

The resident local contacted llanblogger earlier this week to explain the problem, attaching a picture of the rotting bag which residents are expected to use for cardboard waste.

They said: "I attach a photo of our Denbighshire blue cardboard bag, now, this week, shedding a lot of white dust and it is from all four sides. 

"Cannot move the bag for the dust dropping everywhere and over our clothes. Wondered if its just our blue bag or others out there? 

"Whether it's plastic or paint it just cannot be healthy to breath in especially for the refuse collectors that have to lift the bag to empty it.

"A windy day and it will just take off elsewhere. I would conclude this is not good for the environment either if it's a widespread blue bag occurrence."

Elsewhere in the county numerous complaints are being made about the blue bags and particularly the £12.50 cost being charged to residents by the council. 

Things have become so bad that over 700 people have so far signed an online petition demanding free replacement bags.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “We are aware of concerns raised by residents and recognise issues some households have experienced recently with their blue bag.

“The Waste and Recycling Service is reviewing all options available to address these issues and support effective recycling across the county. We will provide any further updates to residents when appropriate.”

Paraglider rescued from high up in the trees at Pengwern Vale

* The team carry out the rescue of the paraglider among the trees. Picture: NEWSAR

A paraglider escaped unhurt after being painstakingly untangled from trees in Pengwern Vale by rescue experts.

At the request of the fire service and police, a team from North East Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) was deployed to provide assistance when the person became caught in trees about 25 metres above the ground earlier this week.

In its own Facebook post the service says: "With the casualty suspended in extremely thin trees on very steep terrain, the rescue presented a number of challenges.

"Working alongside partner agencies, the team established a rope system above the casualty before using a twin-tension rope system to safely lower him to the ground in a controlled descent.

"Once on the ground, he was assessed by team members and, fortunately, had escaped without injury, although he was understandably shaken by the experience.

The call to Llangollen came while the team was assisting with a search for a missing teenager in Talacre.

The post adds: "A fantastic team effort by NEWSAR and our partner agencies, demonstrating excellent teamwork and flexibility in responding to two incidents at the same time, and ultimately resulting in two positive outcomes.

"Our team of volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days responding to those in need throughout Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and parts of Conwy and Powys. To donate, please click the link www.newsar.org.uk/donate"

Family fun day set to be hosted in Llangollen

An interactive family fun day is set to be hosted at Llangollen Recreation Ground, which is connected to the Ysgol Dinas Bran school site, in Llangollen.

Running from 11am-2pm on Wednesday, August 12, the session will feature a free soft play section and taster sessions from local sports clubs.

The fun day will also feature interactive fun activities, including games, crafts, silent disco and more.

Also in attendance will be the council’s youth workers, Flying Start and Families First team, as well as representatives from the Credu WCD young carers and Menter Iaith.

The event is open to children of all ages, with a range of services available for families on the day to find out more information about the support on offer to them in the local area.

Cheryl Hughes, Community Focused Engagement Manager at Denbighshire County Council said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when schools and community partners work together. Community-focused schools are about creating opportunities that extend beyond the school day, supporting children, young people, and families to thrive.

"The family fun day celebrates the strengths in our community and highlights the wide range of support services available to local families. We look forward to welcoming families across the area for a day of fun, learning and community spirit.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “This event is one of many that are being held around the county in August, providing a free, fun and informative resource to the families of Denbighshire.

"As well as a number of play options for children, there will also be services available for the families in attendance.”

New Dot Cinema celebrates its first re-birthday in style

* Talented young pianist Ben White will play before La La Land is screened at New Dot Cinema tonight.

New Dot Cinema, Llangollen's community cinema, celebrates a year since its relaunch tomorrow (Friday) with a special screening of La La Land - joined by pianist Ben White playing live at the start of the evening,

Over the past year New Dot has brought the magic of the big screen back to the heart of Llangollen, putting on everything from timeless classics to modern blockbusters — all within a stone's throw of home. 

What started as a community idea has blossomed into a genuine local institution, welcoming film lovers of all ages through its doors on a monthly basis.

Tomorrow New Dot says it is delighted to welcome Coleg Cambria music graduate and award-winning musician Ben White who will be playing some beautiful music while you arrive at Llangollen Town Hall, get your drinks, and take your seats.

Ben is a young, local musician who has just completed a Level 3 Diploma in Music at Coleg Cambria, overcoming many obstacles and disabilities, and who recently achieved a Student of the Year award for his dedication and passion in several community music projects, including creating and performing an original Welsh language composition at the National Eisteddfod.

"We couldn't think of a better film to celebrate with than La La Land, and we are honoured to work with Ben who was handpicked by his tutor to play for us and our wonderful audience," said Olivia Brown, New Dot's chairperson. 

"We think this film is perfect for New Dot's first birthday, because the world is quite a dark place at the moment and we wanted to bring some cheery cinematic light, magic and colour for our anniversary screening. 

"The past year has really been a learning curve for our volunteers but our audience has been so supportive and we've loved bringing great films to the town." 

Tickets for tomorrow night's screening of La La Land are, as always, £6. 

And coming up later in the summer is The Life of Chuck on Friday August 28, a story that is told in three parts shown in reverse chronological order, adapted from a Stephen King book of the same name.

This is followed by Rebuilding on Friday September 25, a gentle, moving story of how a man who has lost everything in a forest fire rebuilds his life. 

* Tickets for New Dot's films are available from Ticket Source, the New Dot Cinema website or Porter's Delicatessen in Market St, Llangollen (cash only) and on the door n the night.

Pavarotti’s widow sends special thank you package to North Wales

* Pendine Park catering staff with the panettone (front left and right) Chris Tracey, catering manager and  pastry chef Dave Quinn with chef Hayden Harvey, catering assistants Pavreen Muvalidhavan and Karen Blackmore, head chef Eli Mattar, chef Subin Alex, second chef Tyronne Moldrich, Bibin Reyer Meithew and Peter Reynard. Pictures by Mandy Jones   

* Mario and Gill Kreft and Nicoletta Mantovani (centre) and husband Alberto Tinarelli with the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir in 2025.

A surprise thank you gift from the widow of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti has landed in North Wales after a local choir’s dream trip to Italy.

Nicoletta Mantovani sent a bumper box of delicacies from Pavarotti’s home city of Modena to Mario and Gill Kreft, the owners of the Pendine Park care organisation, in recognition of their support for the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir.

The couple made the choir’s once-in-a-lifetime visit to Italy possible through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) after Nicolette invited them to perform in a concert at the Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni.

Inside the package were traditional Modena specialties including a panettone cake and prized Amarena cherries – a heartfelt gesture from the woman who has dedicated herself to preserving Pavarotti’s legacy since the tenor’s death in 2007

A producer and director, Nicoletta founded and became president of the Pavarotti Foundation which organises tribute concerts with opera stars such as Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo..

At the landmark concert, the choir performed songs in Italian, Welsh and French.

While there they presented traditional Welsh love spoons to Pavarotti’s daughter Alice and to the Mayor of Modena.

According to Mario, it was only fitting that Pendine should help celebrate the enduring link between North Wales and one of the world’s greatest voices.

Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most cherished tenors of all time, and when interviewed he often told how his journey to greatness began at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he first visited Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini, from Modena.

They secured the award for overall winning choir and following that achievement Pavarotti was determined to make music his career. He later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream.

He returned 40 years later, this time as a global icon, for a sell-out concert in 1995.

Last year Nicoletta re-visited the international eisteddfod as a guest of honour to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her late husband’s first experience there.

She presented the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition and was “deeply honoured” to present the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.

PACT sponsors the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which is one of the eisteddfod’s blue riband events, attracting entrants from all around the world.

They compete for a gleaming commemorative silver salver and a £3,000 cash prize to help advance their future singing careers.

“We were proud to support the Fron Choir in joining Chorus Rossini in Modena for what was a magical performance,” said Mario.

“Music and the arts are the golden thread running through everything we do, so this felt like a perfect way to honour that connection.

“As long-standing supporters and vice-presidents of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Gill and I are especially proud of the enduring bond between North Wales and Luciano Pavarotti, whose extraordinary career was inspired by his success there as a young man.

“To have subsequently received the thank-you gift of confectionaries from Nicoletta was a wonderful surprise. It was totally unexpected and such a heart-warming gesture.

“Given how busy a life she leads, we feel deeply touched to think she has taken time out to arrange this lovely gift for us.

“We wanted to share the delicacies with some of our Pendine Park family and who better than the catering team who work so hard to deliver the highest standard of meals to our residents every day of the year.”

Pendine Park catering managers Mrs Chris Tracey and her husband, also called Chris, arranged for the cake to be sugar glazed and decorated with the juicy amarena cherries on top.

Pastry chef Dave Quinn, who decorated and made the first cut into the cake, said: “These are the finest, top quality ingredients. It’s been a pleasure to prepare such a wonderful treat.”