The Kongs meet up with friends back in Hong Kong

* Bill Kong meets up with Robert Guy at the Hong Kong concert.

Well-known Llangollen resident Bill Kong has been meeting up with friends from back home on his latest trip to Hong Kong.

Bill so loved volunteering every year at the town's world-famous Musical Eisteddfod that he moved here from Hong Kong a few years back with his family.

He is currently staying in the former British colony due to family commitments and recently met up with a friend who also has strong Eisteddfod links, Wrexham-based conductor Robert Guy.

* Robert Guy with Selana Kong, Bill's wife, who is also well-known in Llangollen.

Robert is principal conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and has conducted the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Manchester Camerata which led to his work being on BBC radio and even recorded for Sony Play Station.

His international reputation is steadily growing with invitations to conduct in Austria, South Korea, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Kosovo, among other destinations.

He and Bill first met when the New Sinfonia Orchestra, which he founded with his brother Jonathan, began playing at the Eisteddfod. 

In Hong Kong Robert was wielding the baton with the Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra as it played a successful concert entitled A Night at the Musicals.  

It was old home week again for Bill when he was attending the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Wine and Spirit Fair. 

There he happened to bump into Dylan, son of Kelly, the former owner of the River Dragon Chinese restaurant in Llangollen's Bridge Street. 

* Bill Kong (second left) meets another friend from Llangollen, Dylan (next to him on right), whose family ran the River Dragon Chinese restaurant in Bridge Street.

Hundreds turn out for town's Remembrance Sunday service and parade

Hundreds of people packed the town centre to see and take part in the annual Llangollen Remembrance Sunday service and parade this morning.

Led by Father Lee Taylor, the service opened with prayers and the sounding of Last Post by a bugler from Llangollen Silver Band.

The Exhortation was read by Mike Adam of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, which was followed by the traditional two minutes' silence, the sounding of Reveille, hymns and prayers. The names of the fallen of two world wars were read out.

Wreaths were laid at the foot of the war memorial by various local organisations before the service concluded and the parade took place around the town centre led by standard bearers.

* A bugler plays Last Post.

* Father Lee Taylor leads the service.

* The Exhortation is read by Mike Adams.

* John Palmer lays a wreath on behalf of MP Becky Gittins.

* Youth organisations lay a wreath.

* A wreath is laid by Enid Law for Llangollen Inner Wheel.

* Llangollen Railway's Mandy Towers lays its wreath.

* Above and below: The parade makes its way along Castle Street.

Young Llan panto stars given a raging river adventure

* Members of Dick Whittington cast on the river adventure.

Young members of the cast of Llangollen Pantomime Group's next show were given a thrilling special treat by the local firm which sponsors them yesterday (Saturday).

Bearded Men Adventures invited the stars of Dick Whittington to a rafting adventure down the raging rapids of the River Dee ... and they loved every soaking minute of it.

A panto spokesperson said: "Trying not to give away too much of the plot, in our version of Dick Whittington the Bearded Men are heroes and have a major part in the story. Thank you to them.

"We cannot wait for you all to see our hilarious performance, for which we have just a few early bird tickets left, so order your tickets now and take advantage of the discount. #www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenpanto #beardedmenadventures

* The panto runs at Llangollen Town Hall from Thursday-Sunday January 15-18 2026.

Temporary closure of Dee Lane for electrical works

* The diversion route, with the road closure in marked red and the diversion route in blue.

Denbighshire County Council reports that Dee Lane, Llangollen will be closed to traffic from November 24 to 28 to allow electrical works by Scottish Power. 

Access will be available for pedestrians while the closure is in place. Should you have any queries, please contact Scottish Power on 07401484393.

https://one.network/?tm=GB145833303

Community Learning Event to be held at Llangollen Library

 

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) and Working Denbighshire are inviting residents to a community event at the Learning Hub in Llangollen Library on Wednesday November 19.

The event will bring together local organisations to support people on their journey through learning, education, and employment, while also listening to the community about what lessons and courses they want to see offered at the Hub.

 

This event is not only about showcasing local opportunities, it is a chance for residents to share their ideas, aspirations, and learning needs, helping to shape the future of the Learning Hub. 

Whether you’re returning to education, exploring new career paths, or seeking personal development, your input will help SDCP tailor courses and support to meet the community’s needs, say organisers. 

 

What’s On:

 

Visitors can:

 

• Discover local learning and training opportunities
• Meet employers and education providers
• Share what you want to learn and guide future lessons
• Find guidance to grow your skills and confidence

 

Taster Sessions:

 

• 10:30 – Coleg Llandrillo
• 11:30 – Little Learning Company
• 12:30 – Barod Project

 

A wide range of community partners will also be in attendance, including Working Denbighshire, Communities for Work, Barod (EIT), SDCP, Careers Wales, Big Idea’s Wales, Warm Wales, My Home Denbighshire, RCS & Agrication!                            

 

Access and Transport:

Limited transport is available from Corwen and Pengwern Hub, making the event accessible to everyone in the community.

📞 For more details: Call 01490 266 004

 

Get Involved:

This is your chance to have your voice heard and help shape the future of learning in Llangollen. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and share your ideas to shape the Learning Hub.

📅 Date: Wednesday 19th November 2025

🕙 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Location: Llangollen Library

County councillor gives her views on new National Park plan

As Natural Resources Wales prepares to host a drop-in public consultation event on the proposed Glyndwr National Park at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday November 18, one of the area's county councillors, Karen Edwards, has given her views on the controversial plan to llanblogger. She says in a statement:    

"The creation of a new National Park is not a good idea. So, what has stimulated the Welsh Government to suggest it? 

"In 2021, in the Senedd, Mark Drakeford said, ‘We need to spread the load,' in response to the congestion and over-tourism experienced in other National Parks including Eryri. Would we like some of that visited upon us in Denbighshire?

"We need to dispel the myth that all tourism is good for the economy, because it isn’t.

 

"The Welsh Government isn’t very good at economics when it comes to doing economic impact assessments before it rolls out a new idea. It didn’t do it before the roll out of the 20mph speed limit and it hasn’t as far, as I know, done any tangible work to assess the economic costs and disbenefits associated with a new National Park. 

"For example it would see the establishment of a two-planning-authority system. That idea was thrown out as inefficient in the 90’s when local government was re-organised. Are we expected to support this idea and hope for the best? 

 

"There is a suggestion of stable long-term funding for a new National Park but this belies the fact that our existing parks have seen significant drops in their budgets in real terms in recent years.

"In fact, National Parks in Wales are widely considered underfunded  with campaigners and officials warning that recent budget increases are insufficient to address years of real-terms cuts. Despite a recent 5% core grant increase, National Park Authorities face significant strain, leading to concerns about job losses, reduced services, and an inability to deliver on nature and climate goals.

 

"The reliance on short-term grants and project funding is also a concern, as it makes it difficult to retain skilled staff and plan for long-term projects. The lack of funding has an impact on the ability to deliver core services, conservation efforts and nature and climate restoration programmes.

 

"We need stable, long-term funding for this local authority first. It is an affront to our intelligence at a time when we cannot fund essential public services like libraries and public toilets to suggest that money can be found for a new National Park. This will increase the tax burden on all of us.

 

"The consideration of a new National Park should be deferred indefinitely until such time as the long-promised economic growth delivers adequate and stable funding to the authority and when the Welsh Government demonstrates its ability to give sufficient funding to its existing National Parks. Only then should we be asked to explore the viability of more cost to the public purse in creating a new National Park."

* The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) drop-in public consultation event at the Town Hall on November 18 runs from 4-7pm and they say that all are welcome.

NRW adds: "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. 

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