Drop in session at Penllyn Chapel this Saturday

 

Special event for Ukraine at Community Hall in June

 

* If you are unable to use the barcode, the link address is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePG7ktQgaWEdG5NmAXRsqxaKnf-hFzcFyO4wTcu66eY9HXOg/viewform 

Crane to operate on Willow Street this Friday, warns council

Denbighshire County Council has issued a community notice about Llangollen Youth Club.

This says: "We would like to inform residents that a crane will be operating on Willow Street, Llangollen on Friday 1 May 2026, between 9:00am and 12:00am, due to improvement works at Llangollen Youth Centre.

"During this time, access to the Youth Centre will be restricted for health and safety reasons. We kindly ask everyone to be mindful and take extra care when near the Youth Centre entrance.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding while these improvements are carried out for the benefit of the community."

Railway's relaunched real ale train is a big hit

* A party atmosphere aboard the real ale train. 

The newly-relaunched ‘Ales of Wales - Dee Valley Real Ale Train’ at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway was an outstanding success, with its opening night completely sold out and earning glowing feedback from passengers. 

The event brought together everything that makes the railway special - a stunning journey through the Dee Valley, a lively social atmosphere, live music and a fantastic selection of Welsh ales. 

Visitors were able to enjoy beers from respected Welsh breweries including Hafod Brewery from Mold and Purple Moose Brewery from Porthmadog, showcasing the very best of Welsh produce.

 

From the moment the Station Master’s Marquee opened, there was a real buzz around Llangollen Railway Station, with a beer festival atmosphere building ahead of departure. 

* Roll out the barrel: railway events co-ordinator James Veal keeps the beer flowing.

On board, passengers enjoyed the unique experience of sampling ales while travelling to Corwen, through one of the most scenic railways in the UK, before stopping at Glyndyfrdwy to visit the ever-popular Porter’s Bar. 

Live music from ‘Charlie Jones and Can Can’ went down a storm, with the atmosphere continuing long after the train returned to Llangollen.

 

James Veal, Events Co-ordinator at the railway, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with how the first Ales of Wales event has gone. It sold out, the atmosphere was fantastic and the feedback from passengers has been phenomenal. 

"It was brilliant to support Welsh breweries and to see so many people enjoying the combination of great beer, live music and the railway. We’re always listening to feedback, and for the next train we’ll be introducing cask ales on board to enhance the experience even further. It’s all about making each event better than the last.”

 

With demand already high, the next Ales of Wales Real Ale Train is set to run on Saturday, May 9 when popular folk and Americana star Chris Greve returns to the railway.

 

* Tickets are available now at: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/real-ale-train

 

What's on at Pengwern Hub this May

What's on at Pengwern Hub this May:

Museum talk cancelled

The talk by Dr Jack Hunter planned for tomorrow evening, Wednesday April 29, at Llangollen Museum has been cancelled due to illness.

Genesis GV60 sets new EV benchmark

Genesis GV60 drive by Steve Rogers

They’ve been around for nearly five years so why aren’t Genesis models flooding our roads like the new Chinese brands?

The obvious answer is Chinese models are massively cheaper but while they are well equipped you can’t make a like for like comparison with this GV60 which warrants superlatives like exquisite, luxurious, and desirable.

The biggest problem for this premium brand is breaking into the cartel that is Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and you can throw a resurgent Volvo and Lexus into the mix as well.

From my experience the one thing Genesis does a lot better than its rivals is attract attention, yet the first question I’m asked is ‘what’s this’? People think the GV60 is stunning, which it is, but still can’t identify with the badge. When so many Chinese brands look as if they have been cloned, at least Genesis models have a refreshingly individual style.

Before diving into whether the GV60 lives up to my billing, a quick recap on the Genesis back story. The company has been building cars for a decade but only turned up here in 2021 with an all electric GV60 and a few petrol and diesel saloons and SUVs, all of which have now been converted to electric. For them the internal combustion engine is history.

Here is the bit you can identify with. Genesis is the posh arm of Korean kings Hyundai and Kia - think Toyota and Lexus. That sort of parentage should be enough to convince us that Genesis is not doing a runner from our shores any time soon. It’s here to stay.

Which is a good thing because the GV60 is pretty damn good. A minor update last year amounted to a larger motor, up from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, some cosmetic updates and naming changes. Nothing else needed to be done, they got it right the first time.

So now we have the entry rear wheel drive Pure, jumping to Sport and the ridiculously quick all wheel drive Performance although why you would want to spend an extra £13k to hit 62mph in four seconds is beyond me. I suppose it's for those who enjoy an adrenalin rush which you do get because I have experienced the thrill when you hit the boost button to unleash 480bhp.

You don’t get that on the Pure but don’t worry, it is no slouch and will take you further down the road than its macho brothers before the batteries run dry.

With the soaring price of fuel switching to electric has suddenly become more appealing and a range of 348 miles eases range anxiety, except a full charge from my wall charger only yielded 310 miles although I still got that mileage.

It is an efficient set up with an i-pedal to increase battery regeneration, and with a heat pump there is no loss of range when the heating is switched on. I’ve got solar panels at home so I can fill up for less than a tenner. Food for thought.

All the adjectives used in the opening apply mainly to the cabin which really is exquisite. I have always used Audi as the benchmark for quality fittings but Genesis matches it and gives the interior the wow factor.

The 27in one piece touchscreen sets it off surrounded by a variety of contours, quality leather and lashings of brushed aluminium trim and switches. Yes, switches for the heating, heated seats, quick keys, and a rotary controller for making selections from the screen which you don’t have to touch if you prefer not to. A small drawback is that you can’t read what’s stamped into the aluminium quick keys at night.

On top of that, the GV60 is refined with very little road or wind noise, comfortable, and in spite of its near two tonnes of weight holds itself together through twisty bits.

The equipment and safety list for the Pure warrants nothing more than an ‘okay’ and I would be tempted to spend another £4,170 (is that an ouch!) for the innovation plus pack. This brings biometric technology for face and fingerprint entry, an excellent head up display and surround camera, and a superb safety cell that provides protection front back and sides. All it needs is to be bullet proof to make it impregnable!

Verdict: GV60 is no more costly than its premium rivals and deserves to do better. It is very much a desirable package, but becomes expensive if you add the option packs.

What the wife says: ‘I want one’.

Favourite feature. I’ve got two: The crystal dome in the centre console that rotates to become the gear selector, and the pull out drawer instead of a drop down glove box.

Fast facts

GV60 Pure

£53,300 (£62,605 tested)

Motor: 84kW

Range: 348 miles

10-80% DC fast charge 18mins

Home AC charge: 10 hours

0-62mph 7.8secs; 226bhp

Boot: 432 litres; 53 litre front locker

Insurance group 38

1st VED £10 then £200 a year