Kia's new Niro ticks all the boxes

Kia Niro drive by Steve Rogers

Here’s a Kia that can’t stop winning awards.

This has been quite a year for the new Niro chalking up UK Car of the Year best crossover, and Women’s World Car of the Year among a string of gongs.

Niro laid the foundations for Kia’s electric programme in 2016 as the first hybrid model.  From its humble beginnings it is now the second best selling model, offered as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all electric, in fact more than 40 per cent of the company’s sales have electric power.

So what makes Niro so appealing? It is not a car to take to a track day, or attempt to go off-roading, but when it comes to performing its duties as a medium sized family SUV it ticks all the boxes.

New Niro really is new, sitting on a new platform, a restyled body that is bang on trend, and an eye catching digital dashboard, taking styling cues from Sportage and EV6 which were the first to receive a radical change in Kia’s design direction.

Let’s get straight into the cabin because that is where we can see some of the key changes. Niro has grown in every direction bringing it more into line with its rivals so there is more space for passengers and luggage which has grown by 15 litres.

There is ample room for four adults, five with a bit of a squeeze for the one in the middle, and backseat headroom is fine. This is, after all, a high sided SUV and Kia has avoided getting sucked into the current trend of a sloping coupe style roofline which can have taller folk brushing heads with the roof lining.

A neat addition are USB-C ports in the front seat back rests making it easy for passengers to charge mobiles and the like. There is also wireless charging in the centre console on all but the entry level model.

The new dashboard layout has the wow factor and mirrors the wide screen design first seen in new Sportage although it looks even better with a gentle curve towards the central touchscreen. The graphics are pin sharp and the system takes no time to fathom because the most used functions, heating and radio, are separate with physical buttons. If you want to be pampered voice commands will do the job so the driver’s eyes are always on the road.

My HEV model uses a 1.6 litre petrol engine backed up by a 32kW electric motor that contributes 43bhp and charges on the move, but what about this for a clever new feature. A green zone mode can be configured so the car automatically switches to electric drive in built up areas, or roads near schools and hospitals, to reduce noise and exhaust emissions.

Neighbours would also be pleased if ‘silent running’ was employed.

Don’t expect too much in the way of performance. Acceleration off the line is no more than adequate and the engine note is a tad noisy if pushed to the top end of the rev range but given the Niro’s family role flooring the fast pedal is not likely to happen that often. Economy, with the help of the electric motor, is good so low to mid fifties should be a given.

Safety features high on the spec list and there is plenty of it including adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, and cross traffic avoidance which saved my bacon while reversing out of a side parking space in a Kia XCeed a few months ago. It brakes the car when an approaching vehicle is picked up in the radar sensors.

Niro is one of those annoying cars for people like me who have to look beyond the gushing promotional spiel because it is more or less faultless, and it has the bonus of a seven year warranty.

However I did find one area that is perhaps below par and that is a lot of hard plastic below the waistline and the boot side walls, but I am still giving Niro a nine out of 10.

Fast facts

Niro HEV 3 6sp automatic

£31,560 (starts £28,810)

1.6 litre; 139bhp

0-62mph 10.8secs; 100mph

61,4mpg combined

106g/km. 1st tax £185

Boot: 451-1445 litres

Towing capacity: 1300kg

Insurance group 21

 

Llangollen Library to host evening with best selling authors

Llangollen Library will play host to three bestselling authors tomorrow (Thursday).

They will be talking about their writing and latest books from 7pm onwards. 

Authors Norma Curtis, Trisha Ashley and Juliet Greenwood will each discuss their work, their latest novels, and what inspires them to write.

Norma Curtis was born and raised in North Wales and her new book, The Coronation Party, is set in Llangollen at the time of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. She is also a former chairman of the Romantic novelists Association. 

Juliet Greenwood is based in Snowdonia, North Wales and her first novel was nominated as a finalist for The People’s Book Prize. Her first two novels also reached #4 and #5 in the UK Kindle store.

Trisha Ashley is based in North Wales and her Sunday Times bestselling novels have sold over one million copies in the UK and have twice been shortlisted for the Melissa Nathan award for Romantic Comedy.  

* To book your place and for further information, call 01978 869600.

Talented Young 'Uns team get ready for the big charity show

* Young 'Uns stars get hard at work in rehearsals for Llangollen on Show for Turkey and Syria. 

Eleven of a junior stage group’s most talented young stars are busy in rehearsals for a glittering charity variety concert in Llangollen next week.

And polishing their comedy routines for the big show alongside  members of the Young ‘Uns - the junior section of Llangollen Operatic Society - are some of the top performers from the Llangollen Twenty Club who have enjoyed hit after hit with their own shows over the past few years.

Also honing their parts for Llangollen on Show for Turkey and Syria, which aims to raise money to support survivors of the earthquake that decimated parts of the two countries and which takes the stage at Llangollen Town Hall on Thursday and Friday May 11 and 12, are stars of the Collen Players who specialise in recreating the dazzling days of old time music hall.

Apart from being one of Llangollen’s biggest-ever fundraisers the concert will make history as the first time three of the town’s performing arts groups have joined forces.

Like all members of the formidable cast, the talented team from the Young ‘Uns, aged from nine to 18, have spent many weeks rehearsing hard for their contribution to the two-act show.

Alongside members of the senior Operatic Society they will belt out such rousing sing-along show numbers as Oom Pa Pa from Oliver and Flash Bang Wallop What a Picture from Half a Sixpence.

Pamela Williams, who has produced some of the Young ‘Uns’ biggest stage hits of recent years such as Little Shop of Horrors and The Addams Family, said: “Just like the rest of the cast, these 11 very talented young people have been working incredibly hard on their part in Llangollen on Show.

“The songs they and the Operatic members will be performing are among the most rousing and memorable ever to come out of big West End musicals and should have our audiences – which hopefully will be large ones – singing and toe-tapping along with them.

“I know all the young people were desperate to be involved in this show because it’s for such a fantastic cause. The earthquakes may have been some months ago but the survivors in both countries are still in desperate need of help and we hope as many people as possible will support us by coming along to one of the two shows.”

The Llangollen Twenty Club drama group will present a series of comedy sketches – some specially written for the occasion – inspired by their hilarious past hits and acted out by some of their favourite performers.

One of the sketches, entitled Three Queens and specially written for the show by Ian Wright, is a nod the coronation that will have taken place the previous weekend.

The Collen Players will provide a taste of the rip-roaring Victorian music hall shows for which they have rapidly become famous, with their founder, Lee Taylor, acting as chairman for the show which starts each night at 7.30pm. 

All proceeds will go to support the Disaster Emergency Committee in which 15 of the UK’s top charities have come together to supply a lifeline to thousands of survivors of the earthquake which devastated southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria in February.

There will be a bar and prize raffle on both nights and a number of local businesses have pledged their financial support through sponsorships.

* Tickets, priced at £12 (no concessions) are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or from Courtyard Books, Llangollen, and the Llangollen Oggie Shop in Caste Street or on the door on the night. Tickets are going fast so organisers advise on booking promptly.  

Drakeford urged to improve North Wales public transport

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales (pictured), has urged the First Minister to do more to improve public transport in the region during the tourism season.

Speaking in Welsh Parliament, Mr Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said: “First Minister, I am sure you will recognise that, during the summer months, North Wales brings in a huge number of visitors, which certainly boost our communities through creating jobs and prosperity. 

“Indeed, your own figures show that North Wales tourism day visits are around 22.7 million every year. And one of the things we desperately need during that peak season is increased provision of public transport. 

“It is unacceptable that parts of North Wales, whilst welcoming those many visitors, are having to work with a skeleton public transport system. It is not fair on the people who live there, as well as the visitors who come to enjoy our part of the world.”

Mr Rowlands asked Mark Drakeford how he will ensure that there is appropriate public transport during the summer months in North Wales as more people are welcomed in the summer ahead. 

The First Minister said his Government would continue to invest in bus services across North Wales. 

Mr Rowlands added: “I still remain very concerned about the public transport system in North Wales as investment is also needed in trains as well as buses. The people of North Wales and our visitors deserve better.”

New interpretation panels for World Heritage site

* One of the interpretation boards placed around the World Heritage site. 

A series of new interpretation panels has been installed along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal World Heritage site, as part of a project to engage people with the rich heritage of the area. 

The Our Picturesque Landscape project, a partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been working with partners from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and Canal and Rivers Trust to develop the interpretation.

It explores the feats of engineering and design that got the site inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2009, and tells the story of some of the pioneering engineers, artists, tourists, entrepreneurs, and canal labouring navigators who have helped to shape the landscape over the centuries.

The interpretation panels, produced by VisitMôr, have been placed at eight key sites across the 11 miles of the World Heritage Site, including Gledrid Bridge, Chirk Aqueduct, Froncysyllte, Trevor Basin and Llangollen, and will help provide visitors with a sense of place, sharing stories of local significance. 

This is the first phase of new interpretation, with further panels to be replaced along the canal between Llangollen Wharf and the Horseshoe Falls this summer.

Hannah Marubbi, Our Picturesque Landscape Project Manager, said: “There are so many special places along the 11 miles of the World Heritage Site, from the Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen Wharf, Chirk and Gledrid as well as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct itself.  This project has been about telling the story of all these places and encouraging people to explore the whole site.”

Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “There is a rich vein of history and culture in this wonderful area and I am pleased to see it recognised through this fantastic partnership work."

Town council's coronation gift to two primary schools

Llangollen Town Council has agreed to purchase each primary school child in the town a commemorative mug to mark the coronation of King Charles III on May 6.

There will be an English version for Ysgol Bryn Collen and a Welsh one for Ysgol Y Gwernant, both bearing the council's logo on the reverse.

The Town Mayor will make the presentations to the pupils.

County libraries launch new tablet and Chromebook loan scheme

Denbighshire Libraries have launched a device loan scheme which will enable library members across the County to borrow a tablet or Chromebook from their local library, just like they would borrow a book.

Many services have now moved online, from banking and shopping to universal credit and applying for a bus pass, and the library service want to help residents access the online world and experience the benefits of being connected.

Using a tablet, Chromebook or smartphone also opens up the digital library service to the user, allowing library members to download books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines 24/7.

The devices will be supplied with internet access and online courses are available if people want to learn more about the devices and services they are using, to help build their digital skills.

The County Library Service is also part of the National Databank, which offers free sim cards and data to people who are living in data poverty.

People who have access to a smartphone but are struggling to pay for internet access should contact their local library for more information.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said:

“This new device loan service will help people to get online and not be left behind in the digital world. I am delighted to see yet another new initiative by our libraries to support our local communities and to make sure everyone is connected.”

* For further information about the new device loan service please contact your local library.

Fringe unveils its full 2023 line-up

 * Alogte Oho and his Sounds of Joy will bring a joyful energy to the festival. 

The 26th Llangollen Fringe Festival is set to take place from July 7-15th featuring an exciting range of shows that aims to showcase the best of comedy, music, dance, workshops, and more. 

The festival has now announced a new wave of artists to join the already impressive line-up.

Headlining acts such as Henge, Half Man Half Biscuit, Mr. Scruff, Hang Massive, and Ibibio Sound Machine are already set to perform, and now festival-goers can look forward to new headlining artists including Vrï and Alogte Oho and his Sounds of Joy.

Vrï, who were the winners of the 2023 Wales Folk Music Awards for Best Instrumental Track and Best Album, will bring their contemporary approach to traditional music to the festival.

* Vrï were the winners of the 2023 Wales Folk Music Awards for Best Instrumental Track and Best Album. Picture: Jennie Caldwell.

The trio have unearthed long-lost nuggets that shed a new light on a vibrant folk tradition that harnesses the raw energy of the fiddle with the finesse of the violin, the beauty of chamber music with the joy and hedonism of a pub session.

Meanwhile, Alogte Oho and his Sounds of Joy will be bringing a joyful energy to the festival. 

The Ghanaian band is known for their fusion of traditional African rhythms and modern influences, and they will be accompanied by their cheerful choir, The Sounds of Joy. Alogte and his band are sure to take festival-goers on a musical journey of West African song and dance that will put a smile on everyone's face.

"We are thrilled to welcome Vrï and Alogte Oho and his Sounds of Joy to the Llangollen Fringe Festival lineup," said Neal Thompson, Artistic Director of the Llangollen Fringe. 

"We're always looking to bring new and exciting acts to Llangollen, and this year's festival is no exception. Both acts bring a unique and exciting energy to their music, and we are confident that they will provide unforgettable performances for festival-goers."

Tickets for the festival are available now, including festival passes that provide access to all of the main events across the nine days.

"We wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to experience the full range of events at the festival," said Paul Keddie, Chairperson of the Fringe. 

"The festival pass is an incredible value and is an offer that can't be missed."

The festival pass costs £85 and is perfect for fans of comedy, music, dance, workshops and more. 

* Festival tickets and dates and times for all concerts and events are available from www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or by calling the Fringe box office: 0800 1455 779.

Llangollen Fringe Festival is supported by The Arts Council of Wales.

Search launched for Eisteddfod peace choir singers

 

* NEW Voices choir rehearsing with conductor Robert Guy.

A search has been launched for singers from across North Wales to join a massed choir of 200 voices to call for world peace.

The performance at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will pay tribute to the thousands of men, women and children massacred in the 1990s war in Bosnia and shine a light on the desperate plight of those currently suffering in war-torn Ukraine.

The concert, called The White Flower: Into the Light, will be held at 8pm on Wednesday, July 5, just a few days before Srebrenica Memorial Day on July 11 to remember the 8,372 Bosnian Muslims who were massacred in in 1995.

The White Flower motif has been adopted as a symbol of remembrance in Srebrenica and the 11 petals of the flower represent the day the genocide began.

The theme of the concert was chosen to reflect the founding purpose of the Eisteddfod, an iconic event which was established in 1947 to promote peace in the aftermath of the Second World War.

It will feature extracts from the haunting mass for peace, The Armed Man, by renowned Welsh composer Karl Jenkins as a centrepiece of the programme.

Volunteers are needed to join the huge, specially formed choir, one of the biggest ever seen in North Wales.

They will be accompanied by the acclaimed NEW Sinfonia orchestra that will be making its debut headline appearance at Llangollen Eisteddfod.

NEW Sinfonia conductor Robert Guy has issued a call for singers of all ages  to sign up for the choir, with rehearsals due to get underway on May 13.

He said there will be no barriers to taking part in this stirring occasion, adding: “It is not restricted to those with previous concert singing experience. We are opening it up to all comers, all they need is a love of singing.”  

At the heart of the choir will be a group of keen amateur singers who belong to the hugely successful NEW Voices project already established by NEW Sinfonia.

Robert said: “It’s thanks to the huge success of our NEW Voices project that we already have a core group of enthusiastic amateur singers ready to step up and sing at Llangollen. But we need lots more singers, especially tenors and basses.

“We will need 200 voices in all so we are urging anyone with a passion for singing and a desire to take part in this momentous event to sign up quickly now.”

NEW Voices includes refugees who have settled in North Wales following conflicts or persecution in their own countries. They have found solace in singing together and made new friends through the common language of music.

Among them is a young Ukrainian conductor Polina Horelova who with her young family was forced to flee her home city of Mariupol after the Russians invaded and razed the city.

It is hoped Polina will conduct the traditional Ukrainian folk piece River Song during the concert of remembrance.

Robert added: “We are proud that NEW Voices comprises such a wide mix of musical abilities and a range of nationalities. We encompass singers from Wales, Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, Algeria and El Salvador, among other countries.

“For our White Flower: Into the Light programme we need sopranos, altos, tenors, basses and young voices too; we encourage everyone to come forward.

“There will be regular rehearsals so people need not fear that they are not good enough or lack confidence. We are here to guide them through the whole wonderful process.”

Rehearsals will be at two hubs, one in Tŷ Pawb community arts centre, Wrexham, and the other at St Asaph Parish Church. They meet on Saturday mornings from 10am-12 noon. There is also a facility for people to join rehearsals via Zoom video conferencing technology.

Llangollen Eisteddfod Executive Producer Camilla King said: “We have been thinking about doing something on this theme and scale for some time but it is only this year that the various strands have come together to create what promises to be a magical evening.

“It is heart-breaking to look back on the Bosnian war and realise that a whole cultural identity was under attack.

“As well as the relentless murdering of the population, its entire heritage was targeted, artworks destroyed and cultural icons demolished. Now just two decades later very similar monstrosities are happening in Ukraine right now.

“We wanted to put on a concert to highlight that humanity at its heart is so much better than this. We wanted to reflect the ethos of peace, friendship and cultural diversity which is at the very roots of the International Eisteddfod and is the reason why it was founded in the first place all those years ago in 1947.

“It will be a thought-provoking, contemplative evening but it will also be uplifting as it highlights important themes of hope, togetherness and overcoming division.”

Camilla added: “I am expecting demand for tickets will be high as there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a truly unforgettable evening. We invite everyone to come along and enjoy.”

* For more details about the concert at 8pm on Wednesday, July 5, visit: https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/wednesday-evening/ and to sign up for the choir or get more information email at  voices@newsinfonia.org.uk and robert@newsinfonia.org.uk or call Robert Guy on 07725 050510.

Latest county council roadworks alerts

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

O/S GARDD GERRIG TO THE TOWER, TOWER ROAD 24/04/2023 19/05/2023 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

BRYN MELYN RTW SUN BANK 17/04/2023 05/05/2023 Gwaith Ar Wal Gynnal/ Retaining Wall Works DCC BRIDGES AND STRUCTURE LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Wrth / Nr DALMORE ABBEY ROAD 22/05/2023 24/05/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works

A542 Market St, Llangollen MARKET STREET 15/05/2023 17/05/2023 Gwaith Llinellu / Lining Works DCC WORKS UNIT

Parade St, llangollen PARADE STREET 15/05/2023 17/05/2023 Gwaith Llinellu / Lining Works DCC WORKS UNIT

Abbey Road ABBEY ROAD 19/06/2023 30/09/2023 Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT. No traffic management to be on site 01/07/23 - 12/07/23 due to International Eisteddfod Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

A542 Chapel St, Llangollen CHAPEL STREET 15/05/2023 17/05/2023 Gwaith Llinellu / Lining Works DCC WORKS UNIT

Castle St, Llangollen CASTLE STREET 15/05/2023 17/05/2023 15/05/23 Road Lining/stop go DCC WORKS UNIT

Newbridge Road 'open before year-end' MS told

* Damage caused to the road by the 2021 storms. 

Wrexham Council still aims to have Newbridge Road reopened ‘before end of year’, the local Member of the Senedd has been told.

The road was shut as a result of a landslide caused by severe storms in February 2021, leaving motorists heading between Chirk and Cefn Mawr no alternative but to use a long diversion route.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has made repeated representations to the council on behalf of local residents, who have regularly voiced their frustration about the lack of progress and public updates.

It is now more than a year since the Welsh Government announced a £2.8m grant to repair and reopen the key local route following a campaign for funding by Mr Skates and local councillors Frank Hemmings and Derek Wright, who represent Chirk North and Cefn East respectively.

Wrexham Council said that while the current procurement phase is taking longer than expected, ‘we do not envisage this situation will have any significant impact on the overall project timelines’.

In an email to Mr Skates this week, the council said: “Currently we remain within the procurement phase of the Newbridge project, and although this is taking a little longer than initially envisaged the project team here has been actively engaged in associated accommodation works on those preparatory matters whilst procurement passes through the necessary commercial discussions.

The council’s invitation to tender for the design and build (D&B) contractor was uploaded to the Welsh Government’s Sell2Wales portal in mid-February, with five potential contractors identified.

“During the tender period contractors were able to ask questions relating to the technical and legal detail of the tender, this included a mid-tender ‘clinic’ attended by some of the above contractors,” the council’s update continued. “Responses to questions were uploaded onto the portal in accordance with the tendering process for all contractors to view.

“Following this, consideration has been given to how the terms of the future contract can be adapted to ensure the best outcome for the council, whilst offering an opportunity for the D&B contractor to submit a competitive bid and attracting their commercial interest.

“Much of the recent work on our procurement process has been centred on the apportionment of ‘risk’ in contract terms. This has been proving a difficult balance and one we need to manage through the detail of carefully. Whilst the revised tender process will slightly extend the procurement phase, the potential contractors have already had an opportunity to study the technical data so we do not envisage this situation will have any significant impact on the overall project timelines. We still aim to have road open before end of year.”

Mr Skates said: “The Welsh Government announced a grant of £2.8m to Wrexham Council for vital repairs to the B5605 at Newbridge in April 2022. The matter has been in the council's hands since, and I share residents' frustrations. I will continue to press the council to urgently reinstate this key route and to communicate regularly with the public over progress to keep local people informed.”

The council’s statement concluded: “Whilst this is a relatively small engineering project, there are technical difficulties in providing the solution. We are currently not forecasting any significant delays nor cost issues at this stage, but engaging and maintaining commercial interest is vital.

“In the meantime, preparatory works are progressing. Details have been finalised for progressing the various ecological surveys and licences required for the scheme. This survey work is scheduled to start during May with the reports and licencing finalised by mid-June. This will avoid any delay to the likely construction phase of the repair.”

MP speaks in Commons on Government support for families

* Simon Baynes MP speaks in the House of Commons debate.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes spoke in the House of Commons debate on the cost of living earlier this week. 

He welcomed the Government’s extended Cost of Living support which, he said, will mean 9,100 families in his constituency will receive £301 from the Government through the latest Cost of Living Payments beginning from this week and £900 in total for 2023-4. 

They would also receive the Government’s Disability Cost of Living Payment worth £150 again this year. This direct support was part of the Government’s £94 billion package of Cost of Living support.

Mr Baynes said that in addition to means-tested cost of living support, the Energy Price Guarantee was continuing to help keep household energy bills as low as possible – ensuring the typical family pays no more that £2,500 for their energy bills until the end of June this year.

During the debate Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “The best thing we can do to help people’s money go further is deliver on our priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

“But we’re also here to help people through these tough times, which is why we’re holding down energy bills, freezing fuel duty, increasing Universal Credit, and giving £900 payments to low income and vulnerable families - all in part funded through windfall taxes on energy profits.”

Commenting in the House of Commons, Mr Baynes said: “I am delighted that 9,100 families in Clwyd South will receive £301 from the Government as the latest cost of living payments begin to be sent out. This is part of a much larger programme by the Government to support vulnerable people in these difficult times.

"Indeed, the Cost of Living package to help the most vulnerable has been worth £94 billion. A key part of this is addressing inflation – we expect inflation to halve by the end of this year, so the issues that we have at the moment will mitigate themselves, and we will see inflation come down later in the year.”

Details announced of Corwen station official opening

Four days of special celebrations will mark the fanfare official opening of the new Corwen station during the first week of June.

A highlight will be the arrival of a special steam train carrying coachloads of VIPs along the line from Carrog to see the formal opening ceremony on Friday June 2. 

There will also be a public gala event, an intensive timetable of services hauled by steam, diesel and railcars over three days, special exhibitions and the unveiling of a special commemorative model.

The opening will bring passenger rail services back into the heart of Corwen after a break of many decades.

It also marks the culmination of years of hard work by volunteers and staff of Llangollen Railway, millions of pounds of investment and the triumph of the heritage attraction over the massive setbacks of liquidation and pandemic. 

The formal opening event on June 2 will be performed by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chairman of both Network Rail and the Heritage Railway Association.

Trains that day are scheduled to be hauled by Kitson 0-4-0ST “Austin 1” – one of the original Llangollen Railway steam fleet - top and tailed with visiting Austerity No 68067. 

* Kitson 0-4-0ST 'Austin 1', one of the original Llangollen Railway steam fleet, will be on duty on June 2.

June 3 and 4 will see a two-day gala event when an intensive public timetable will operate a three-train service of steam, diesel and railcar workings, each train working two return trips to Corwen a day. 

Locomotives and railcars are expected to be drawn from Austerity 68067, Class 31 No 31271, Class 47 1566 and Classes 104, 108 & 109 DMU. 

A range of attractions are planned in Corwen including model railway layouts in the town's community centre and museum.

Liverpool Model Railway Society will be exhibiting a layout entitled Corwen Through the Ages in the community centre and there is a 4mm scale model of sections of the Llangollen Railway in the museum. 

Dapol and Rails of Sheffield will also be making an announcement about a forthcoming new 4mm scale model that should be of great interest to both Llangollen Railway and GWR fans alike.

There will also be a display of heritage memorabilia in the Henry Robertson suite at Llangollen station across all four days of the event. 

A talk will be given on the evening of June 1 by renowned local archaeologist Fiona Gayle MBE entitled Denbigh, Ruthin & Corwen Railway in the Vale of Clwyd. Approximately 50 tickets at £5 each will be available. 

A vintage fire engine will also be on display at Llangollen station. 

LR Trust manager Tom Taylor said: “We are all tremendously excited at the prospect of seeing Corwen station opened for its first public trains. 

"This represents the culmination of many years of hard work by a small, but extremely dedicated team of volunteers. 

"We are all very proud of what they have achieved through some very challenging circumstances. We are also very grateful to all those who have supported the project financially, including grants from the Welsh Assembly and UK Governments. 

"Our local authorities and MPs have also supported us from the get-go. From June 3 all our services will be running to Corwen and we look forward to welcoming passengers, friends and volunteers to our superb new station as well as putting Corwen back on the railway map, where the town very much deserves to be."

Temporary traffic closure order for stretch of Barbers Hill

Denbighshire County Council has made the temporary traffic order below for a section of Barbers Hill.

Llangollen Ramblers looking for new faces

A few of Llangollen Ramblers enjoying the sunshine on Oswestry Racecourse last week.  

The ramblers say they would love to see new faces, so if you're interested, call Judy on 07905 330788 or email smithdinbren@gmail.com 

Much more to this Volvo hybrid than its comfy seats

Volvo XC60 drive by Steve Rogers

A car company director asked 30 motoring journalists would they buy an electric car tomorrow? Only four put their hands up. Mind stayed down.

The problem is not the cars, the majority of which are innovative and good to drive. The biggest barrier as we move rapidly towards electrification is range anxiety, the fear of not being able to keep the batteries topped up on a long journey.

And the fear is real so much so that the car industry is lobbying the Government to more than double its target of 350,000 charging points by E day in 2030.

Ironically now might be the best time to run an electric car because there are still not that many queues at charging points.

But for the time being my choice is hybrid, part engine, part electric motor, or you can take a step further with a plug-in hybrid which provides more miles on electric only power, just like this XC60 Recharge.

XC60 has a two-litre engine and an electric motor that can be charged in a couple of hours to give up to 48 miles on electric only driving. For some that is more miles than they cover in an average day. The big drawback with a plug-in is the extra cost and if we take XC60 as an example the gap between petrol and plug-in hybrid is all but £8,000.

Volvo is now well established as a premium brand so you are paying big bucks, in the case of XC60, its best seller, anything from £48,000 to £68,000 but it is an impressive car.

My wife is a good sounding board with test cars, she is very picky and rarely impressed but the Volvo charmed her. There were a few things. The glass gear change selector immediately caught her eye, the dashboard layout with its stylish mix of quality coverings and metal surrounds and inserts, but the highest praise was reserved for the seats.

I am with here all the way on this and have been saying for years that Volvo seats are the best shaped and most comfortable of any car I have driven.

So this is looking good, then I select reverse and notice the rear camera definition isn’t up to scratch, all a bit foggy. Very un-Volvo like, yet switch to the 360 degree surround setting and it is pin sharp. Strange.

No worries, we are off and are then surprised at the overly noisy heating fan even on the lowest setting. Hope this is as far down hill as we are going.

The next bit is not meant to be negative but every time I drive a Volvo I dread using the  touchscreen, the car’s brain centre. Volvo has upgraded the technology to a system powered by Android with Google mapping and access to Google apps. All the car’s functions are stored in a series of swipe files and in many ways the system is brilliant and can be mastered, it just takes a lot of patience. How can a grown man be intimidated by some highfalutin car tech?

Fortunately a super efficient voice control system will deal with everyday functions like selecting a radio station, heating settings, finding a navigation destination or searching the web. Software updates come in over the air. Cool, or what?

Everything in the cabin might be high tech but the classy Scandinavian design finishes are easy on the eye and create a relaxed atmosphere. Volvo is good at doing that.

With the help of the electric motor XC60 is quick, a good deal quicker than the Audi Q5 reviewed here a few weeks ago, with a huge surge of power when overtaking, but nowhere near as fun to drive as its German rival.

The suspension set up is fairly neutral, airing on the side of comfort, but even though it does not possess German handling credentials it will not let you down when pushed through twists and turns.

Official economy figures seem far fetched but are based on many miles of electric driving. Once the batteries are drained you should be able to achieve high thirties to 40mpg on petrol only power, a reasonable return given XC60s size and performance.

As you would expect from the safety conscious Swedes the car is equipped with every driving aid known to man, the latest addition is the excellent cross traffic braking which can avoid a collision when reversing.

The Volvo and the Audi came close together and although I loved the tearaway nature of the Q5 I am going with the more economical, yet very swift XC60.

Fast facts

XC60 Recharge T6 AWD Plus

£60,550 (range starts £47,460)

2-litre petrol+electric motor; 350bhp

0-62mph 5.7secs; 112mph

256mpg combined

30g/km. 1st tax £10

Boot: 468 litres

Insurance group 40

Eisteddfod puts out call for stewarding volunteers

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has put out the call for volunteers.

In a post on its Facebook page it says it is looking for people to join its stewarding team  who enjoy working in the "wonderful atmosphere of music, dance and colour."

The jobs of stewards is to man the pavilion entrances throughout the day during Eisteddfod week, check tickets, be on duty inside the pavilion during concerts and competitions and help visitors with any questions or enquiries.

For those interested there's an email address and a phone number for applicants to get in touch for further details.

It is known that like many organisations the Eisteddfod has suffered from the affects of the pandemic on volunteering. 

Police witness appeal follows fatal road collision in Cefn Mawr

North Wales Police have put out an appeal for witnesses to a fatal road traffic collision which took place in Cefn Mawr earlier today (Sunday).

They say: "We are currently investigating a road traffic collision in Cefn Mawr in which a man has died.

"The incident involved a silver Ford Mondeo and a 60-year-old male pedestrian, and occurred shortly before 1am on Sunday, 23 April on the High Street close to the King’s Lane junction.

"Officers and an ambulance crew attended the location where, sadly, the male pedestrian was pronounced deceased.

"The man’s next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

"A 51-year-old man has been arrested for causing death by careless driving and remains in police custody.

"Our enquiries into this incident remain ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact us on 101 or via the North Wales Police website.

"Please quote reference A058968 in all correspondence relating to this incident.

"Please note - This is a live investigation. Any footage or photos in relation to this incident should only be shared with police for investigation purposes and not on social media."

Sailors press-gang audience into evening of salty fun

* The Old Time Sailors embark on an unforgettable evening at St Collen's.

St Collen's Church resounded to a tidal wave of wild shanties and jigs when a motley crew of musicians known as The Old Time Sailors tied up for a gig to help kick off this year's Llangollen Fringe Festival in style last night (Saturday).  

Theirs is a unique flashmob-style musical show designed to press-gang the willing audience on an unforgettable trip back to the 19th century.

What ensues is a couple of hours and more of foot-tapping fun when people can't resist singing and dancing along to the fiddly-diddly rhythms of numbers from the far-off days when sails had to be hauled at sea or jack tars sang of the old Emerald Isle as their ships were bound for America or Australia.    

Members of the audience receive a copy of the Sunday Sailor, the group's own newspaper-shaped programme which includes the lyrics to all their songs so they can join in.

Beards, bowlers and period clothing abound as the 20-odd-strong band of matelots and matelettes, who look liked they've stepped right out of a novel by Herman Melville, make sure you have a whale of a time with numbers ranging from The Mermaid and Haul Away Joe to McAlpines Fusiliers and Galway Girl.

By the time the Sailors set sail on their final set of the night the whole thing takes on an air of controlled mayhem as the audience are swept out to sea by songs like Wild Rover, Whiskey in the Jar and the timeless Black Velvet Band.   

Those who have seen the Sailors and joined in with their amazing act will never forget the experience.