Winners of record-breaking Christmas Festival raffle revealed

* The firework display which ended this year's Christmas Festival.

Below is a list of the winning numbers from this year's Christmas Festival Raffle which was drawn on Monday December 18.  

All prize winners will be contacted directly, say organisers.

A spokesperson said: "The Christmas Festival Group would like to thank all of the traders and businesses that supported us with their generous donations of prizes. 

"Thanks to the hard work of group members we managed to sell 4000 tickets, our best raffle ever.

The proceeds from the raffle, £4,000, will be shared between Air Ambulance, local community groups and Llangollen Christmas Festival. 

LLANGOLLEN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2023

Raffle Prize Winners

1.     1.    £200 Worth Food Vouchers                                      2371

2.      2.     Flight for 3 People in Light Aircraft                           3449

3.   Flight in Glider                                                           1680

4.   Family Ticket for Llangollen Railway                          2954

5.   Family Ticket for Canal Boat Trip/Afternoon Tea        2636

6.   Whitewater Rafting for 2 people                                 1024

7.   Trip in Tuk-Tuk                                                            2443

8.   Voucher for Bike Hire Drozi Bikes                               3902

9.   5 Days Fishing on River Dee                                       3309

10.  £100 Activity Vouchers from TNR                               0254

11.  Voucher for two people Llangollen Eisteddfod            2070

12. Pair of Tickets for Comedy Club                                  1126       

13. £50 Voucher for Meal at Liberty Tavern                       2224

14. £30 Voucher for Meal at Fouzi’s                                  1134

15. Two Course Meal for two at Corn Mill                          2256

16. Voucher for Meal at Sun Trevor                                   0561

17. Voucher for Meal at Gales Wine Bar                           3160

18. £20 Voucher for Meal at m’Eating Point                      1722

19. Afternoon Tea at The Wild Pheasant                            3318

20.  Afternoon Tea at The Wild Pheasant                           2835

21. Food Hamper from Llangollen Oggie Shop                 3275

22. Voucher from Porters Delicatessen                             0285

23. Fruit Basket from Dee Valley Veg                                1469

24. Whisky and Red Wine Tesco                                       0719

25. Whisky and White WineTesco                                     1611       

26. Red Wine and White Wine Tesco                                0963

27. Hair & Beauty Voucher from Jades                             2390

28. Luxury Spa at The Wild Pheasant                               1280       

29. Luxury Spa at The Wild Pheasant                               3725       

30. £10 Voucher from Lilly Rose Interiors                         0002

31. Christmas Wreath LIME Floral Committee                 1589

32. 2 Knitted Scarecrows Nans Wool Shop                      1877

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 21 December - 23 December   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)   Description: Short 0.1-4.5m Full Ex 32mm MDPE new water connection Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )   Works location: OUTSIDE NUMBER 9   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Hafren Dyfrdwy.   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0025802/000006697979

Local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

Wrth / Nr Bryn Howel A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 17/01/2024 17/01/2024 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

A539 JUNC HALL STREET - JUNC VICARAGE ROAD HILL STREET 05/02/2024 15/03/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539 JUNC HILL STREET - O/S NO. 4 VICARAGE ROAD 22/01/2024 02/02/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE ARMSTRONG TOWERS BIRCH HILL 10/01/2024 12/01/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNC VICARAGE ROAD - JUNC FRON CASTELL FRON BACHE 02/01/2024 26/01/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE, PARADE STREET LLANGOLLEN LL20 8RD CO ORDS: PARADE STREET 14/01/2024 14/01/2024 Gwaith ar Dwll Archwilio/ Man Hole Works ALUN GRIFFITHS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

EAST STREET 21/01/2024 04/02/2024 Resurfacing works DCC HIGHWAYS (PETER PARRY LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE GLANAFON ABBEY ROAD 12/01/2024 12/01/2024 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works NETWORK PLUS (DCC

CHURCH STREET (46700268) LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGHSHIRE CHURCH STREET 09/01/2024 09/01/2024 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Mazda3's a nice new motor but maybe not for oldies

Mazda3 drive by Steve Rogers

Family saloons are few and far between losing out to the more practical hatchbacks and SUVs, but here is one that still packs quite a punch.

For a long time Mazda3 has been recognised as one of the best looking saloons around, but before dashing off to the showroom a word of caution. This is not really a car for older drivers whose joints are starting to ache.

For someone of advancing years I am still fairy agile but stooping low enough to avoid banging your head on the door frame can be a tad challenging. The car sits low with a swooping coupe style roofline and has a good pedigree reminding me of the stunning 1994 Mazda 323, arguably the best looking family hatch of all time.

This fourth generation model will celebrate its fifth birthday in the new year yet still looks fresh and Mazda has done its best to keep pace with the fast moving updates in technology.

A significant improvement this year is a larger 10.25in central screen so clearer graphics for navigation with directions now included in the driver's head up display.

I am a big fan of the rotary controller for scrolling through files although I fear it might be on its way out because it was missing from the new MX30 R-EV featured a couple of months ago. For me it is still the safest and easiest way of selecting files if they cannot be activated by voice control, and Mazda's set up is the best I have come across. More brownie points for sticking with physical switches for radio and heating selections.

Another new feature is wireless charging for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there is also Qi wireless charging for high end mobile phones, along with type C charging ports. What happened to the days when we got excited over central locking and a cassette radio?

Getting into the driver's seat might be difficult (for some) but once there the driving position is spot on with plenty of adjustment for seat and steering wheel. And then the fun starts.  This is not a hot hatch but is not far off. The suspension tuning is sporty so it glides through tight bends, and what a joy to play with a fast changing manual gearbox for a change. If you want a super soft ride look elsewhere, but for me the set up is a good compromise.

No such problems for passengers getting into the back of the car where the roof rises enough to make it easier than the front. Legroom is no better than par and it feels dark because of the shallow door windows. Drivers will find rear vision poor but with sensors and a camera reversing should not present any problems.

If you are thinking saloon means less space for luggage then think again. It has more capacity than the hatchback but lacks its flexibility particularly when you take into account the narrow boot opening.

Mazda has taken a different, some would say controversial, route with its petrol engines. While all around were turbo charging smaller engines it stuck with a normally aspirated 2-litre but with a twist. This engine is almost as economic as a diesel thanks to a highly lean mixture of fuel and air fired by compression rather than a spark plug. It worked for me returing an average of 48mpg over a week of mixed driving. Exhaust emissions are low as well helped by a small electric motor - they call it mild hybrid.

Not that this is a perfect solution. Response at low revs is weak so change downs and high revs are needed to get the best out of the engine.

Even after nearly five years the Maz3 is still appealing although a full hybrid needs to come soon  to keep up with the opposition.

Fast facts

Mazda3 Exclusive-Line

£29,245

2-litre mild hybrid; 183bhp

0-62mph 8.1secs; 134mph

54.3mpg combined

118g/km. First tax £265

Insurance group 24

Boot: 450-1138 litres

St Collen's hosts glittering Carols by Candlelight service

* The congregation assemble for the service holding their candles.

A packed St Collen's Church was the setting for a glittering and moving Carols by Candlelight service yesterday (Sunday) evening.

Led by Father Lee Taylor, it featured a series of favourite carols interspersed with readings about the holy birth in both English and Welsh.   

* The choir sings before an altar fronted by two large Christmas trees. 

* Dyfed Thomas reads Ring Out, Wild Bells by Alfred Lord Tennyson. 

Inner Wheel event fills Town Hall audience with seasonal cheer

* Emma Williams and Debbie Whitfield.

Llangollen Town Hall was filled with seasonal entertainment and fun, all in aid of charity, last night (Saturday) when the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen hosted its annual Christmas Cheer event.

Arranged with the help of local musician Owen Roberts, the evening featured festive music from guest performers Debbie Whitfield, Emma Williams, Anna Romanenko and Phil Robinson.

Wonderfully melodic singers Debbie and Emma duetted their way through Winter Wonderland, Silent Night, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Walking in the Air, Oh, Holy Night and The Christmas Song.

Phil Robinson brought a taste of the old time music hall days when he sang Champagne Charlie followed by White Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Anna Romanenko, who is originally from Ukraine but now lives in Llangollen performed a poignant piece from her home country at the piano.

Gethin Davies, accompanied by Eulanwy Davies on piano, contributed the famous old monologue Sam Pick Up Thy Musket and later led the audience in some favourite carols.   

During the interval there was a festive two-course supper provided by the ladies of Inner Wheel.

Money raised by the event will go towards helping to support local charities. 

In the past year, the organisations helped by the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen have included: Llangollen Food Share, Pentredwr Hub, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Wales Air Ambulance.

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has been in existence for 60 years and is part of a worldwide organisation with the aim of promoting friendship and providing service to the community. 

* Anna Romanenko.

* Phil Robinson.

* Gethin Davies.

* Owen Roberts.

* Entertainers and organisers take a bow.

Rotary club's carol singing event supports three charities

Members of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary, supported by Santa Claus himself, staged a carol singing event in Centenary Square yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

Passers-by and shoppers were treated to an hour of enchanting melodies, creating an atmosphere of merriment and goodwill.

As the group led the crowd in song, Santa spread holiday magic, posing for pictures and  spreading seasonal cheer.

Cash raised from donations will go to Rotary's three nominated charities - Llangollen Food Share, Welsh Air Ambulance, and the disaster response charity Shelterbox.

A club spokesperson said: "We are delighted by the response from the community. The joy and camaraderie shared during this carol singing event exemplify the true spirit of the holiday season.

"The funds raised will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated.

"If you didn’t get a chance to contribute and would still like to do so online, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lee-todd-3

* For further information on the club, contact: secretary.llangollenrotary@gmail.com

 

Trees planted in memory of two of Eisteddfod's strongest supporters

Officials and volunteers of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod gathered around the famous silver harp outside the main entrance to the site this morning (Saturday) to plant trees in memory of two of the festivals strongest supporters.

Sandy and Bob Attenburrow both dedicated many years serving the Eisteddfod in numerous roles.

A post on the festival's internal Facebook page says: "It was was an absolute pleasure to see so many of you attend this morning’s tree planting to remember the remarkable contribution that Bob and Sandy Attenburrow made to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

"Two trees have been planted near our harp at the entrance to the Eisteddfod field.

"Thanks to Bob and Sandy’s family and all the volunteers who came today and the Floral Committee for organising the event.

"Gareth Edwards made a lovely speech and we are certain you all have lots of stories of the amazing things that the Attenburrows did to ensure our peace festival survives to this day."

Rotary joins panel for Dragon's Den-style event at Ysgol Dinas Bran

* The panel for the Dragon's Lair event at Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Vale of Llangollen Rotary members took part in the panel for an event modelled on TV's Dragon's Den at Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Organised by Hope House Hospice, Dragon's Lair aimed to foster entrepreneurial spirit among local young people.

Dinas Bran prides itself on providing innovative education and includes an enterprise module in its curriculum in collaboration with the the hospice team. 

The module empowers year 10 students to work together in small teams on creating and operating a fundraising event. 

As part of the project students had the opportunity to 'pitch' their creative ideas to a panel of Dragons, making their cases for a £10 initial investment from Hope House.

A spokesperson for Vale of Llangollen Rotary said: "This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and community engagement, and underneath it a testament to how we embrace the opportunity to celebrate the young ones in our community.

"We feel privileged to have the opportunity to work so closely with the school and Hope House on developing the entrepreneurial spirit of our young and to celebrate how many wonderful young people live in our community. The experience demonstrated group after group how talented, creative and wonderful our youth are."

* For more information about the Vale of Llangollen Rotary and this particular initiative, contact: secretary.llangollenrotary@gmail.com

Teenage Eisteddfod winner from 1956 still returns as volunteer

* Myron Lloyd at the Pavilion with her mementos of the time she became the face of north Wales after her 1956 competition win.

·    A woman who became “the face of north Wales” after winning a singing competition at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod nearly 70 years ago still returns there each year as a volunteer.

As a teenager Myron Lloyd travelled from her home in Pembrokeshire to compete in and eventually win the Folk Song Solo category at the 1956 eisteddfod.

As a result of her victory Myron – then known by her maiden name of Williams – was snapped by a number of cameramen as she celebrated out on the field.

Then sometime later and back in south Wales the farmer’s daughter, who is now in her 80s, was quite shocked to see that a picture of her taken on the day wearing the traditional Welsh costume of high hat and ornate shawl had gone viral 1950s style and started to appear on a wide variety of merchandise promoting north Wales.

Myron, who now lives in Ruthin, recalled: “After I won the competition there was quite a clamour on the maes for people to take my picture, which I thought was fine.

“It was then pointed out to me about a year later that my picture and others similar ones taken at Llangollen, were appearing in guide books on north Wales and other merchandise such as coasters, place-mats and even compasses and egg-timers mounted on little pieces of wood.

“People seemed to like them and my mother bought two of everything, so I still have some of the stuff years later.

* Myron Williams, as she then was, in Welsh costume for the picture which went viral 1950s style.

“Everybody used to say that I must have been paid for the use of my picture but I never made a penny out of it. In fact, I didn’t even know the names of the photographers involved.”

Myron went on to marry a police officer and the couple spent 53 happy years together before he passed away eight years ago.

Because of his job they moved quite regularly to police accommodation in various parts of Wales, in later years living in Corwen and then Ruthin.

In the 1970s Myron decided she would like to compete at Llangollen again and whereas back in the 1950s her winning entry consisted of two traditional Welsh folk songs sung in Welsh, this time she chose to perform an old Welsh carol and another entitled The Mother-in-Law’s Complaint in the Adult Folk Song category.

But the result was the same as a couple of decades earlier – another victory.

By the 1990s, with her competition days over, Myron returned to Llangollen in a different role, as a volunteer member of the publicity committee then later the marketing committee.

And she still returns each year to be part of the Croeso Team which provides a welcome to sponsors of the festival during Eisteddfod week.

Myron says she understands and agrees with the changes that are being made to the Eisteddfod to help it survive and thrive in the wake of last summer’s financial crisis.

“Something had to be done. The changes being made, including the concerts now being announced with so many stars such as Tom Jones, Madness, The Manic Street Preachers and others, are necessary to help improve the financial position situation,” she said.

“But it’s also very important to keep some of the traditions such as the folk competitions which are very essence of the Llangollen Eisteddfod.”

Over the years Myron has seen – and often met – some of the big names who have headlined at the festival, including Welsh icon Shirley Bassey, Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé and the Red Army Choir.

In 2024 she says she’s looking forward very much to seeing, and perhaps meeting, Sir Tom Jones. But she added: “I just don’t know if that’s going to be possible but I certainly hope so.”  

TV crew films at Pavilion about future of the Eisteddfod

* Myron Lloyd is asked about her experiences as an Eisteddfod competitor and volunteer. 

A film crew were at the Pavilion this morning (Thursday) to do a series of interviews on efforts to ensure the Eisteddfod survives and thrives following its financial problems of last summer.

A number of people were involved, including former Eisteddfod chair Dr Rhys Davies who was asked about the importance of the Welsh language to the festival.

Myron Davies of Ruthin spoke of her experiences as a long-time volunteer and former competitor and llanblogger's Phil Robinson answered questions on the relevance of the Eisteddfod to the town.

It is believed that the sequence will be shown on both TV networks before Christmas.    

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson is asked about the importance of the Eisteddfod to Llangollen.  

New science labs for Ysgol Dinas Bran

* One of the new science labs at the school.

Two new science laboratories have recently been installed at Ysgol Dinas Brân secondary school in Llangollen.

Funded by the Welsh Government Capital Grant, work to update many of the facilities including new worktops, chairs, outlets, and whiteboards began in mid-August of this year.

Lessons have now commenced at the new laboratories, with both staff and students benefiting from the new equipment.

Headteacher Mark Hatch is delighted with the new science laboratories and said: "Renovating the science laboratories has been fantastic for the school. A good learning environment is essential and the teachers and pupils enjoy being able to use and learn in the new facilities very much."

Councillor Gill German, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: "The investment in the science laboratories has been fantastic for the school and will give the pupils the opportunity to learn in a high-quality environment with great facilities.”

* The school's other new lab.

Latest local county council roadworks alerts

Latest roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council is: 

JUNC VICARAGE ROAD - JUNC FRON CASTELL FRON BACHE 02/01/2024 26/01/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 OUTSIDE GLANAFON ABBEY ROAD 12/01/2024 12/01/2024 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works NETWORK PLUS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

A542 OUTSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE, PARADE STREET LLANGOLLEN LL20 8RD CO ORDS: PARADE STREET 14/01/2024 14/01/2024 Gwaith ar Dwll Archwilio/ Man Hole Works ALUN GRIFFITHS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE NO.2 BACHE MILL ROAD 06/12/2023 12/12/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DANIEL) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

CHURCH STREET (46700268) LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGHSHIRE CHURCH STREET 09/01/2024 09/01/2024 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

EAST STREET 21/01/2024 04/02/2024 Resurfacing works DCC HIGHWAYS (PETER PARRY LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Llangollen youngsters are winners in MP's Christmas card design competition

* The winning card design by Chloe Williams of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant.  

* Runner-up designs by Taylor Butterton, Lola Penzer, Kacey Williams, Isabella Hardy Clarke and Amelia Dulson.  

Talented Chloe Williams, a 10-year-old pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant, has won the competition to design of the official Christmas card being sent by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes. 

One of the runners-up was Taylor Butterton (four) from Ysgol Bryn Collen. 

After launching the annual contest in September , Mr Baynes received a large number of pictures from primary school pupils across Clwyd South who were excited to showcase their artistic talents. 

He said judging the competition had been very difficult due to the high standard of entries. 

After finalising his choice, he has now congratulated the winner, Chloe Williams from Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant on her excellent design. 

Alongside Chloe, the five runners-up were announced, in age order, as Taylor Butterton (four) from Ysgol Bryn Collen, Lola Penzer (six) from Rhosymedre CP School, Kacey Williams (eight) from Ysgol Penycae, Isabella Hardy Clarke (10) from Froncysyllte CP School and Amelia Dulson (10) from Bronington VA School. 

Chloe will receive a £20 book token and the runners-up will each receive £10 book tokens. 

The winning design will feature on the front of Mr Baynes’s Christmas card which will be sent to the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, and other public figures in government and beyond, with the designs from the runners-up featured on the back of the card. 

Mr Baynes said: “I was delighted to hold my annual Christmas Card Competition again this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Primary School pupils who took part and congratulate the winning entries. 

"The standard of entries was extremely high, and it was very difficult to decide on a winner. I would like to congratulate the winner Chloe Williams on her excellent design as well as runners-up, Taylor Butterton, Lola Penzer, Kacey Williams, Isabella Hardy Clarke and Amelia Dulson on their fantastic entries. I was extremely proud to see the wonderful artistic talent we have here in Clwyd South.” 

New book celebrates picturesque Dee Valley

* Author Jessica Hatcher-Moore reads from the new book at the library launch event.

A fascinating new book, entitled Dee Valley: The Making of Our Picturesque Landscape, has gone on sale locally.

The book, produced by the Our Picturesque Landscape project and written by local author Jessica Hatcher-Moore, takes readers on a visual journey of the inspirational landscapes of the Dee Valley, and includes stories of the influential characters and events which have shaped the area over the last 400 years.

The coffee table-style book features some of the outstanding works of art which have been inspired by the picturesque Dee Valley over the centuries, including those by world-renowned painters such as Richard Wilson, Paul Sandby and J.M.W. Turner, as well as contemporary local artists still finding inspiration in the Dee Valley today. 

A series of historic postcards and photographs of the area are a welcome addition, alongside some of the beautiful written descriptions and poems that have been composed about the Dee Valley throughout the years.

The book will be available to purchase at local venues including Plas Newydd Historic House, Llangollen Tourist Information Centre and Loggerheads Country Park among others, and with a limited print run, those interested are advised to buy their copy early to avoid disappointment.

During the launch event at Llangollen Library yesterday (Tuesday) evening guests heard from the project team and author Jessica Hatcher-Moore about the inspiration and creative process behind the book, as well as picking up their own copies.  

The book has been produced through the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project, said: “The Dee Valley has played such an historically significant role in both the Picturesque art movement and the Industrial Revolution, and with this book we are delighted to be able to share the stories of how these very different aspects have combined to shape the Dee Valley of today. 

"We are really proud of this book, which beautifully depicts the changing landscapes of the Dee Valley, and are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the funding which has made our project, and this book, possible.”

Rotary to host carol singing extravaganza in town this Saturday

* Vale of Llangollen Rotary members tune-up for their carol singing on Saturday.

Members of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club #valeofllangollenrotary have invited the community to join them in singing carols in the town's Centenary Square this Saturday afternoon.

From 2pm passers-by will be asked to help spread seasonal joy and raise money for three good causes.

The afternoon's celebration will continue at The Cornmill restaurant and pub at 3.30pm. At 4.15pm the carol singers will move to The Three Eagles and festivities will conclude at The Hand.

Throughout the occasion club members will have buckets to collect donations for their three nominated charities - Llangollen Food Share, Welsh Air Ambulance, and the international disaster relief and first response organisation Shelterbox. 

For more information on these go to https://www.valeofllangollenrotary.com/projects-6

"We're thrilled to bring the community together for an afternoon of joy and goodwill," said a club spokesperson.

"This event not only allows us to celebrate the festive season but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those less fortunate. 

"We encourage everyone to join us in spreading holiday cheer and contributing to our fundraising efforts."

* For more information about the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club contact Kurly at: secretary.llangollenrotary@gmail.com 

Inner Wheel's Christmas Cheer charity event this Saturday

In aid of local charities, The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen will be hosting a charity evening of  “Christmas Cheer” in Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday December 16, starting at 7pm. 

Arranged with the help of local musician Owen Roberts, the evening will feature festive music and the talents of local soloists, including Phillip Robinson, Debbie Whitfield and Emma Williams.

In addition there will be a piano solo performance by Anna Romanenko, who originates from the Ukraine but now lives in Llangollen. 

There will be a glass of punch on arrival and a festive two-course supper at the interval for attendees.  

The evening’s celebrations will come to a close with some rousing community carol singing, led by Gethin Davies. 

Tickets cost £15 and include a glass of punch and festive supper. 

Money raised by the event will go towards helping to support local charities. In the past year, the organisations helped by the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen have included: Llangollen Food Share, Pentredwr Hub, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Wales Air Ambulance.

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has been in existence for 60 years and is part of a worldwide organisation with the aim of promoting friendship and providing service to the community. 

* To obtain tickets call 01691 828395 or 0781 6286436.

Llangollen named as one of six 'most charming' Welsh towns

* The illustration of Llangollen in the WorldAtlas story. 

An international geography website has named Llangollen as one of the six most charming towns in Wales.

WorldAtlas.com specialises in educational geography, environment and current events.

Taking a look at Wales, it says the country frequently ranks on the bucket lists of travellers from the USA, adding: “Little wonder. In addition to its stunning mountain and coastal scenery, Wales boasts some of the most picture-perfect scenery in the United Kingdom.

Apart from Llangollen, the six towns in Wales it reckons are the most charming include Llanrwst and Betwys y Coed in Conwy, Beddgelert in Gwynedd, Brecon in Powys and Tenby in Pembrokeshire.

Of Llangollen, the website says: “Located in Denbighshire close to the border with neighboring England, Llangollen is every inch the quintessential Welsh small town.

“Set in the Dee Valley and framed by the Berwyn Mountains and the River Dee, the town's most important landmarks include the engineering miracle that is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was completed in 1805 and carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee and offers breathtaking views of the valley.”

The story, which is accompanied by a picture of the railway from the river side, adds: “You’ll also want to hop aboard the Llangollen Railway, a heritage steam line running along the Dee Valley with spectacular scenery the whole way.

“If you’re interested in sampling a little Welsh culture, try to time your visit to coincide with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an annual festival celebrating music, dance, and performance from around the world that’s held the second week of July.

“Outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed at the nearby Horseshoe Pass where you can also explore several ancient castle ruins.”

* To see the story, go to: 6 Most Charming Small Towns in Wales - WorldAtlas

Meanwhile, an article in the Manchester Evening News picks out Llangollen as one of the most festive towns in easy reach of Greater Manchester.

The article says: "Throughout December Llangollen Railway runs the Santa Special steam train where families can meet Santa and his elves on board. Meanwhile adults can enjoy a festive afternoon tea and listen to Christmas songs as you cruise along the Llangollen Canal, passing over the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Revellers can even join the Christmas Party Boat which features a retro buffet and festive hits from over the years." 

* See it at: The towns near Greater Manchester named among the UK’s ‘most festive’ - Manchester Evening News

Christmas craft workshops at Llangollen station

 

Plas Issa Farm to host dog-friendly Christmas event

Plas Issa Farm in Penycae is hosting a dog friendly Christmas event December 17 at 3pm.

Dog sport taster sessions in canine hoopers and rally fun will be on offer as well as separate areas for extraverted rough and tumble dogs and introverted shy dogs who prefer a gentle mooch.

A host of stallholders will also be in attendance including natural dog treats, dog walking and pet services, dog training, dog rescue - Shad’s Legacy, dog grooming, gifts, crafts and a photographer on hand to capture those special moments.

Sarah Collis, of Berry & Friends Natural Treats and Berry’s Pet Services, said: “As a new local business I’m delighted to be a part of the Plas Issa Farm Christmas event.

* Plas Issa Farm.

“I have three dogs of varying ages - including my 16-year-old Labrador, Berry, whom both my businesses are named after.

“Plas Issa Farm is a great space for Berry to quietly mooch about in and for my much younger Border Collie and German Shepherd to race around and tire themselves out!”

There will also be a competition for best dog Christmas fancy dress and a musical chairs dog competition.

Wendy Roberts from Plas Issa Farm said: “Our facilities include multiple fields for secure off lead dog walks and runs, agility sessions and a dog play area - for the dogs who just love to get wet and muddy!

“We’ll have trainers on site leading taster sessions for dogs who might like canine sports or if you have an easier-going dog, we have designated space available for them to explore at their own pace.

“The farm will be open from 3pm until around 5.30pm and we welcome all friendly and well-socialised dogs.”

* Booking for the event is essential and limited places are available so early booking is advised. Price is just £4 per person and £3 per dog. Book via: https://plasissafarm.simplybook.it/v2/#book/service/35 or contact Plas Issa Farm on Facebook.