A4 helps keep Audi ahead of game

* The stylish lines of the Audi A4.

* ... and the sophisticated cabin.

Audi A4 road test by Steve Rogers

Two weeks, two fine cars. Very fine cars. In the end it came down to Mr Practical against Miss Beautiful.

Last week I was lauding the gorgeous Jaguar XE, a relative newcomer to the premium saloon set, and here we have the Audi A4, the elder statesman which has been ruling the roost with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Not that Audi has sat back and watched the A4s roll out of the showrooms. That is not the Audi way, it has to be ahead of the game and that has been the case with A4s I have been driving over the last 25 years.

So what of the new A4? Visually it doesn't look that different, a new grille to bring it into line with the rest of the family and a new rear light design were all I could spot. Inside has always been a joy because the quality is so good.

I've always said no-one trims a car like Audi and I am sticking with that. You get top notch materials from floor to ceiling, no corners are cut even in the basement where some manufacturers are guilty of throwing in the cheaper stuff.

Yet I didn't get the same visual impact from behind the wheel as the XE. My wife said it was unremarkable compared to the Jag and I could see where she was coming from. The layout is crisp and clear and easy to use but does not flow as well.

The big change is a new stand alone 10 inch touchscreen that sits atop the dashboard. It's called a multi media centre which is radio, navigation, telephone etc and has both sharp graphics and mega quick response.

All well and good.... except Audi has ditched the rotary controller from the centre console which made selections so much easier for the driver rather than reaching for the touchscreen. Voice control will help but it takes time getting the hang of it. I managed to change the radio station after four goes asking for Radio 2 (must be my Welsh accent) but failed with a telephone and navigation request.

There is also a 12.3in digital display filling the binnacle ahead of the driver so you don't need to take eyes off the road for navigation instruction, but I would have liked a head up display which is on the extras list.

One area where the A4 beats the XE is cabin space. Early A4s were tight for rear legroom but improved when the engine layout was turned, and while not exceptional there is room for six footers so no complaints anymore.

The boot is a bit bigger and the wider opening makes loading easier and the seat back splits 60/40 for more carrying space making A4 a practical family car.

Refinement is the buzz word when driving. This a finely honed machine with wind and road noise virtually eliminated, even the diesel engine is well muffled. Ride comfort has improved down the years and is better than ever for cushioning occupants against pits and potholes but be careful on model choice.

Sportline does what it says on the tin and gives a sporty ride but it compromises ride comfort. Bumps and thuds come through on poor surfaces, particularly with 19in rims.

Audi has been famous for four wheel drive since the incredible quattro burst on to the rally scene in the eighties and the debate over which is the best, rear wheel drive or quattro, has been raging ever since.

The A4 does not glide through bends with the poise of the rear wheel drive Jaguar XE but it has its own attributes. You feel as safe as houses in the Audi. The overall grip is a step up and phenomenal on wet surfaces, much better than the Jag which can be tail end happy.

There is no drama dabbing the accelerator mid bend and of course with all wheel drive it is quick off the mark leaving the wheel spinners in its wake.

The 186bhp turbo diesel carries the car effortlessly through a fast changing seven speed auto box and is strong in the charge. Even with quattro drive the car is capable of 50mpg, in fact it never fell below 44mpg all week.

The bottom line is any of the big six premium saloons, and it is no longer Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, Volvo, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo are all up there, and all will give a wonderful experience. Everyone has a favourite and at the moment mine is the Jaguar XE.

Key facts

A4 TDI quattro S Line

£39,875 (£44,775 with extras)

2-litre; 186bhp

0-62mph 7.4secs; 146mph

45.6mpg combined

139g/km. 1st year tax £530

Boot 460 litres

Insurance group 24

Designers sought for major Llan heritage project

Welsh rural development agency Cadwyn Clwyd is seeking a design team for a public realm and heritage project in Llangollen, according to an article in Architects' Journal. 

The team will receive £12,870 to complete a feasibility study and concept design for a new public realm intended to bring attention to four major pieces of historic infrastructure which pass through the town: the Llangollen Canal, the Ruabon to Barmouth railway, the River Dee and Llangollen Bridge, and Thomas Telford’s London to Holyhead Road.

The Four Great Highways project aims to boost access to the landmarks, which lack high-quality pedestrian connections, and provide new interpretation facilities. The study will focus on placemaking, visitor flow, material treatments and possible locations for heritage interpretation.

In its brief, the agency says the project ‘aims to improve knowledge of, access to and engagement with [Llangollen’s] four great highways and industrial landmarks, all within 300m of Llangollen Bridge, a Grade I-listed monument and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.’

The Architects' Journal story says: "Llangollen is a small town of around 3,600 on the banks of the River Dee. Its Grade I-listed bridge, constructed in the 16th century and later upgraded, overlooks the Ruabon to Barmouth railway which now only operates heritage steam services.

"The town is a major tourism destination and is around 5km west of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which was designed by Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"The Llangollen Canal, which connects the town to the aqueduct, is 100m north of Llangollen Bridge, and also nearby is the historic London to Holyhead A5 Road which Telford described as his ‘greatest achievement’."

Cadwyn Clwyd is a rural development agency focusing on promoting economic activity in Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham in north Wales.

Applicants must hold £10 million of employers’ liability coverage, £2 million of public liability coverage and £250,000 of professional indemnity coverage.

Bids will be evaluated 40 per cent on methodology, 40 per cent on previous experience and 20 per cent on price. The deadline for applications is 2pm on 12 December.

How to apply

View the contract notice for more information

Contact details

Donna Hughes
Cadwyn Clwyd
Llys Owain
Bridge Street
Corwen
Denbighshire
LL21 0AH

Tel: +44 1490340500

Service for hospice to be held in St Collen's

The annual Llangollen Light up a Life Service in aid of Nightingale House Hospice will be held in St Collen's Church on Friday, December 6.

The service is organised by the Llangollen Community Support Group who work tirelessly throughout the year organising events to raise vital funds for the hospice. 

School choirs from Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Y Gwernant, Llangollen will also be taking part.

Nightingale House provides specialist palliative care services, completely free-of-charge, to patients and their families across a wide area stretching from Wrexham, Flintshire and East Denbighshire to Barmouth and the border towns including Oswestry and Whitchurch – that’s a population that covers around 391,976 people.

The service starts at 6.30pm prompt.

Campaign aims to give traders Christmas boost

* Carolyn Brindle, Denbighshire Council's Lead officer for Business Support, with Mike Horrocks, Economic and Business Development Manager.

A campaign has been launched to urge people in Llangollen to shop local this Christmas to give the town's high street traders a £2.5 million boost in the run up to the festive season.

On average in the UK each household spends £500 on presents, decorations and food and Denbighshire County Council wants local shops to get their share of the Yuletide action.

They are hoping to encourage at least a third of the county's 30,000 households, which would mean over 700 in the Llangollen area, to spend half their Christmas cash with their local retailers instead of buying online or go to the expense of travelling to the bigger shopping centres.

By spending locally Llangollen residents ensure their money will boost the local economy - experts say every £1 spent locally is likely to be re-spent 2.3 times which would mean over £400,000 stays in the town.

The Council is encouraging people to shop locally through the #LoveLiveLocal campaign.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire's head of Planning and Public Protection Services, who oversees the county's Economic and Business Development Team, said: "We have a wonderful selection of independent shops and businesses at the heart of our high streets and we want to encourage more local people to choose to spend their money locally and contribute to the local economy.

"Local shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs are at the heart of our towns and play a vital role creating new jobs and improving prosperity and that's why we are encouraging people to shop local this Christmas.

"It will be good for shoppers too because if they buy more locally this Christmas it will mean less travel, be a far more relaxing experience and they will be able find something a bit different to put under the tree for their loved ones.

"If half the £500 average Christmas spend of just a third of our households was spent with local traders, it would mean a £2.5 million boost to the county economy and crucially to our retailers.

"The other thing I would stress is that shopping locally isn't just for Christmas. If every adult in Denbighshire spent just £5 extra a week locally instead of online or at a chain store during the rest of the year, that would add up to over £300,000 more a week for the county's shopkeepers. At a time when margins are tight, that could make all the difference.

"It's about promoting the diverse and vibrant shopping experiences we have in Denbighshire and whether you're buying a turkey from your butcher or a pair of socks from a high street store you'll almost certainly get better quality than you will from the big chains and you'll be doing your bit for your town or village.

"Our businesses offer great value for money, a wide range of products and fantastic customer service and we want to play our part in showcasing what makes our towns special."

Meanwhile, retail guru Helen Hodgkinson, from Dyserth, who has worked closely with local businesses, has advice on how to make the most of Christmas which is the most important period of the year for sales.

Denbighshire County Council's #LoveLiveLocal campaign encourages people to use their local shops and services and for businesses to promote themselves and for everyone to use social media platforms Twitter and Facebook to share their positive experiences of Denbighshire as a fantastic place to shop.

Going online is key, according to Helen, a former fashion retailer and college lecturer, who said: "You have to talk about your offer and really promote it on social media and on your website - a lot of people don't shop local because they don't know what's available.

"You need to really push what you're offering and the benefits of shopping locally such as saving travelling time and the fact that the offer is very often niche, different and unique and you need to shout that from the rooftops.

"The towns have late night shopping so make the most of it, let people know when it is and what you're doing - it's an idea to invite other people like crafters and artists to exhibit in your store.

"For example Snow in Summer in Denbigh has done that very well so it's important to work with other people in your high street and telling the world why they should shop in your town.

"Shopkeepers need to get involved in events, Christmas fairs and markets - The Little Cheesemonger in Rhuddlan is doing that and that can drive people to your high street and your store."

As part of the Christmas #LoveLiveLocal campaign, Denbighshire County Council will be posting a video to highlight what the county has to offer and the campaign will encourage people to support local independent businesses by using the hashtag on Twitter and Facebook to share good experiences they've had as well as promote products and services locally they have 'loved'.

* For more information go to:
https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support-and-advice/love
-live-local-caru-busnesau-lleol.aspx and businesses and customers can get
involved by including
<https://twitter.com/hashtag/lovelivelocal?f=tweets&vertical=default&src=has
h> #LoveLiveLocal in their tweets on Twitter and
<https://www.facebook.com/groups/288253468315903/> joining the
#LoveLiveLocal group on Facebook.

2020 to hold public meeting on parking

Volunteers rebuild historic stone wall at Plas Newydd

* The volunteer dray stone wallers in the Dell at Plas Newydd.

A team of volunteers have been busy learning new traditional skills and putting them to use at Plas Newydd.

The Dell is the Ladies of Llangollen’s naturalistic garden and some of the 200-year-old revetment walls there are crumbling and falling into disrepair.

The Our Picturesque Landscape, which is National Lottery Heritage funded, is leading on a five-year restoration of the Dell which has started this autumn with repairing many of the crumbling stone walls holding up the banks leading into the Dell. 

Led by experienced Richard Jones of RJ Countryside Skills the volunteers have learned the skills involved in removing a crumbling wall and how to rebuild it to last another two centuries. 

As part of the work a time capsule has been buried in the wall for someone to find long into the future, detailing who repaired the wall and why.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Other projects within the restoration programme are the creation of stepping stones across Afon Cyflymen which flows through the Dell, repairing the steps leading up to the summer house, creating a bog garden, extra seating and replacing the existing handrail with something more in keeping with the garden as it would have been two hundred years ago.

Volunteers Paula Wilding and Dave Smith said: “This has provided an interesting feature leading visitors down from the historic formal heritage garden into the ladies' naturalistic planting within the Dell.”

* If you would like to get involved by volunteering with the restoration, please get in touch with the team on 01824 706163 or contact:  our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

Boris says Tories can win Clwyd South seat

* Stuart Davies supplied this picture of Boris Johnson canvassing in Castle Street during the 1997 general election.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the Conservatives can win the local Clwyd South seat, which he unsuccessfully fought himself in 1997 - as a winnable seat in the general election.

He revealed this aim as he unveiled his party's Welsh manifesto on a whirlwind visit to Bangor on Dee racecourse earlier this afternoon.

* For the full story, see Leaderlive at:

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18059176.boris-johnson-eyes-clwyd-south-seat-tories-22-years-failing/

Sion Corn tries helicopter for Christmas festival arrival

* Sion Corn tries out the Wales Air Ambulance 

for his rapid arrival at Llangollen Christmas Festival on Saturday.

Sion Corn – the Welsh Santa Claus – has been checking out the quickest way to reach Llangollen when the town stages its annual Christmas Festival this Saturday November 30.

Thousands of seasonal revellers are expected to come flocking to the Denbighshire tourist spot for the big event.

As Sion Corn will be starring in the traditional parade and wants to make sure he’s there in good time on the day he’s been trying out various modes of travel over the past few weeks.

And he reckons that by far the quickest way of reaching Llangollen from his home in the Far North is aboard the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter which the festival is once again this year raising funds to support along with local groups in the town.

So he went along to its base near Welshpool to check it out.

Later he said: “Apart from its fantastic range of lifesaving equipment and its dedicated crew, both medical and pilots, I was very impressed with how fast it can reach its patients.

“If it can be on the scene of an emergency so rapidly it shouldn’t take long at all for it to whisk me and my helpers across to Llangollen on the big day.

“My trip aboard the helicopter also convinced me the Christmas festival couldn’t be supporting a worthier cause.” 

Kicking off at 1pm with the famous parade, which sees Sion Corn being escorted into town over the historic bridge by a colourful cavalcade of entertainers and local groups, this Saturday’s event features children’s fairground rides, food stalls, choirs, craft stalls, circus acts and face painting.

There will also be a chance for youngsters to visit Sion Corn in his glorious grotto and put in their early requests from what they’d like to see him bring them on Christmas morning. 

During the afternoon visitors can look forward to an eclectic mix of musical entertainment from local groups on two outdoor stages and other on-street entertainment.

The fun-packed day rounds off at 5pm with the ceremonial switching on of Llangollen’s legendary Christmas lights and a firework extravaganza. 

Llangollen Christmas Festival is organised by a group of dedicated community volunteers. It costs over £4,000 to stage each year and is self-funding.

The festival aims to provide a free family-orientated event in the safety of the town centre with surplus funds being donated to Wales Air Ambulance and local community groups.

Over the last couple of years the police have estimated that the spectacular event draws over 2,000 people into town during the course of the afternoon.

For the third year the festival has teamed up with Light Up Local Food, a project aimed at promoting Llangollen-based food and drink producers.

Chairman of the festival committee Austin ‘Chem’ Cheminais, who is also the local town crier and a member of the town council, said: “With the help of the community we manage, each year, to raise just about enough to fund the event and give a little to charity.

“Last year’s festival was particularly successful thanks to the good weather and the feedback from those attending was very positive.

“The ‘market’ feel to the event provided by Light UP Local Food was particularly commented upon and helped to attract visitors from much further afield.

“Once again we’re expecting a bumper crowd to come along and help us to give a great early start to Christmas.” 

Festival organisers have also arranged for free parking throughout the day at local car parks.

New claims from Stuart Davies in cancer scan battle

* Former councillor Stuart Davies.

The Llangollen man who spearheaded a campaign for men across Wales to have equal access to a prostate cancer scan now claims the local health board is making it difficult to receive it.

Former town mayor and county councillor Stuart Davies, 71, paid Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) nearly £900 for a multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scan when a cancer that he'd beaten several years ago returned in 2017.

The mpMRI is a specific type of investigation that can give more detailed images of the prostate than a regular MRI scan and was recommended to Mr Davies by the health board as a way of specifically deciding upon the correct treatment for his cancer.

But after receiving the scan he was shocked to learn that it is offered for free by other health boards in Wales.

He organised a petition, which attracted over 6,000 signatures, demanding equal access to the scan across Wales and sparked a discussion in the Senedd in Cardiff, Shortly afterwards Mr Davies marched on the capital, joined by fellow campaigners.

Before the petition was launched, just three of the seven health boards in Wales, offered mpMRI before biopsy and only one board provided it to a standard high enough to safely rule men out of biopsy.

This meant men in four health boards did not have access to mpMRI as a diagnostic test, unless they paid to have it done privately.

Mr Davies’s own health authority, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, recently wrote to inform him that the new mpMRI scanning service has now been implemented in north Wales.

But Mr Davies now claims some men in the region are being refused the scan while the health board is refusing to refund those who have paid for it to be done.

He said: “Men are still contacting me to say that the Betsi is making it difficult to get this scan and are now refusing refunds.”

His claim comes in correspondence he’s had with the Petitions Committee of the Welsh Assembly, which has agreed to consider his petition at its next meeting on December 3.

He has also submitted letters in support of his campaign from leading cancer charities.

He wrote to the Petitions Committee: “My thanks to the committee for continuing to support our petition.

“It is interesting to see that Cancer Research Wales is supporting our stance in that while some boards are implementing this measure that the private sector and or other boards should provide these.

“Given that the private sector charges roughly £900 to the public and yet only £360 trade price to the NHS it seems stupid that the NHS is ‘forcing’ patients to pay privately and then refund them when it would be £600 cheaper to do it directly.”

A statement from the Betsi Cadwaladr UHB says: “Following considerable efforts over recent months we are now at a point to begin accepting referrals for pre-biopsy mp-MRI scans.

"This will enable a proportion of gentlemen to avoid an invasive biopsy procedure."

A board spokesman added that if anyone who has a complaint to make relating to refunds can do so through our complaints process here: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/contact-us/make-a-complaint/”

Inner Wheel to stage Christmas Cheer event

Llangollen Inner Wheel are staging their annual Christmas gathering in the Town Hall on Saturday December 14.

Group spokesperson Eileen Dart said: "It's the entertainment and supper we hold every year before Christmas as our main fundraising event. 

"We support many charities both local and worldwide and this year we will be raising money for Guide Dogs, Riding for the Disabled, and Medcare in Uganda."

Sporting talent honoured in Llan

* Club of the Year, Ysgol Glan Clwyd U13s girls football team.

Sporting talent from across Denbighshire joined together in Llangollen to celebrate the Denbighshire Community Sports Awards 2019.

The prestigious Denbighshire Sports Awards, now in its 8^th year, recognises individuals, teams, schools and clubs for their dedication to local community grass roots sport in the county.

Over 100 nominations were received and the judging panel drew up a final shortlist of 25 finalists, who were invited along with their friends, families and colleagues, to the glittering awards ceremony at Llangollen Pavilion.

Invited guests were treated to a night of celebration, inspirational stories and a speech from special guest, Liz Johnson, who wowed the crowd with her inspirational story of how she became a Paralympic and World Championship Gold Medallist.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: "The Denbighshire community sport awards has helped recognise and share some amazing stories over the last few years and 2019 was no exception. The standard of the nominations this year was outstanding and shows how many talented people we have here in Denbighshire. I pass on my congratulations to all of the winners and to everyone who was shortlisted.”

Denbighshire Leisure, including the Disability Sport Officer and the Active Young People team, work closely with the award nominees and winners, who give up their own time to help improve community sport in Denbighshire.

The event was sponsored by Alliance Leisure and Knights Construction Group, alongside category sponsors Technogym, Denbighshire Education and Children’s Service, Denbighshire Community Housing, XN Leisure, Origin Fitness and Disability Sport Wales, who helped make this event possible.

If you would like to nominate someone for a Denbighshire Community Sport Award 2020, please check the Denbighshire Leisure website in the new year for details.

Winners

Junior Sports Performer – Huw Jones

Young Inspiration – Holly Roberts

Sport in School Award – Denbigh High School

Disability Sport Award – Anastasia Blease

Sports performer – Jennifer Broughall

Club of the Year – Ysgol Glan Clwyd Girls under 13s Football Team

Coach of the Year – Jonathon Dawes

Volunteer of the Year – Llio Jones

Lifetime Achievement – Bryn Lloyd Jones

Hospice offers art therapy workshops

Art therapy workshops for people looking to have a little time out for themselves are to be launched at Nightingale House Hospice.

Run by the hospice’s art therapist Pam Hutcheson, the course will run in six-week blocks starting on Wednesday November 27, from 5pm-7pm.

The aim is to provide headspace for those who feel they never have any downtime to explore their own interests or hobbies.

The greatest benefit of art therapy is you don’t have to be any good at art and all you need to do is fulfil the eligible criteria as follows:

* Have responsibility for caring for someone or regularly look after an elderly or ill or disabled relative.

* Currently work or have worked in the NHS, local council, police or any other public or civil service roles.

Art therapy is proven to strengthen personal identity and confidence by increasing self-esteem and self-worth, as well as discovering new ways to communicate and develop new coping strategies.

Art therapist Pam Hutcheson said: “This course will help participants build personal resilience by learning skills to maintain a good well-being. It offers an opportunity to express concerns, within a safe and confidential environment and a time to reflect or relax without having to talk.

“Each session allows you to explore your own creative ideas or use the pre-selected session theme, with an option to share your experiences at the end with the rest of the group.”

* To register your interest email art.therapy@nightingalehouse.co.uk or call Pam Hutcheson on 07535 394780.

This course is brought to Nightingale House Hospice courtesy of a grant from the Civil Service Insurance society (CSIS) grant, administered through Hospice UK

Jaguar XE is a fab choice in the executive sector

* The new Jaguar XE (above and below). 

Jaguar XE road test by Steve Rogers

It normally takes about 800 words to tell you about the car I have been testing.

How about I wrap this up in one? Fabulous.

Okay, you want a little more meat on the bone. I get that so here's your 800 words.

The motor in question is the Jaguar XE, the smallest of the three saloons in the range under the XJ, the one that chauffers Boris Johnson, and the XF, the car that made the world sit up and take notice of Jaguar again. Since its launch in 2015 the XE has lived in the shadow of the glorious XF but the latest model has changed all that.

It had to improve because XE is up against the usual German suspects all of which have very fine offerings in BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, both of which are updated models, and Mercedes-Benz C Class. See the size of the challenge? And it has got tougher with Alfa Romeo's Guilia and the new Volvo S60, staking a strong claim for the top table.

Not that things got off to a great start in the XE. The first thing I did was bash my head on the roof getting into the driver's seat. This car sits low and I am not so flexible as the years pile on.

At first glance nothing much has changed but closer inspection reveals a more interesting bumper and a new front and rear lights which are LED and put on a real show at night. Automatic dipping has reached new heights.

The major changes are inside and the first thing you notice is a stubby gear lever which has replaced the eye catching rotary dial which raised from its bed when the ignition was switched on. That was so cool but on balance I prefer the lever which looks more sporty and turns the automatic eight speed gearbox into a manual change should you wish, although I prefer playing with the steering wheel paddle shifters. Puts me in Louis Hamilton mode...

Like its competitors Jaguar has gone full on digital for the centre console with a main 10 inch screen for radio, navigation, phone and such like, and a smaller screen below for heating. I don't always like digital heating controls, they can take your eyes off the road for too long, but this set up is clear and selections can be made quickly. Driver and passenger have a big dial each to select temperature, fan speed or heated seat level. This three in one function looks over complicated but you quickly get the hang of it.

Even my wife, a big critic of digital displays, thought this system acceptable so I am sure Jaguar will be relieved to have her seal of approval.

Response time on the big screen for navigation etc is sharp and although there is no 360 degree function the rear camera definition is good. And talking of cameras there is a special treat with a camera filling the rear view mirror. Turn it off if you don't like it. Pity it is part of a £1,470 technology package.

I liked it nearly as much as the heated windscreen, another aid which more car companies should adopt.

Then there is the new steering wheel. Quite a lot going on here, one function in particular standing out. The speed limiter, normally a shared switch with cruise control, is a dedicated button right under the thumb and is up and running in two seconds. And there is a head up display for the driver so no excuse for breaking speed limits.

So all fine and dandy in the cabin? Not quite although this particular flaw doesn't seem to bother Jaguar. The meagre rear legroom has been a complaint since the start and it is no better now. Even I found it tight with my short legs and head room is sparse as well.

Boot space is best described as okay, how often do you load a boot anyway, but it failed the golf clubs and trolley test although you would never get those into a BMW 3 Series either.

What's left? The most important bit, how it drives! It is a Jaguar so expectations are high and it does not disappoint. I could drive the XE until I fell asleep which I wouldn't because it is so much fun. This is agility and balance of the highest order and the weight of steering is spot on. Performance is brisk as you would expect from a 250bhp 2-litre petrol.

So where does XE figure in this illustrious group? On looks alone the Jaguar is my top pick, just ahead of the Alfa and Volvo with the Germans bringing up the rear. Without driving all six around a track it is impossible to give a definitive answer...but I told my wife I want one if she wins the lottery.

Next up is the new Audi A4 so let's see what that brings to the table.

Key facts

XE HSE Dynamic

£40,335 (£46,315 test car extras)

2-litre petrol; 247bhp

0-60mph 6.2secs; 155mph

36.2mpg combined

159g/km. 1st road tax £530

Boot: 455 litres

Insurance group 31

Shops urged to enter Christmas windows competition

* Sion Corn arrives for the annual Christmas festival.

Shops in Llangollen town centre are being encouraged to enter a competition to find the most attractive window displays in the run-up to Chistmas.

It’s being organised as part of the annual Christmas festival, which this year will be held on Saturday November 30.

Prizes and certificates are up for grabs for the most attractive displays which will be judged by the town’s mayor and deputy mayor.

Town crier and town councillor Austin “Chem” Cheminais, who chairs the Christmas Festival committee, said: “Our family orientated festival attracts over 2,000 people into Llangollen town centre and in recent years feedback has been extremely positive.

“The Christmas shopping experience offered by local traders is an important element of our success.

“In the busy Christmas period, there is nothing more important than the Christmas shop front or business window display to attract customers through the door and create a colourful and festive experience for shoppers.”

He added: “Once again Llangollen Christmas Festival is hoping that shop owners will join in and will be awarding certificates and prizes for the most attractive displays

“Judging will take place in the week beginning December 2.

“Windows will be judged by our mayor Cllr Jon Haddy and our deputy mayor Cllr Issy Richards.

“Judging will reflect on windows that capture the imagination and embrace all things festive. The more Christmassy the better.”

The winning window will be announced on llanblogger and other local social media and prizes will be awarded the following week.

Dementia aware business breakfast planned

Denbighshire Voluntary Sevices Council (DVSC) is hosting the next Dementia Aware Business Breakfast at St Collen's Community Hall, Regent Street, Llangollen, LL20 8PL on Wednesday 27th November, from 8.30am until 10.30am, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses.

The free event includes a healthy breakfast and time for networking and community focused conversations.

To confirm your interest in attending this FREE event, please follow this link: bit.ly/DementiaAwareLlangollen

Or call Maisie, DVSC's Marketing & Impact Assistant on 01824 702 441.

Information about how your business can play a role in creating an inclusive community can be found in DVSC leaflets. Alternatively, you can contact Mair Davies, Volunteering and Wellbeing Development Officer, on 01824 702 441 to learn about the programme.

If you cannot attend but wish to be informed of future events please follow our Eventbrite page and this will automatically notify you of upcoming events.