North Wales MS slams new 20mph speed limits

Speed limits in built-up areas will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph in Wales from next year.

Ministers say a 20mph limit will lower road collisions and noise and encourage people to walk or cycle.

The Welsh Parliament passed the law in a vote on Tuesday afternoon.

It was backed by Labour and Plaid Cymru but opposed by the Welsh Conservatives, who said the blanket rollout is "ludicrous".

Sam Rowlands MS for North Wales says the introduction of 20mph on restricted roads is a backward step for Wales and will have a dangerous impact.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government urged fellow members to vote against the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022.

He said: “We certainly support letting our councils put 20 mph speed limits outside schools, hospitals and other areas. But this blanket approach across urban roads in Wales, without recognising the vast differences in our communities, seems to me like a knee-jerk reaction. 

“This may work in city centres where there is good infrastructure, good public transport in place, but many of our villages and towns that are linked by 30 mph roads at the moment simply do not have that same transport system, the same connectivity, the same infrastructure, it is nothing like Cardiff, it is nothing like Swansea. These rural villages and towns are going to be suffering because of this. 

“The Welsh Government's currently trialling this scheme across areas in Wales, including,  Buckley in North Wales, where I met with residents and local representatives last week. They highlighted a number of issues. They believe they see a higher level of pollution, observed more accidents and more delays. They also feel that Government have not been listening to them and to their concerns through this process. 

“They are concerned about the level of pollution, because what they observe is cars and drivers having to drive in a lower gear, churning out more fumes. They have seen more accidents, because they believe they have seen more drivers distracted with having to try and live within this new speed limit. 

“In terms of the cost,  we are talking about £33 million, I am sure that that could be better spent on employing more teachers, doctors and nurses here in Wales. Along with this, there is real concern that there is going to be a massive impact on business and the economy as well. 

“A constituent wrote to me and said, and I quote, 'Drivers checking their speed constantly, not giving their full attention to road conditions, as well as impatient drivers trying to overtake will make the roads more dangerous, not less.' 

“It is clear the Welsh Government has not properly consulted with those who have undergone this trial and it has caused real anger across many of our communities and it simply hasn't worked and won't work. It could have a dangerous impact and is a backwards step in how we go about our daily lives in Wales.” 

Help save the planet with an e-bike delivery service

* The e-bike delivery service sets off Drosi Bikes' workshop. 

An enterprising Llangollen community workshop is offering a delivery service to customers of shops in the town using a planet-saving electronic bike.

Thanks to outside funding Drosi Bikes, based in Parade Street, has been able to buy an electric assist e-cargo bike. 

And every Friday, for a small fee, it is offering local people the chance to use it to have their orders from local shops delivered within a 10-mile radius of the town centre.

Ceri, of Drosi Bikes, said: "Thanks to funding from Clocaenog WFF and the National Lottery's Together for our Planet we have been able to purchase the e-cargo bike.

"It is available to hire at reduced rates for Llangollen residents and organisations and, every Friday, we have a dedicated rider offering sustainable deliveries across the town and surrounding areas. 

"The main aim for the project is to provide residents with a real alternative to a car, particularly for shorter journeys or when travelling into the town. In turn, this helps to lower CO2 emissions and congestion within Llangollen, as well as promoting and supporting local businesses. 

"It is also hoped the delivery option will give residents more opportunity to walk, cycle or take the bus into town, knowing we are able to assist in getting their items back to them, without the hassle of carrying heavy bags."

She added: " The way it works is customers head to their favourite independent shops within Llangollen and purchase their items as usual. 

"They fill out a delivery card which gets left with their order and stored in the shop. We pick up from each store every Friday morning and distribute - payment is made upon collection. 

"If we're delivering within the town it's a flat fee of £2. Beyond this, we charge 50p per mile, up to a range of 10 miles outside of Llangollen.

"During this trial period we are only able to offer deliveries on a Friday - we have a dedicated rider every Friday to offer this service. Going forward, we hope to increase the number of days through a mix of volunteer and funded riders.

"This service is currently operating from a couple of Llangollen shops but we're happy to pick up deliveries from any independent store. If your favourite shop isn't currently signed up, ask them to get in touch with us.

"To maximise the efficiency of the bike, we're also happy to pick up items after dropping off deliveries, such as small items for the charity shop, food donations for the food share and so on."

Ambulance service's tips to stay safe in the heat

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to take precautions ahead of the hot weather forecast for this week.

Temperatures in Wales are set to hit 31°C today with the warm spell likely to last beyond the weekend.

Warm weather generates an increase in calls to people with breathing difficulties, and with 999 demand already high, and Covid-19 infections continuing to rise, the Trust is asking the public to take extra precautions to reduce pressure on the service.

Lee Brooks, the Trust’s Executive Director of Operations, said: “We had almost 2,000 calls to 999 on Sunday alone, which is roughly one call every minute.

“We expect demand to remain high with the increase in temperature, so we need the public’s help to ensure that the pressures we face are not exacerbated by the weather.

“Hot weather means your body has to work harder to keep its core temperature to normal levels, and this puts extra strain on your heart, lungs and kidneys.

“This means that you can be at greater risk if you have a pre-existing heart or respiratory condition, like asthma or angina.

“It’s really important to keep cool and stay hydrated, and if you’re out and about, please look after yourself and those with you.

“If you do fall victim to the sun, take one of our NHS 111 Wales symptom checkers for bites and stings, breathing difficulties, hay fever and sunburn – it’ll help you determine the best course of action.”

Protecting yourself in the heat

1. Drink lots of water – it’s important to keep hydrated as you lose more fluid than you take in during hotter temperatures and this is especially true if drinking alcohol
2. Keep out of the sun – it’s best to stay in the shade between 11am-3pm when the sun is at its hottest
3. Wear sun cream and sunglasses – apply a sun cream of at least factor 30 that includes UVA protection and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection lenses
4. Loose clothing – wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes along with a hat
5. Look out for others – keep a check on those vulnerable to the effects of heat, especially the elderly, young children and babies and those who have a heart or respiratory condition such as asthma
6. Never leave babies, young children or animals in a parked vehicle – temperatures can soar very quickly in a parked car, and children under two are particularly at risk of getting heatstroke or heat exhaustion
7. Take care around water – always supervise children in and around pools and seriously consider whether open water areas (rivers, lakes, etc.) are safe

Planning application to transform Royal Hotel is approved

* The Royal's planning application has been approved by the county council.

The planning application to transform Llangollen’s historic Royal into a ‘destination’ hotel has been approved by Denbighshire County Council.

Standing at the corner of Castle Street and Bridge Street, it is one of the town’s landmark buildings and dates back to 1752.

Overlooking Centenary Square, it is Grade II Listed and has been closed since 2019,  

A council spokesperson said the permission for application number 03/2022/0173 was granted under delegated powers and allows for the demolition of the original existing extension, the erection of a four-storey extension to the side and rear, including health spa, and additional hotel accommodation.

The spokesperson added: “Also approved is the erection of a two-storey kitchen extension to the existing courtyard plus the installation of a canopy and decking to the rear and associated works.

“Officers have also recommended that Listed Building consent be granted for the same works under application ref 03/2022/0174. However, this recommendation is currently being considered by CADW.”

The application was submitted last March in the name of Matt Jones of MAVI Properties Ltd based in Middle Sontley, Wrexham.

At the time a press release from the company said the development would give the ability to create an estimated 45-plus jobs.

The application explained that the aim of the plan was to “create a destination venue and to improve accessibility of the existing historic element.”

It also said there would be: “Works consisting of partial demolition of existing a 1960’s extension to facilitate the creation of an all-new spa extension with additional high-end accommodation above. New restaurant area to be created to existing basement with extended external decking area.”

The application adds that in 2019 a public consultation meeting was held at the Royal Hotel to allow local residents and business owners to opportunity to meet the project team and to review and discuss the design intentions.

It said: “During this meeting, the project’s aim to turn the Royal into a ‘destination hotel’, potentially with a Michelin star restaurant, Spa and terrace with the ability to create an estimated 45+ jobs were discussed.

“The intention to develop the project with the Local Authority and CADW was stated, to not only preserve the historical characteristics of the building, but to also provide an asset to increase footfall to the town. As part of the discussion, the issue of erosion to the existing riverbank wall was raised. Remedial works were subsequently completed in 2021.”

The application stated that there would be no demolition of any Listed buildings, either partial or total.

It went on to say the redevelopment would provide the opportunity to employ the full-time equivalent of 45 people.

Llangollen fire crews use app to locate forest blaze

* The What3Words app used to locate the forest fire last night.

Llangollen fire station is highlighting the benefits of using a new app to locate a local forest fire yesterday (Sunday) evening.

On its Facebook page this morning it says crews attended the blaze in Pen Coed woods at 8.35pm.

And it adds: "The crews worked hard in the heat to pull up 120 meters of hose to the seat of the fire. 

"A big thank you to a member of the public who called it in and met crews at the scene. 

"What3words was used, which is a great tool for the public to use if they are unfamiliar with their location. 

"It will locate you within a three-meter square anywhere in the world. 

"This is a location app that you can download. Please see the picture attached it’s a very good app." 

Overnight A483 closure will mean diversion through Llangollen

The Traffic Wales website has issued an alert to say that the A483 northbound between Chirk and Ruabon will be closed for cyclic maintenance overnight between 9pm on Friday July 15 and 6am on Saturday, July 16.

A diversion will be in place along the A5 and A539 through Llangollen, the alert adds.   

A483 : Northbound : Chirk to Ruabon

A483 : Northbound : Chirk to Ruabon : Cyclic maintenance : Diversion : A5 and A539 through LLangollen : 15/07/22-16/07/22 2100-0600 :

Type of event: Roadworks

Severity of disruption: Road closure

Start Date: 15/07/2022 21:00

End Date: 16/07/2022 06:00

Man dubbed 'new Bryn Terfel' wins Eisteddfod's Voice of the Future title

* Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE presents the trophy to baritone Emyr Lloyd Jones, winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.

A 25-year-old baritone dubbed the new Bryn Terfel has been crowned as the best young singer in the world.

Emyr Lloyd Jones put in a stirring performance to take the title of the Pendine International Voice of the Future at the 75^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Following a thrilling sing-off, watched by his proud parents and loving fiancée, he was presented with the Pendine Trophy - a solid silver salver, and a £3,000 prize by Mario Kreft MBE, proprietor of the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, who sponsor the competition.

The prize comes from the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

In what the judges described as an extremely close decision, Emyr clinched the victory just ahead of the hugely talented soprano Oksana Lepska, of Latvia.

The two virtuosos had battled their way through preliminary rounds involving more than 20 competitors from countries as far afield as China and the USA.

Just six singers made it to the semi-finals which were held on the opening days of the Eisteddfod where they competed for the final two places to perform on the show-stopping night of the famous pavilion stage.

Emyr comes from Bontnewydd, near Gwynedd, which is less than 10 miles away from where Bryn Terfel was raised in Pantglas.

He said he was “over the moon” to have won such a prestigious prize especially in the eisteddfod’s landmark 75th anniversary year.

He said: “I feel absolutely honoured. There have been so many exceptional performances in this year’s competition that I was overwhelmed to have got into the final.

“It is an occasion which is very close to my heart. I have been competing and visiting the International Musical Eisteddfod with choirs since I was a young child so to achieve success like this in the pavilion for which I hold such affection, well it’s just staggering for me.”

Emyr impressed the Eisteddfod judges with his entrancing performances of Hai gia vinta la causa, from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro; The Cloths of Heaven, taken from a poem by WB Yeats and Y Cymro by Meirion Williams.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod executive producer, Camilla King, said his voice was reminiscent of opera mega-star Sir Bryn Terfel in his earlier years.

She said: “It has that same timbre, it’s rich, passionate, mellow and versatile. He doesn’t just sing but his voice takes you on a journey.

“I believe Emyr has the talent to become a future star of the same standing as Sir Bryn. In fact, both our finalists are outstanding talents and I’ve no doubt we will be seeing a lot more of them both in years to come.”

After studying for six years at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he met fiancée, fellow singer Rhiannon Ashley, Emyr’s career course is already moving on apace. He will spend the next two years studying at the famed Guildhall School of Music in London where Bryn Terfel was also once a student.

He is hugely excited to have been accepted by the Guildhall but the move has some bitter sweet consequences as it means he will be parted from Rhiannon for a year.

She is heading off to teach in the Welsh settlement of Patagonia in Argentina.

Emyr said: “We only got engaged just over a month ago and we are immensely looking forward to making a life together but at the same time we both have goals to achieve. It will be hard being apart but we already have plans for me to go over and visit Patagonia in December.”

Rhiannon, 25, who hails from Newcastle Emlyn, South Wales, was delighted to be in the audience with Emyr’s proud parents Derek and Gillian Jones, watching Emyr perform in the Pendine International Voice of the Future final.

She said: “We were on the edge of our seats. We’re all really thrilled for him. We knew he could do it and he sang brilliantly well. It’s been a fantastic evening.”

Emyr’s dream is to become a professional opera singer and have the chance to perform on some of the world’s great stages like the New York Met, La Scala in Milan and the Royal Opera House.

He would also love to perform with each of the national opera companies in Britain.

Mario Kreft added: "The ethos of the Eisteddfod chimes perfectly with the values of my wife, Gill, and I at Pendine Park in nurturing young talent.

“We firmly believe in the vital role played by music and arts in social care and as part of our enrichment programme for people with dementia.

“The Pendine Trophy, which is solid Edwardian silver bearing a Chester hallmark, was kindly donated by the late Tony Kaye of Kaye’s Jewellers. It’s a stunning and beautiful trophy.

“I think tonight we have heard some of the future famous names of the global operatic stage for sure. Both contestants have remarkable voices and they kept the audience enthralled with their different performances.

“To have such a high standard of competition particularly in this, the first year of live performances again following the difficult, heart-wrenching times of the pandemic, is wonderfully uplifting. It shows what a wealth of talent there still is among our younger generations of musicians.

“Emyr is a credit to his home village of Bontnewydd and an inspiration to other budding young singers from north Wales and further afield. It is our hope that this competition offers a stepping stone for outstanding young talents like Emyr and Oksana to go on and further their careers.”

Emyr said the cash windfall will be an enormous support towards his costs of living in London, as well as helping towards purchase of vital materials and extra tuition fees.

He said: “Apart from my delight about winning this is a tremendous boost on a practical level and will definitely help me afford to live in London, especially at a time when expenses everywhere are going up. I cannot thank Mario and Pendine enough.”

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said the organisers would be overjoyed to see all the competitors again.

He said: “It has been a lovely evening, emotional, and heartwarming. We have been bowled over by the standard of performances. What a wonderful way to celebrate the 75th anniversary year of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.”

* Winner of the prestigious Choir of the World title at the Eisteddfod's closing evening concert was CF1 from Cardiff, conducted by former Llangollen Eisteddfod musical director Elir Owen Griffiths.

Overall winners of this year's dance competitions were Loughgiel from Northern Ireland.

* Cardiff-based CF1 won the Choir of the World title.

* Loughgiel won the overall dance competition.

International choirs sing at Eisteddfod closing service

* Palmdale High School Choir from California.

Three international choirs sang during a service of celebration to close the 75th anniversary Eisteddfod at St Collen's Church this morning (Sunday).

Palmdale High School Choral Union from California, USA, Cantica Nova from Slovakia and Vocal Ensemble Coloroso from Belgium, all of whom had competed at the Eisteddfod this week, filled the church with delightful choral music, each of them performing two pieces. 

The service, attended by Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies who read one of the lessons, was conducted by the Vicar, Father Lee Taylor.

* Coloroso choir from Belgium.

* Cantica Nova from Slovakia.

In his address Father Lee spoke of how it had been proven that music releases "happy chemicals" into the brain to make people feel good about themselves and boost their mood.

Music was also a language that was understood no matter what tongue people spoke, allowing the promotion of light and peace in the world.

"That is something the Eisteddfod has been doing in a number of performances across our town," he said.

"We give thanks for the 75 years of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and also to all those people, living and departed, who have come here to share their music and traditions with us and hope this continues long into the future."

During the service a poem by composed by Llangollen's Gareth Culshaw and entitled "Eisteddfod Week" was read out. 

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

Outside PONSONBY ARMS MILL STREET 15/07/2022 15/07/2022. Traffic control on diversion route. 

120m east of Medical centre to The Sun Inn A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD until 14/07/2022 Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY. Temp Traffic Lights. 

A day of colourful choral action on Eisteddfod's sizzling third day

* Brymbo Male Voice Choir on the Music Stage Saturday afternoon.

It was a melodic day of choirs both on and off the field on the third day of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (Saturday). 

Action started early on the main Pavilion stage where three ensembles competed for the final of the Female Voice crown.

* Above, Belcanto from Kettering compete in the Female Voice Choir competition in the Pavilion. Below first, in the same competition, were Chanteuse Chamber Choir from Stafford and, below second, Peterborough Voices.  

Across the other side of the field on the Music Stage, the red-coated Brymbo Male Voice was going through its intricate vocal paces. 

Then over at St Collen's Church it was time for the latest lunchtime recital. 

First up was the sweet-voiced St Agnes Choir from Cornwall followed by the 2019 winners of the Eisteddfod's coveted Choir of the World title, John's Boys from Rhos.

* St Agnes Choir from Cornwall in the lunchtime recital at St Collen's.

* John's Boys Choir also sang in St Collen's.

Members of the audience heading back towards the field had the opportunity to stop off in Centenary Square to listen to the Bostock Singers from just across the English border in Northwich.

Later in the afternoon they could return to the square, with its packed streetside audience, to take in some songs from the New Dublin Voices from Ireland.

* The Bostock Choir from Northwich sing in Centenary Square.

* The New Dublin Voices choir perform in the square.

But the day wasn't just about dancing because at various locations people could take in some dance highly colourful routines from across the world, including that performed by street dancers from Kurdistan in Centenary Square.

* Kurdistan street dancers from London delight crowds in the square.

The action continues throughout the afternoon and the day culminates with the Saturday evening concert in the Pavilion, Choir of the World - both the competition of that name and some demonstrations by the winners of various singing and dancing competitions held over the past three days. This starts at 7.30pm.  

* Eisteddfod action at the sun helped make Castle Street busier than it's been for years.

llanblogger celebrates 10th anniversary ... and millions of hits

Today llanblogger is celebrating its 10^th birthday.

And as founder and editor I would like to say thanks a million to all our readers for their support – or, to be more accurate, over 2.7 million because that’s the total number of hits which Llangollen’s own news blog has attracted since it was first published – free of charge - on July 9, 2012.

Our opening story was about the canal being blocked by a fallen tree and since that humble beginning, which was seen by just a few score of people, readership has grown to an army of regulars who make around 30,000 visits to the site every month.

Over the past decade llanblogger, with a total of over 7,000 stories, has covered everything from tragedies such as fatal fires and road accidents to key developments like the opening of our local superstores and the re-shaping of the town centre.

Another regular on the blog has been our local heritage railway, particularly its recent and incredible fightback from the double-blow of receivership and the pandemic.  

The blog has also been delighted to publish news from the Eisteddfod and regular reviews of local stage shows.

More seriously, llanblogger prided itself on the way it gave daily in-depth coverage to the pandemic, publishing an average of half a dozen stories on the topic every day for weeks on end.

There have also been political stories from how the workings of the town and county councils and of our MPs and Senedd Members affect local people to coverage of a couple of General Elections.

All these stories attract large numbers of hits on the blog but what attract the largest readership are stories about ordinary local people often doing extraordinary things.

Along the way, the blog has won its fair share of praise and its high-point came in 2019 when we were delighted to be presented with a Mayor’s Civic Award for our efforts on behalf of the community.  

After passing the 10-year milestone we intend to keep on bringing you the news of views of Llangollen and its people.

So llanblogger would be delighted if you’d keep on reading as we enter our second decade.        

Thanks again,

Phil Robinson

Summer of fun returns for children and young people

A Summer of Fun is returning for children and young people in the county.

Denbighshire County Council is once again providing a range of free sporting, cultural and play based bilingual activities as part of the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun project.

Events are taking place across the county until September 30.

Cllr Gill German, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “We are pleased to be once again supporting this great project and offering a fantastic bilingual programme of events in Denbighshire. The Council is working with a number of partners on this project and I would like to thank all those involved.

“These free activities will certainly give our children and young people something to look forward to during the summer holidays and also help support their social, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.

“I would encourage parents to have a look at the events on offer to help their children enjoy the best possible summer this year.”

Events and activities are being arranged for children and young people aged 0 to 25.

They are designed to support children and young people to express themselves through play, offer community based interactive, creative and play-based initiatives for all ages and provide opportunities to play with friends and peers.

* To book onto one of the events or activities visit: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/summer-of-fun-2022/summer-of-fun.aspx

Eisteddfod enjoys a packed second day

* The Choir of E.Mikeladze Central Music School from Georgia sings at St Collen's. 

It was another packed day of activities, both on and off the field, as the second day of the 75th anniversary Eisteddfod got under way today (Friday).

Around lunchtime St Collen's Church was once again the perfect setting for a performance by international competitors - this time the Choir of E.Mikeladze Central Music School from Georgia whose young members showcased a selection of their soulful and moving numbers. 

Up on the field early in the afternoon there was a wholly different act going through his crazy paces on the outdoor Music Stage.

* Bill Brookman gives a new meaning to the word 'hotpants' on the Music Stage.

Entertainer Bill Brookman gave the sun-drenched audience a selection of mad-capped routines ranging from stilt walking to fire eating - as a finale sticking a lighted torch down the front of his pants.

Old friends from the Eisteddfod parade, drum band Karamba Samba, were out in front of the Pavilion drumming up plenty of interest from onlookers as they basked in the late afternoon sun.    

* The Karamba Samba Band play on the field.

Meanwhile, back in the town centre Centenary Square played host to a variety of acts, including a group of musicians from India who are appearing in the Eisteddfod despite problems with obtaining visas.  

Throughout the day a series of competition preliminary rounds of various competitions continued to be  held in the town with their respective finals being played out on the main Pavilion stage.

* Indian musicians play on Centenary Square.

Today's evening concert in the Pavilion is headlined by world-famous sitar star Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, and also featuring Austrian percussionist, composer, Hang-player and Björk collaborator Manu Delago and the strings of the Britten Sinfonia.    

* Anoushka Shankar headlines tonight's concert.

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Melodic duo get Eisteddfod concerts back on song

* On stage: Aled Jones and Russell Watson.

Two of Britain’s finest voices combined in perfect harmony to get Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s legendary evening concerts back on song after a couple of years’ pandemic break.

From the moment they bounded on to the famous Pavilion stage Aled Jones and Russell Watson were in superb form, teaming up for numbers as diverse and powerful as the sweet hymn May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You before splitting up for solos like Watson’s breathtaking O Sole Mio.

The Great American Songbook was an obvious choice for them to both to deliver a sizzling Night and Day and a stirring Shenandoha.

We stayed in the same spine-tingling vein for a medley of Where Have All the Flowers Gone and Here’s to the Heroes.

Talking about heroes it was then time to head into a gripping Impossible Dream which ended the first half.

Watson’s impeccably Neapolitan Funiculi Funicula brought us back into the second half of the packed programme and we remained in the Med for Volare which saw the duo having fun with the packed audience as they tested out our own singing skills.

A real novelty was to see Jones dueting with himself as he sung along with a 1980s film of the boy Aled sweetly performing Pia Jesu.

After a couple of blissful hours things were wound up very appropriately for the venue as they left us  with a memorable Calon Lan.

An already brilliant evening had started off with Terry Waite, who had been the Eisteddfod’s much-loved president for 15 years bidding the fond public farewell he had been unable to do since leaving the role in 2020 due to the pandemic.

He was on stage to be presented with a commemorative award by Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies who is himself relinquishing his role this year.

* Dr Rhys Davies with former president Terry Waite.

County's Town Trails being updated

* Llangollen's Town Trail is being updated.

Denbighshire County Council’s Tourism Team has been updating their suite of Town Trails which aim to inspire visitors and local people to explore towns in Denbighshire.

Recently the Llangollen and Ruthin editions have been updated to highlight recent changes to the towns including highlighting the new nature reserve in Wenffrwd, Llangollen.

The Corwen edition is the next Town Trail to be updated to help promote the new railway platform for Llangollen Railway's Corwen Station and the great efforts of the volunteers in the Corwen Museum.

Councillor Win Mullen James, Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “The Town Trails are a great way to explore the fantastic towns in our County as they have been carefully organised to show off the best areas and provide interesting information to visitors and local people.”

“We are so lucky to live in an area which provides rich history and picturesque scenery and this is a great way to encourage people to get out and enjoy the fresh air.”

“I am looking forward to people experiencing the new audio feature being piloted in Rhyl as I think this new modern addition will attract a wider audience of people to the trails”

The Audio walk is available via the https://www.izi.travel/ and promoted on the town trail boards. If successful, the council is hoping to replicate the same audio trail for other Denbighshire towns in the future.

MP says he is 'sorry to hear' about Boris Johnson's resignation

Welsh Conservative MP for Clwyd South Simon Baynes (pictured) has issued a statement this afternoon following today's resignation of Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party, while remaining Prime Minister until a new leader is elected by the party.

In it Mr Baynes says:  "I am very sorry about the resignation of the Prime Minister as I am a strong supporter of his and consider that he has achieved a great deal for our country, particularly in getting Brexit done, the highly successful Covid vaccine rollout and his outstanding international leadership on the war in Ukraine. 

"It was a particular honour for me to be elected as the MP for Clwyd South in 2019, a seat which he stood for as the Conservative candidate in 1997 and which he has continued to visit regularly and take a great interest in ever since.

"I was very pleased to be appointed by the Prime Minister earlier this year as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministerial team at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, a position which enables me to see the high level of legislative and reforming activity being enacted by his government.

"We will now have a leadership election campaign in the Conservative Party which I am sure will be conducted rapidly and in a constructive and courteous fashion. I wish the Prime Minister and his family all the very best for the future and thank him from the bottom of my heart for all that he has done for Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom."

* A strong supporter of Boris Johnson in Llangollen, former county councillor Stuart Davies, has this afternoon resigned from the Conservative Party over the way he says the Prime Minister has been treated.  

Mr Davies commented: "Given the way the PM has been treated by some members and some officers of the Conservative Party I feel that I have no option but to resign from the Party that I have been a member of since the 90s.

"Accordingly I have let the relevant people know that I have resigned. Boris has been a friend of Clwyd South and myself since 1997. The actions of political opportunists and some members has sickened me.

"Boris got the big things right, such as Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine.

"I am sad to see him go."