Experts to give free valuations of antiques and art

* Valuations will be given at the Dory Gallery.

A free valuation of antiques, paintings and jewellery will take place at Llangollen's Dory Gallery in Regent Street on Friday May 3, from 10am-4pm. 

Organised by Halls Fine Art Auctioneers of Shrewsbury, it will feature specialists Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, Abigail Molenaar and Alexander Clement.

Halls says that valuations can be given for items of Asian art, coins, decorative arts, ceramics, furniture, clocks, jewellery, silver, watches, paintings, prints and more.

* For more details, call 01743 450 700, or email fineart@hallsgb.com to book a valuation appointment.

 

County plans new order to control misuse of car parks

* A plan of the Llantysilio Green car park. 

Denbighshire County Council is proposing to bring in an order to control the misuse of some car parks in Llangollen.

A briefing for local county councillors explains that, at present, parking at Llantysilio Green is unregulated other than by charging for use of the parking place when they are open.

This, it says, often causes hazards and/or obstructions on site and there is evidence of misuse of the car parks.

But the introduction of a special order would allow the council to issue tickets to control this misuse.  

The briefing says: “The current legislation covering the car parks makes it unviable for the council to enforce these areas and reduces maintenance expenditure to a bare minimum.

“This proposal is to bring the car parks in to the Civil Parking Enforcement system of control.

“Wenffrwd car park is a new car park and it clear from officer observations on usage so far that, although it is free to park in this car park, there is a need to better manage, regulate and control the manner in which vehicles park within this car park.

“It appears to the county council as order making authority, that it is necessary and expedient to make this order in the interests of providing proper controls to the car parks in the order and to be able to enforce the areas as necessary.”

A copy of the draft order and the plans can be inspected at Llangollen Library in Castle Street, Llangollen.

* People wishing to respond to this consultation can do using the online feedback form and anyone wishing to object to it can do so either by submitting responses to a questionnaire using Denbighshire County Council’s website under County Conversation Portal, (countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk) or by sending a written statement of objection, stating the grounds on which the objection is made to the Corporate Director: Governance and Business Monitoring Officer, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin LL15 9AZ, by no later than 7th March 2024.

Lentern events at Holy Cross Church

Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Llangollen has two events to mark Lent.

The annual Lentern soup kitchen will be held in the church rooms each Friday until Easter - excluding Good Friday - starting from this Friday, February 16.

This will be run from 12noon until 1.30pm and all proceeds go to the Christian Aid Relief Fund.

People wishing to take part can enter through the church in Oak Street, or along the alleyway opposite the Tourist Information Centre. All are welcome, say organisers.

The church is also hosting at the Holy Cross Rooms a series of conversations in Lent, entitled "The Gifts We Receive," at 1.45 for 2pm each Friday from this week until March 22, excluding March 1. 

County councillor demands action over diversion traffic chaos

* The safety barriers damaged during the latest diversion through town - and now taken away.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards is to meet with a senior Denbighshire official to discuss problems which result from traffic being diverted through the town centre.

At the meeting, which will take place in Llangollen on February 23 with Paul Jackson, head of highways and environmental services, she will demand answers to a number of key questions including whether the county is given adequate warnings of the diversions and if they warrant changes to the town centre’s road system.

This comes after a concerned resident accused the county council of being more interested with matters in other parts of Denbighshire than replacing roadside barriers damaged by traffic coming through town during the latest A483 and A5 diversion a few weeks ago.

Late last month Llangollen was twice used to reroute traffic after storm warnings led to the closure of the viaducts over the nearby trunk routes, causing massive traffic congestion on both occasions.

During the second diversion barriers and bell bollards at the corner of Mill Street and Castle Street leading on to the bridge were knocked down by a heavy wagon.

They have now been taken away, it is believed for repair by the council.

After the incident County Cllr Edwards sent a long email to county bosses in which she asked for an assurance from the county council and the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agent that they are capable of putting in place a “proper” traffic management plan.

She stressed: “It is imperative that DCC personnel responsible and accountable for this are putting in the right controls and mitigation measures.”

Cllr Edwards will also ask whether temporary traffic lights could be put on the main bridge to provide clear use of both lanes in order for large left-turning vehicles entering Castle Street to be able to safely make the turn.

In her email she tells the county: “As a result of the works conducted by DCC for the 20/20 project you have knowingly narrowed Castle Street down to 6m which falls below the recommendation for the safe passage of two HGVs and narrowed the width of the junction.  

“The bell bollards solution is a failure, and the railings are now damaged. Fortunately, and I say this with enormous relief, there were no pedestrian casualties.”

Meanwhile, a concerned resident has sent an email to Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes - copied to the county council’s officers and members along with the local MS Ken Skates and also llanblogger - criticising the lack of action over the barriers and attaching pictures of the damage.

The barriers have now been taken away. But, before they were, the resident wrote: “Our county councillors appear to be ignored by DCC officers and Llangollen’s Town Council seems to lack any direction or ability to measure the local pulse and raise/articulate these matters up to the county councillors to take forward.  

“The tragic loss of life of a young resident motorcyclist on the road before Xmas by the Sun Trevor is a case in point where once again DCC were aware of the issue but dragged their heels and pleaded poverty to make improvements but seem to find budget elsewhere for things that don’t save lives.  

“I feel it really is time you and Ken Skates stood shoulder to shoulder and held DCC to account for themselves on their record and lack of action with respect to matters of road conditions and road safety in the Llangollen area.” 

Simon Baynes MP said before the barriers were taken away earlier today (Tuesday): “I remain hopeful that Denbighshire County Council will proactively seek a solution in the near future. I intend to contact the council to inquire about the anticipated timeframe for completing the necessary works.”

Ken Skates said: "I raised my constituent's concerns with DCC on February 2 and am awaiting a response." 

* llanblogger is unable to confirm what is happening to the barriers because, despite three requests to Denbighshire County Council for a comments - the latest this morning - there has so far been no response.  

Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: "The Town Council understands that a concerned resident has contacted County Council’s officers and members along with the local MS Ken Skates, but not the Town Council itself, stating that Llangollen Town Council seems to lack any direction or ability to measure the local pulse and raise/articulate these matters up to the county councillors to take forward.  

"Llangollen Town Council is committed to representing the interests and concerns of the residents of Llangollen and effectively captures the sentiment of the community and expresses these matters with appropriate authorities, including county councillors one; of whom is the current Town Mayor. 

"The Council understand the importance of having a clear direction in ensuring that the voices of our residents are heard, and acted upon, and has a standing item on the agenda of all Town Council meetings to receive statements from County Councillors on matters relating to Llangollen. This allows for an open exchange with all County Councillors representing the community to ensure that the concerns of Llangollen residents are prioritised and addressed at the county level.

"Moving forward, the Town Council is to strengthen our relationship with the community, including the reinstatement of the annual town meetings, surveys, and community cafes together with increased transparency in our decision-making processes. 

"Llangollen Town Council remains committed to serving the best interests of our community and welcomes constructive feedback as it continues to strive for improvement."

Homes sell faster here than almost anywhere in region, says report

Homes in Llangollen are selling at a faster rate than almost everywhere else in North Wales, latest data shows. 

Houses are taking just 101 days on average to sell in the town renowned for its scenic location on the River Dee within a World Heritage Site.

* For the full story in the Daily Post, see: Homes selling fastest in North Wales heritage town and slowest in seaside resort - North Wales Live (dailypost.co.uk)

Eisteddfod to host international Gymanfa Ganu to celebrate St David’s Day

For its latest fundraising event Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will host an international Gymanfa Ganu to celebrate St David’s Day. 

The event, to be held on Sunday March 3 at 7.30pm at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen, will be led by the popular conductor Trystan Lewis, who will be accompanied on the organ by Owen Maelor Roberts, and will also feature the celebrated Derwent Harp School. 

The event will also have St David’s Day messages from across the world, featuring groups who will be competing at this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July. 

Elen Mair Roberts, a member of the Music and Staging committee, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Trystan Lewis. He is a very popular and highly experienced choral director, and we’re delighted that he will be leading our St David’s Day celebrations in Llangollen. 

"Our Gymanfa Ganu will have an international flavour, and we’ve already received St David’s Day messages from as far away as Japan and India. This is just the latest addition to the Eisteddfod’s all-year round events programme, and if you have never been to a Gymanfa Ganu you’re in for a real treat.”

The Gymanfa Ganu is an integral part of the Welsh heritage. It is a unique feature of Welsh music - a festival of sacred hymns sung by the audience in four-part harmony under the direction of a choral conductor. 

Conductor Trystan Lewis has been involved with choral music for most of his life. He conducted Pantycelyn choir to two National Eisteddfod wins whilst an undergraduate at the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, and has conducted over 200 Gymanfas, including in Canada and the North American Festival, as well as on television and radio.  

* Tickets, priced £10, are now available from www.llangollen.net and from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.

Town Hall rocks to the sound of Pink Floyd tribute

* We don't need no education: Pinc Ffloyd on stage at the Town Hall.

After the success of the first Live at Llangollen Town Hall gig that played tribute to ABBA last month, on Saturday, psychedelic legends Pink Floyd received the tribute treatment.  

Pinc Ffloyd, the Welsh tribute band, made a triumphant return to Llangollen in front of a packed audience. 

The seven-piece outfit, who have not played in Llangollen since before the pandemic, started their two-set gig, the Welsh Pink Floyd Show, with Breath, from Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon, before effortlessly running through more classics including Another Brick in the Wall, The Happiest Days of our lives, The Great Gig in the Sky and Shine on You Crazy Diamond.

The Town Hall is a perfect location for a production like this. The light show was tremendous and the sound by James Barber, who runs local company JB Sound, was immaculate. 

The place was packed, with the seating area full as well. Many commented on what they called the brilliant back drop to the concert - a wall. 

But this turned out to be a remarkable coincidence as the stage was actually being prepared for Llangollen Operatic Young 'Uns show Oliver! which takes place at the Town Hall from February 22-24.

There was a poignant moment close the end of the spellbinding event when the band dedicated their cover of Floyd's 1975 anthem, Wish You Were Here, to organiser Keith Pott's dad Les, who passed away recently at the age of 92 and was a major supporter of the Eisteddfod going back to its earliest days.

Keith, who organised the event to raise money for the Eisteddfod charity, said: "It was great to bring the Llangollen community together for another highly successful gig.  

"Pinc Ffloyd were brilliant and surpassed our expectations. This was our latest event to raise money for our charity and we can't wait to bring the Original Merseybeats to Llangollen on March 15.  

"This event was again run by our volunteers and I'd like to thank them for their help."

* Organiser Keith Potts with volunteers Barrie Roberts and Steve Price.

* The Live at Llangollen Town Hall gigs have been set up to raise money to help bring international competitors to Llangollen for its Core Eisteddfod.  

The next gig will be on Friday, March 15 when the Original Merseybeats come to town.  

You can get tickets for that gig from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre or from Live at Llangollen Friday 15 March The Merseybeats - Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (international-eisteddfod.co.uk)  USE PROMO CODE 'LIVE24' to remove the booking fee to get tickets for £10.

Llangollen Railway lands a second major award within months

 

Llangollen Railway is celebrating after winning the Heritage Railway Association's Infrastructure Award for its new Corwen station.

A post on the railway's Facebook page says "We are absolutely over the moon!

"This award is a credit to the blood, sweat, tears and much more that have endured over the years to build what is now an award-winning station. A lasting legacy to all concerned.

"The dedication and determination of our volunteers is admirable. From the initial conception to the fundraising efforts, the works carried out to the opening itself have all been a huge undertaking. We are so proud of every single one of you."

Last November the railway was named Go Attraction of the Year for 2023 in the Go North Wales Tourism Awards for its recovery from major financial problems.

MP welcomes better accessibility plan for Ruabon station

* Simon Baynes MP at Ruabon station.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed an update from Network Rail on work to ensure Ruabon station is accessible for all users.

He says securing access for everyone to the station remains a key priority for him and he supports the efforts to secure funding via the UK government’s Access for All initiative. 

Access for All  was launched in 2006 to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platform. This includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the route.

Mr Baynes and representatives of Wrexham County Borough Council attended the online briefing from Network Rail earlier this month where it was confirmed that a single option for the station has been identified.

This is to install new lifts behind the existing railway footbridge which will enable step-free access to and between both platforms. 

An outline design will be completed by the end of next month and a prior approval application is being processed by Network's Rail planning team.

Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council with responsibility for Strategic Transport, said: "Ruabon station is extremely popular with local travellers and a key interchange for visitors to the World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte. 

"I am grateful to Network Rail for their continued support to ensure all travellers can access all areas of Ruabon station to make their journey as trouble free as possible."

Mr Baynes said: "At this moment in time passengers with heavy luggage, mobility problems or pushchairs and small children are unable to access the Chester platform making journeys longer and inconvenient. 

"I welcome the progress made by Network Rail and look forward to working with them in the coming months as their plans progress.” 

Armoury's restored lock-up shop now back in action

* The front of the lock-up shop on the A5.

Following years of restoration by the Armoury Conservation Trust (ACT) the lock-up shop on the A5  - by the traffic lights at the junction with Castle Street - is ready for action.

Local carpenter Iain Ashcroft's craftsmanship has fulfilled the vision of architect Jamie Coath to restore the shop front to a design in keeping with its neighbours and its Victorian heritage.  

The work was partially funded by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's Sustainable Development Fund.  

The shop is a usable space once more, and the Armoury Conservation Trust has announced that The Little Learning Company took occupancy from February 1 to coordinate their programme of heritage skills training across Llangollen and the surrounding areas. 

The Little Learning Company has designed and delivered training on heritage crafts, including felting and canal folk-art, in locations such as Llangollen Railway and Pentredwr Community Centre.  

They are expanding their capacity by training more tutors and expect to offer courses in additional heritage skills such as dry stone walling soon. 

ACT Chairperson Sue Hargreaves said: "I am pleased the Lock Up Heritage Centre is able to host an organisation whose activities align with our aims of heritage, community and education.  

"I am looking forward to working in partnership with The Little Learning Company, to get the shop back into purposeful use benefitting the local community, and to develop the profile and activities of the Lock Up Heritage Centre itself."

Little Learning Company Director Laura Davies said: "We are thrilled to be able to use The Lock Up as our heritage skills base in Llangollen, and we are looking forward to continuing to partner with the fantastic organisations and groups in and around Llangollen. 

"Big thanks go to Gwlangollen for putting us in touch with the Armoury Conservation Trust and for helping us bring our heritage skills programme to life.

"Keep an eye on the shop window for details of our upcoming courses. If there is a particular heritage skill course you would like us to offer please contact Michelle@thelittlelearningcompany.co.uk"

* The project is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, awarded by Denbighshire County Council. 

Proceeds of record-breaking Christmas Festival raffle shared out

* At the Air Ambulance station are Barbara Matthews, Jane Williams, Paul Cakebread, Austin Cheminais, Simon Cartwright, Ian Parry and John Palmer.

* Outside Llangollen Food Share are Ian Parry, Steph Mitchell, Austin Cheminais and Jane Williams.

* Trish Earlam, Austin Cheminais, Angela Fuller, Elizabeth Pybus, Ian Parry and Jane Williams at the After School Drop In.

* Paul Cakebread, Simon Cartwright, Austin Cheminais at the Liberty Tavern cheque hand-over.

Representatives of the Llangollen Christmas Festival Group have been out and about sharing the proceeds of the Christmas raffle that ran alongside the last big Christmas event.

Thanks to an amazing effort the festival team sold a record 4,000 tickets last year.

This has enabled them to donate £1,500 to Wales Air Ambulance, £500 to Llangollen Food Share, £350 to the Combined Churches After School Drop In, £350 to Llangollen Scouts, £100 to Llangollen Brownies and they even managed to help Santa himself with a £200 donation towards a new red and white seasonal suit.  

The remaining £1,000 will help fund this year’s Christmas Festival which will be held on November 30.

The festival team’s Austin “Chem” Cheminais said: "Our thanks go to all the local businesses in and around Llangollen who donated prizes for the raffle, which included a light aircraft flight from the Air Ambulance base at Welshpool Airport.

“Whilst he was at Welshpool Air Ambulance station Santa took the opportunity to hand over a cheque for £250 which was raised during the Liberty Tavern Christmas quiz.”

Roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 09/02/2024 09/02/2024 Trwsio Lon Cerbydau/ Carriageway Repairs DCC STREETSCENE

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

Outside The Corn Mill Dee Lane Llangollen CLYWD LL20 8PN DEE LANE 01/03/2024 01/03/2024 Gwaith ar Wasanaeth Uwchben/ Overhead Service Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Council’s Trading Standards target underage sales of vapes

* Vapes confiscated by Trading Standards

Following guidance provided by Trading Standards to Denbighshire businesses regarding vapes and underage sales, trading standards officers have been conducting a series of test purchases across the county. 

Test purchase exercises involve an underage volunteer, acting under the supervision of trading standards officers, attempting to purchase age restricted products which they are not legally old enough to purchase. 

Operation Cloud targeted retailers selling e-cigarettes, visiting 29 premises across Denbighshire. Nine of those businesses failed to prevent the sale, as a 15-year-old volunteer was able to purchase an e-cigarette without providing identification. 

In one of these premises, the volunteer was able to purchase an illegal vape which should not have been available on the UK market due to the amount of liquid within the tank, labelling issues and it not being a registered product with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency. This led to a substantial seizure of stock at the premises. 

Councillor Win Mullen-James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “It is illegal for anybody under the age of 18 to purchase an e-cigarette, and laws in relation to age restricted products are in place to safeguard young people.  

“It is disappointing to see that nine businesses have sold these products to a 15-year-old. However, it is important to highlight that 20 premises correctly asked for identification and/or refused the sale. These products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance and children should not be able to access these products. 

“I am assured that Denbighshire Trading Standards will continue to visit any premises selling these products and the failed business premises will now be investigated, with appropriate action taken."

Businesses can get in touch with Denbighshire’s Trading Standards Team for advice on vaping products on Denbighshire’s website 

The council are also advising that if residents are aware of businesses in Denbighshire selling non-compliant vaping products, or selling them to underage persons, that they can report them through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, for the Welsh language or 0808 223 1144, or online 

Horseshoe Pass now re-opened

**Update: The Horseshoe Pass has re-opened

North Wales Police have just posted on Facebook:

Please note that the Horseshoe Pass is currently closed due to the deterorating weather conditions ❄️ 

We are receiving several reports of (thankfully) minor road traffic collisions and road distruptions. Our teams are committed with those so please take extra care if you are travelling this afternoon. 

Thank you in advance. 

Snow finally arrives in Llangollen

* The snow which has been forecasted for the past week finally arrived this morning, leaving a blanketing over Llangollen, as can be seen from the rooftops here. The view of the castle was completely wiped out by snow and mist. 

Young 'Uns stage group launches hunt for new producer

 

* Food Glorious Food: the workhouse scene from the Young 'Uns production of Oliver! Picture: Aled Morris.

The much-anticipated staging of Oliver! by Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section, the Young ‘Uns, later this month will be the final one with producer Pam Williams in charge.

And once the costumes and props from the show are packed away the search will begin for someone new to take charge of future productions by this popular group which has had a string of hits in recent years, including Grease, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors and The Addams Family.

Pam said: “I've done 11 years with Young ‘Uns and nine shows and thoroughly enjoyed the experience but feel that the time is right to step down and let someone else take over the reins, so to speak.  

“Youngs ‘Uns has a great tradition going back 33 years and we really want to continue this success story.”

She explained: “The new producer will basically choose a show and put it to the committee for approval and then look to put together a production team, with director, choreographer and so on.

“ Currently have a group of 27 children with many waiting to join.

“The producer’s role is to organise all aspects of the show and co-ordinate all the teams involved in front of the curtains and behind the scenes.

“It can be hard work but it’s also a lot of fun and can be very rewarding, so if there’s anyone out there who reckons they could fit the bill we’d love to hear from them.”

* If you're interested in the role you can contact the Young ‘Uns at: info@@llangollen-operatic.co.uk

Oliver!, which is the group's 33rd production since it was founded in 1990, takes place from Thursday-Saturday, February 22-24, at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee of the last day.

Oliver! is a stage musical, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

It follows the tale of young Oliver from his early days in a grim workhouse, his escape to London where he meets up with the gag of trainee thieves led by the old rogue Fagin and the trials he faces at the hands of the villainous robber Bill Sikes.   

Production team for the Young 'Uns version is Robin Crowley (artistic director), Julian Cattley (musical director) Pam Williams (producer), Deirdre Smith (assistant producer) and Sarah Marshal (choreographer).

* Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or Llangollen Tourist Information, Jades Hair and Beauty, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods.

Roadworks alert for Aber Adda

Latest local roadworks update from one.network is:

Aber Adda, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 February - 13 February   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)   Description: MAINS CONNECTION   Works location: OUTSIDE 1 HILL STREET   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: XY254003001625597/01

 

Man rescued following incident near Horseshoe Falls

On Saturday (February 3) NEWSAR (North East Wales Search and Rescue) and emergency services attended an incident at Horseshoe Falls, where a person had fallen into the water whilst kayaking. 

The man received CPR before being stabilised and transferred to hospital.

For the full story, see the Denbighshire Free Press at: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24102787.llangollen-man-taken-hospital-following-incident/

Parade will mark Llangollen Royal British Legion branch's centenary

* A recent Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Centenary Square at which the town's Royal British Legion branch plays a key role.

Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion is to mark its 100th birthday with a special celebration this month.

Branch members, in partnership with the town council, play a high-profile role in organising the annual Remembrance ceremonies around the war memorials in Centenary Square and also have a major role in the yearly poppy appeals.

On the branch's Facebook page its chairman Mike Adams posted in a message to members: "It is the centenary of Llangollen RBL branch this year and we are planning a little celebration on Saturday February 17.

"March from Market street down Parade Street past the war memorials to the church."

The parade will form up outside Liberty Tavern at 11.45am then go through the town centre from Market Street, following the bus route to Parade Street and across Castle Street onto Bridge Street.

The parade will then perform an "eyes right" salute as it passes the war memorials in Centenary Square before heading to St Collen's Church for a short service of celebration conducted by Father Lee Taylor.

This will be followed by a lunch at the RAFA club for legion branch members and guests involved in the organisation.

Following the service all parade participants will make their way to the RAFA Club for a curry lunch and refreshments. There will be a small charge (£6) for the curry lunch for those not marching in the parade, and who wish to have lunch. It is anticipated that the church service will take approximately 30 minutes, and all will be welcome to attend. A branch spokesperson said: "Along with current branch members, and other services, we would be delighted to see as many armed forces veterans in attendance as possible, from Corwen and elsewhere. Please pass on far and wide, to your family and friends. We will be meeting on Market Street at 11.30am for the march to St Collen’s. "We’d love to see the local community come and join us in celebrating our 100th year in existence. If you can’t march, you can probably sing, so feel free to join us at the church and onto the RAFA Club."

Eisteddfod sends its best wishes to King Charles III

* King Charles III dances to the bhangra beat on his visit to the 2015 Eisteddfod as Prince of Wales.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has sent its best wishes to King Charles III after he was diagnosed with a form of cancer. 

The Eisteddfod’s Chair, Professor Chris Adams, has written to Buckingham Palace with a message of support to His Majesty on behalf of the festival. 

Chris said: "King Charles III has been a huge supporter of our peace festival in Llangollen. As the Prince of Wales he was our patron for 26 years from 1996. 

"He has visited Llangollen numerous times, and championed the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize application. We look forward to welcoming him again upon his recovery. We wish him, Queen Camilla and the Royal Family well as he recovers."

TV historian to feature aqueduct in new documentary series

* Dan Snow at the aqueduct.

A World Heritage Site is set to appear on a popular historian's documentary series, according to the Shropshire Star.

Dan Snow, known on social media as 'The History Guy', posted a video of him visiting the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Instagram.

* For the full story, go to:  Watch: TV historian Dan Snow reveals documentary plan for world heritage site and 'one of my favourite places' | Shropshire Star

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Here's the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: Damp and mould is building up in our house as the weather gets colder. Our living room is the worst and there’s a strong smell, so we’ve stopped having friends round. We’re also concerned about our health. We’ve reported it to our landlord, but they haven’t done anything. With six months left on the occupation contract, we’re running out of options. What should we do? 

A: You’ve done the right thing by bringing this to your landlord. To work out if they are responsible you’ll need to find the cause of the damp and mould, but this can take time unless there’s a clear cause, like bad insulation or a leaking roof. 

Damp is when an area of your property doesn’t dry out, often because it’s cold. The main types are rising, penetrating, construction, and condensation damp. It can lead to mould, which is a fungus that grows in areas where warm damp air condenses on cold surfaces, like window frames. Information on our website can help you work out what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can do. You should also check your written statement for mentions of repairs and damp. 

Your landlord is responsible for fixing a damp problem if it’s making your home unsafe to live in. For example, this could be if it’s affecting your health or the health of those you live with. Your landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if the window frames are rotting. They would have to cover the cost of repairs to any items damaged by the damp, including carpets and furniture. 

Condensation is a key cause of damp we’re all familiar with. Keeping homes well-heated and well-ventilated is the best way to prevent this, but for many of us today, high heating costs and cold weather are making this very difficult. If you’re finding it hard to insulate and heat your home, check our website to see if you’re eligible for support. 

Always avoid doing anything that can make damp worse, as it may affect whether the landlord takes responsibility for repairs. Our website has advice on what to avoid, like drying clothes on heaters, blocking air vents, or using portable gas heaters. 

You may reach the point where you just want to get out of your occupation contract early, but remember this can be very tricky and there might be things you haven’t tried yet. 

For example, if your landlord is responsible for the damp in your home but doesn’t do anything, there are steps you can take, like reporting them to the local authority. And as a private renter, if you’ve got evidence from a health professional that damp is making you ill, you may be able to get free legal advice through Legal Aid. 

If you’re feeling stuck, always speak to your local Citizens Advice or call our Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 for personalised support.  

Storytelling Cafe embraces the theme of love

Organisers say this month's Caffi Stori Llangollen Storytelling Cafe will be even more special than usual. 

The latest session will be held at St Collen's Community Hall in Regent Street on Thursday February 15 starting at 7.30pm and will feature Ben Haggerty and Stephe Brittain with their new work Love Rites.

The Caffi's Fiona Collins said: "Join two of Britain's foremost storytellers for their original take on St Valentine, romance and everything that goes with that crazy little thing called love."

Tickets at £5 and £4 are available on the door.

* For more information contact Fiona: fionastory3@gmail.com or call 07941 918159.

County council advises on yellow snow warning

Denbighshire County Council has passed on a yellow weather warning for snow affecting the area. It says:

Between 03:00 (UTC) on Thu 8 Feb 2024 and 03:00 (UTC) on Fri 9 Feb 2024. 

A period of snowfall could bring some disruption on Thursday and Thursday night.

A band of rain, sleet, and increasingly snow, will push north on Thursday bringing up to 2cm snow at lower-levels, 2-5cm on ground above 200m, and perhaps as much as 10-20cm above 400m. 

The snow will ease later in the day, and may turn back to rain or drizzle, especially in the south and east of the area. 

There is some uncertainty with respect to the rain/snow boundary, and the northern limit of the snow, and so details may change in the coming days as confidence increases in these aspects.

What should I do? Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). 

People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. 

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

DCC gritting teams will be working continuously through this period to keep the primary network open and the teams will be salting all priority gritting routes.

Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary.

Please report any issues to our Customer Service Team between 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday:

1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

2) telephone 01824 706000

3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.

4) use an online web form, available on Denbighshire’s website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/onlineforms

In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5pm – 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068.