Velodrome plan for Ruthin 'no longer achievable'

 

* An artist's impression of how the velodrome could have looked. (Image DCC)

After months of planning and commitment from Welsh Cycling, Sport Wales, Ruthin Town Council and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), it has been agreed collectively that the Ruthin Velodrome project will no longer be proceeding. 

The plans would have seen the first Velodrome in North Wales, along with providing a transformative project for the town; providing health, financial and educational benefits as well as more opportunities for the young people of Ruthin and the wider county of Denbighshire. 

In 2020, in response to a Welsh Cycling invitation for expressions of interest, Ruthin Town Council (RTC) was selected as the preferred partner for the Welsh Cycling, North Wales, Outdoor Velodrome project. 

Then in March 2021, following a detailed feasibility study, Ruthin Town Council in partnership with Welsh Cycling and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) agreed to progress the project at the then preferred location, of Ysgol Brynhyfryd. 

Following further feasibility work and business plan proposals, a formal funding application was made to Sport Wales in Feb 2022 resulting in a Sport Wales £2m grant approved in March 2022 and an additional offer of £300k grant was made in August 2023, in response to increased estimated project costs. 

After many months of design work and consultation with stakeholders, the final detailed scheme was approved in December 2023. 

However, the partners in the project say that pricing schedule showed a significant funding gap between the resources available for the project and the required contract sum, mainly attributable to "unprecedented levels of inflation" in the construction industry. 

A statement issued through DLL says: "At the December Project Board Meeting it was reported that the capital cost of the scheme was over budget, with this sum likely to increase again if any adverse planning, or sustainable drainage conditions were applied to the development consents. 

"Costs would also further increase due to the time it would take to get the project to site after the necessary statutory planning stages. Therefore, despite all the efforts, it has been decided to cease the project as the required funding continues to increase beyond the available budget."

Graham Boase, Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We’ve supported this business case from the beginning, unfortunately the current climate has meant we are unable to help get this project over the line. 

"All stakeholders have worked extremely hard to bring this project to fruition and we are fully supportive of future projects and we welcome the opportunity to work with Sport Wales to prioritise this funding into North Wales projects.”

Owen Hathway, Assistant Director at Sport Wales, said: “It is disappointing that despite all-parties best continued efforts, the development of the proposed velodrome in Ruthin has been deemed no longer feasible. We thank all of those involved for exhausting all possible options to try and avoid this outcome. Sport Wales remains committed to investing into the sport infrastructure in North Wales. 

"In conversation with the Welsh Government our aim is that the money that had been awarded to this project is both retained for investment in sport and preferably ringfenced for the North Wales region, while we explore other opportunities in the area, including with Welsh Cycling as the National Governing Body.”

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, said: “As a board, we agreed to pursue a number of actions in order to give this project every opportunity possible, recognising the importance of the new facility to both Ruthin and more broadly, the whole of Denbighshire. Regrettably, despite best efforts and endeavours by all concerned the project appears to be out of our reach. 

"Taking everything into consideration, it is with a heavy heart that the project board bring the project to a close and the balance of the grant will be returned to Sports Wales to provide every opportunity for sports projects (or indeed a cycling project) to be delivered elsewhere in North Wales.”

Temporary closure of Lower Dee Mill Park

* An artist's impression of how Lower Dee Mill Park will look when the scheme is finished.

Lower Dee Mill Park is temporarily closed until Friday March 22 to carry out drainage works in connection with the Four Great Highways scheme. 

Access to the town centre will only be available along Mill Street while the closure is in place.

The project aims to enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the centre of Llangollen.

The project is part of investment by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils for the Clwyd South Constituency.

The application was supported by Simon Baynes MP with £3.8 million being allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

A scheme spokesperson said of the temporary Lower Dee Mill Park closure: “Rafters and canoeists will still be able to gain access to the river during this time via the temporary access route that has been installed down to the river. 

“Further closures will take place over the coming months, but these will be kept to a minimum where possible and notice will be provided in advance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” 

* To learn more about this Levelling Up funded project, go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/four-great-highways

 

Libraries to provide free book vouchers to celebrate World Book Day

Libraries across the county will once again be celebrating World Book Day this year, and will be giving away thousands of free book vouchers and a limited number of free World Book Day books.

While stocks last, children can come to the library to pick up one of the free titles. These include ‘Elmer and the Patchwork Story’, ‘Marv and the Ultimate Superpower’, ‘Loki: Tales of a Bad God and Can You Get Jellyfish in Space?’. Thanks to Siop y Siswrn, the libraries also have some Welsh titles available. These include ‘Lledrith yn y Llyfrgell’ and ‘Ffeithiau Ffiaidd y Corff’.

This year, World Book day falls on Thursday 7th March. World Book Day is a worldwide celebration of books and reading and first took place in the UK and Ireland in 1997.

Whilst at the library families can also choose books to borrow from the wide selection available on library shelves, and library staff are on hand to help with suggestions, whether children prefer joke books, adventure stories, comic books or fairy tales.

There are also thousands of books available on the Borrowbox app, including audiobooks that can be downloaded for free.

For younger families the Bookstart Team will be holding World Book Day themed rhyme times all week and places can be booked online: https://bookwhen.com/denbighshire-bookstart

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

“World Book day is celebrated far and wide, and our libraries are certainly doing their bit this year, with thousands of book vouchers available to Denbighshire residents.

There are also a limited number of free children’s books available, which are first come, first serve. Whilst at their local library, families can access the wide array of services offered to them, including the brilliant Borrowbox app.”

Tribute paid to woman who died after Llangollen road collision

* Sarah Elizabeth Grimshaw (Image: North Wales Police) 

A woman has died following a crash in Llangollen in January.

Sarah Elizabeth Grimshaw, who was 39 and from the Chirk area, died in hospital on February 27.

The crash happened shortly after 7am on January 30, on Abbey Road, Llangollen and involved a green tractor and a white Kia Rio vehicle.

Mrs Grimshaw, who was driving the Kia Rio, was initially taken to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries.

She was later transferred to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, but sadly died last week, North Wales Police have revealed.

Her family has celebrated the life of a woman with a “heart of gold”.

A family statement read: “It was an honour to share our lives with Sarah.

“She had the unique ability to walk into a room and brighten up everyone’s day with boundless energy and sheer craziness.

“She had a heart of gold flowing with endless love for all people and animals.

“Sarah was the kindest, most selfless wife, daughter, sister, Brownie leader and animal lover, whose infectious warmth made the world a better place for all she came into contact.

“Sarah will be dearly missed by so many whose lives will be forever darker without her.”

Sergeant Stephen Richards, of North Wales Police’s Roads Crime Unit, is appealing for more information about the crash.

He said: “Our deepest condolences go out to Mrs Grimshaw’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“We are asking anybody who was in the Llangollen area on the morning of January 30 and who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact us as soon as possible.

“Our enquiries are underway, and anybody with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation should contact officers at the Roads Crime Unit, quoting reference number 24000131722.”

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: My council tax bill is coming out in March and I am dreading opening it as it always goes up. My income has stayed the same but everything else seems more expensive and I have hardly anything left over - how will I cope if my payments for this year go up? 

A: Many of us are feeling overwhelmed as we see our basic bills and essential costs go up. You’re not alone in finding things difficult and, crucially, there’s support available. 

First off, there are discounts available to some people depending on their circumstances. You can check your bill or contact your council to find out if you might be eligible for an automatic reduction to your council tax. 

If you're not getting a discount, you might still be entitled to one. It depends who lives in the property. So, if you're the only adult in your home, you’ll get a 25% discount on your council tax bill. 

When working out how many people live in a property, some people aren’t counted - they’re called ‘disregarded people’ and include under 18s, a student nurse or someone on an apprenticeship scheme and many more. Checking the government website for more details. If everyone who lives in the property is disregarded, you will still receive a council tax bill, but it will have a 50% discount. However if everyone in your home is a student or severely mentally impaired, you won't pay any council tax. 

Additionally, if someone has moved out, tell the council as this might change your eligibility. If you are entitled to a discount as a result, it will be valid from the date when the person moved out, even if you told the council after the event, and the reduction may be backdated. 

If you think you might be eligible you should apply to your local council for a discount as soon as possible. You can find your council's contact details on GOV.UK. 

You mention that your income hasn’t increased. If you are on a low income you might be able to get your council tax reduced. If you get benefits or have other people living with you, this might affect how much your council tax is reduced by. 

Your local council will ask you details about your income and your circumstances, so they can work out if you’re entitled to a council tax reduction. They will then calculate your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay. 

If you have other people living with you who are aged 18 or over, you might all be responsible for paying council tax. Only one of you needs to apply for a council tax reduction. The council will make a decision and reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay accordingly. 

You may also be eligible for additional support if you’ve reached State Pension age which you can check on the government website can GOV.UK If you’re under State Pension age, the ‘working age rules’ apply and if you've reached State Pension age, it depends if you or your partner get certain benefits. 

The working age rules still apply if you've reached State Pension age and you or your partner get: 

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support 

If you've reached State Pension age and don't get any of these benefits, the 'pension age rules' apply.

Even if none of the reduction criteria applies to you, your local council can still reduce your council tax bill or cancel it altogether, this is called ‘discretionary reduction’. They’ll normally only do this if you can show that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax. 

If you’re in this situation you should ask your local council for help. You’ll need to show them evidence of your circumstances. If your immigration status doesn’t let you claim public funds, you can still apply for a discretionary reduction. A discretionary reduction doesn’t count as public funds. 

We know that times are incredibly tough and council tax is a priority bill so it’s important to keep in contact with your council if you can’t keep up payments. Citizens Advice is here to help you find a way forward, without judgement, working with you side by side. 

Newbridge Road repair details 'almost finalised' Skates is told

* Ken Skates MS on site at Newbridge Road.

Details of repairs to the collapsed Newbridge Road are now almost finalised, according to Wrexham Council.

This is the key message from the statement received by Clwyd South MS Ken Skates when he asked the council for an update on the road which provides a lifeline into the local community. 

The B5605 is also a major diversion route when the nearby A483/A5 is shut and its closure has meant heavy traffic being sent through Llangollen instead on two occasions recently. 

Mr Skates is told in the official response: "Wrexham County Borough Council have been fortunate to have been awarded grant funding by the Welsh Government for the numerous tasks required towards implementation of a scheme of repair within the particularly challenging environment that it is in and around the landslip area. 

"In collaboration with Atkins Consulting Engineers who have been appointed to support Wrexham Council Borough Council, and our Design and Build Contractors, Jones Bros Ltd, ground investigation work has been completed and the resulting detailed report on the findings has enabled design options to be developed for a scheme of permanent repair to the embankment and road.

"Whilst we are conscious that the relative lack of visibility on site may be perceived as lack of progress being made overall, we are pleased to confirm that significant progress has been made and the details of the permanent repair is now almost finalised.

"As planning progresses towards the main repair works, on Monday 19th February the road closure order for the affected section of road was extended to also apply to pedestrians and cyclists. From this week onwards, Jones Bros will be commencing their advanced works. This will include diverting existing services, and forming the temporary access road that is required to enable the permanent repair to the landslip itself.

"As a result there will be increased activity on site from now onwards, and as the repair scheme progresses further stages will follow towards a full re-opening of the B5605 when any closures will finally be removed.

"The detailed programme of works is progressing well, but is yet to be completely finalised, however regular updates continue to be posted on Jones Bros’ Facebook page that is dedicated to the Newbridge landslip."

Mr Skates said: "The Welsh Labour Government has given Wrexham Council almost £3m of extra funding to repair the landslip, with the £2.8m announced in April 2022 in addition to £175,000 earlier awarded for ground investigations and detailed designs of remedial works.

"I have been as frustrated as everyone else - we all wanted the road repaired and reopened as soon as possible.

"With the council now saying that significant progress has been made and the final details of the repair nearly completed, hopefully people will soon see a visible acceleration of the remedial work.

"I am also speaking to the contractors and hope to visit the site over the next couple of weeks to hear more about the schedule of works and get an on-the-ground update."

The Facebook page for updates is: 

Newbridge Landslip Remediation Scheme

St Collen's hosts successful Gamanfa Ganu for St David's Day

* Myron Lloyd from the Llangollen Eisteddfod's Marketing Committee with Trystan Lewis.

* The view from the historic bell tower at St Collen's Church.

It was a rip-roaring end to the St David's Day weekend in Llangollen last night.  

Close to 150 people, many wearing daffodils, attended a Gamanfa Ganu at St Collen's Church.  

Met by town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais, the congregation was led by hugely popular conductor Trystan Lewis in a great night of Welsh hymn singing.  

Songs included Cwm Rhondda, Finlandia, Calon Lân and Rachie - I Bob Un Sydd Ffyddlon amongst the hymns. 

Rachie was chosen as it was the 89^th anniversary of the death of the legendary Rhosllannerchrugog composer Dr Caradog Roberts. 

One of the highlights was Shea Ferron singing Anfonaf Angel with organist Owen Maelor-Roberts, who accompanied the congregation throughout the night.  

 * Mike Gleed from Côr Meibion Rhosllannerchrugog Male Voice Choir sang with the Bases.

Derwent Harp School travelled from Aberystwyth to perform as the congregation were welcomed by Father Lee Taylor, vicar in charge at St Collen's.

St David's Day messages from around the world were played on a special video wall.  

Eisteddfod competitors from countries like India, USA, Japan and Wales and England sent messages as did Welsh Folk legends Calan and Broadway star John Owen-Jones.  

* Town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais opens the event.

They are all heading to Llangollen this summer for the biggest core Llangollen International Musical Eisteddod for a generation. 

The event was organised by the Eisteddfod's Music and Staging Committee. It was to raise money for the festival's charity that helps bring competitors to Llangollen for its Core Eisteddfod.  

John Gambles, Vice-Chair of the festival, said: "It was a tremendous night at St Collen's and Trystan Lewis did an amazing job of conducting.  

"We were lucky to secure the services of a brilliant showman whose knowledge and humour was greatly appreciated.  

"This is the first Gamanfa Ganu we've organised since 2017 - it was well worth the wait.  

"Wales has such a rich repertoire of hymns and the people of Llangollen raised the roof of our ancient church. We are already looking to arrange another similar event next year. What a way to finish a weekend celebrating St David's Day."

This was the latest event organised by the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to raise money for its charity.  

The next event is a Daffodil Flower Festival from April 5-7.  This opens with a with a choral concert April 5 at St Collen's Church with Lleisiau’r Afon Ladies Choir, Clare Harrison and Shea Ferron.  

On March 15, the Original Merseybeats also take the stage at Llangollen Town Hall, as part of their fundraising. Tickets can be bought from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/event_picker/live-at-llangollen/

Silent MG making a big noise in car world

MG4 EV drive by Steve Rogers

The Japanese did it in the seventies, now the Chinese are turning the car market upside down.

Leading the charge is MG, once a British icon, now part of a pretty big state owned Chinese car company which has been the UK's fastest growing car maker for umpteen years. And it is this model that is making the biggest noise even though it makes no noise... it's electric.

The MG4 has probably won more plaudits than any other electric car, for a few reasons: It is downright good, looks fantastic, and exceptional value for money.

How exceptional? About eight grand less than its Volkswagen iD.3 rival. True, MG4 is classed as a budget model but if you are thinking this has been stripped to the bare bones to save money think again.

It has an extensive spec list and all the important safety features found on cars these days including emergency braking and cross traffic alert to help avoid reversing shunts.

The 4 is big news for MG because it marks a fresh start. The car is built on a new EV platform that will spawn a range of cars. The wheelbase is longer to accommodate the battery pack which is only 11cm deep and sits snuggly between the axles.

This thin layer gives the cabin a flat floor helping to create a roomy family hatchback.

The price range is even more significant because it starts at a class beating £27k. For that you get the SE standard entry with a range of 218 miles from a 51kWh battery, moving up to 64kWh with a potential 281 miles, or the extended model with a 77kWh battery and up to 323 miles. That is the car tested here and is still a bargain at £36,495.

As with all electric powered cars performance is brisk and while the MG is not in the firecracker division it is quick off the mark for safe, easy overtaking. But remember, too much hard driving quickly sucks miles out of the battery. One good thing about electric cars is they tend to make you drive slower.

Planning a long journey is essential and if the car's battery will take a 150kw charge topping up from zero to 80 per cent (about 280 miles for the extended range) will take around half an hour but if there is still around 60 miles left you could be on your way in 20 minutes.

MGs heritage is sports cars and the 4 stays true to its routes with rear wheel drive so the balance and handling is more than tidy thanks in no small part to its 50-50 weight distribution.

An area that could be improved is the suspension which is a bit unforgiving on anything other than smooth roads so you feel quite a thud over potholes.

Inside is fairly minimalist with just a few quick key switches along the dashboard,  otherwise everything is stored in the 10.25in central infotainment touchscreen.

It is best to take 15 minutes 'play time' because it is not the easiest to master and there is rather too much dabbing trying to make a selection on the move. I found the lane hold system too aggressive and would have preferred a steering wheel switch to turn it off rather than prod away at the touchscreen. Steering wheel toggles help with some functions but this too is best figured out while stationary.

I liked the innovative floating centre console which was in keeping with the whole modern look to the cabin, but got the thumbs down from a couple of passengers because the USB charging points are unsighted, while reaching for the cupholder trays is also awkward. A bit over picky I thought.

There is a good spec from entry model and the top of the range Trophy benefits from a 360 degree camera, wireless phone charging, navigation, heated steering wheel and seats. What's missing? A powered tailgate because, like the front doors, it is heavy when opening.

MG has given a reality check to what seems like over the top pricing for electric cars and begs the question If they can do it, and still produce a top class car, why can't the rest?

Fast facts

Trophy Extended Range

£36,495

Electric motor: 241bhp

Range: 323 miles

Battery: 77kwh

0-60mph 6.1secs; 112mph

Emissions: Zero

Insurance group 33

Boot: 363-1165 litres

Roadworks alert for Oak Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Oak Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 06 March - 12 March   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: EXCAVATE JOINTBAY AND 5M TRACK IN FOOTWAY FOR NEW CONNECTION   Works location: REAR OF 6 OAK MEWS   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: GY0022101520773

Police to offer businesses tips on beating shoplifting at free conference

* Supt Jon Bowcott , North Wales Police, and Ashley Rogers, Chair of North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) with bags full of seized stolen property.             

A police crackdown on retail crime across North Wales has led to a “hugely positive” 9%  increase in the detection rate for shoplifting that’s bucking the UK trend.

But the officer running the campaign, Supt Jon Bowcott, says he’s not resting on his laurels and is the first to admit there’s still a lot of work to do.

Since last Autumn he’s been the North Wales Police lead on retail crime and he’s set up a task force to combat it.

Supt  Bowcott will be giving an update on the crackdown and offering advice and guidance at a special conference – titled Protect Your Business! Expert Session - that’s free for North Wales businesses next month.

The event between 10.30am and 1pm on Thursday, March 7, at the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn, is being organised by the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) in conjunction with North Wales Police and the North Wales Business Council.

Other speakers will be focusing on how businesses can guard against cyber crime and property theft as well as dealing with anti-social behaviour and spotting the signs of modern day slavery.

The renewed push on detecting retail crime in the region comes against a backdrop of a significant increase in offences across the UK – with a 32% hike in England and a 36% rise in Wales as a whole.

While the 24%  increase in North Wales is smaller, there have been 800 more shoplifting offences  reported in the region since last April, compared to the previous year.

The good news is that a growing number of shoplifting crimes are being now detected as a result of the force’s campaign.

When it started in the Autumn, the detection rate was running at 29% and had increased to just over 38% during January.

The onslaught has been particularly effective in Wrexham where there has been a 9.6% drop in the number of shoplifting offences.

Supt Bowcott said: “There has been a national trend where retail theft was increasingly dealt with over the phone if the offender wasn’t there.

“We’re moving away from that and switching it around so that the default option is that we will attend when retail thefts have been committed, particularly where an offender has been detained, where violence has been used or threatened or where there are enquiries at the scene the would benefit from an officer attending. 

“To oversee our response and analyse performance I am chairing a coordination group made up of key individuals from across the force to ensure we continue to make progress.

“Essentially, we are having a renewed focus on combatting retail crime because it’s about fulfilling the message of our mission to make North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit in the UK.

“Cracking down on retail crime aligns well the force’s vision set by our Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman and is absolutely the right thing to do.

“We started this half way through the crime recording year which runs April to April and, despite an increase in reporting which is a national trend,  we have seen an increase in the outcome rates in the past three or four months.

“When we started we were detecting around 29 per cent of shoplifting incidents and the monthly positive outcome rate for January was 38.3 per cent so we are seeing green shoots but we are not complacent because there is more to do.

“It’s not just about convicting people either  because I recognise there are people who struggling with substance misuse  or other difficulties so we are also involved with our prevention team who look at methods of offender management that can address some of their lifestyle challenges and sign post them to support.

“One area I want to develop is dealing with repeat offenders to prevent that demand happening. Dealing with the prolific offenders can have a big impact – probably 80 per cent of offending is carried out by 20 per cent of offenders.”

According to Ashley Rogers, the Chair of PACT and Chief Executive of the North Wales Business Council, the improvement in the detection rate for shoplifting was “hugely positive and encouraging” news.

He said: “Coming out of Covid, people’s behaviour is different and the economy is different and retail theft has increased as well as a perception that anti-social behaviour has become more of a problem.

“For North Wales businesses who are on the front line in terms of handling these issues, it’s really valuable to have an insight from the experts along with guidance  how to manage things if and when it happens or even avoid it by designing your premises in such a way that would discourage it.

“Over and above that you have the scourge of exploitative modern slavery and there are elements of the problem, like the involvement of organised gangs, that businesses might not be aware of.

“It’s really important that businesses are able to spot the signs of this insidious, often hidden crime, so they can report any suspicions to the police. In uncertain economic times it’s never been more important for us all to pull together to make North Wales an even safer place, especially with the very high cost of living.”

* For more information and to book a place go to  https://bit.ly/49zq4t9

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 04 March - 15 March   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: REPLACE 13M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER ANY AFFECTED SERVICE   Works location: JUNC REGENT STREET - JUNC 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: XY254003001625599       Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 04 March - 06 March   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: No carriageway incursion   Description: Removal of electricity supply from redundant street furniture including the excavation and reinstatement of the footway   Works location: Base Post, Side Of 36   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: GY5502101508827

What's coming up at Pengwern Hub

The following events are due to take place at Pengwern Hub:

Llangollen listed as one of UK's 10 best Christmas towns

* Magnificent seventh: Llangollen's mention in the TimeOut list.

Llangollen gets star billing in a magazine's 10 best Christmas towns in the UK.

The Denbighshire tourism attraction takes seventh place in the guide by TimeOut which also features the likes of  the royal town of Windsor in Berkshire, coastal beauty spot Mousehole in Cornwall and Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire.

Llangollen is the only Welsh town to be featured in the list. 

The magazine says: "Throughout November and December many of these towns turn into something out of a Christmas movie, with everything from Shakespeare-themed candlelit walks and renowned light shows to festive railway rides and good old pantomimes on show. "

And of Llangollen it says: "Straddling the banks of the River Dee, Llangollen is a gorgeous Welsh gem well worth a winter visit – especially during its Christmas Festival, where the traditional Welsh Siôn Corn (Chimney Jack) dons his green outfit, rather than the famous red, when switching on the lights. 

"The kids will also love the Santa Special: a two-hour journey from Llangollen to Lapland (Carrog) and back including a visit and a gift from Santa. 

"Over at Llangollen Wharf, adults can enjoy a four-hour luxury Christmas afternoon tea boat ride, or even join the party boat which includes a retro buffet and a DJ playing the biggest festive hits."

The full list of 10 is:

1. Windsor, Berkshire

2. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

3. Mousehole, Cornwall

4. Ludlow, Shropshire

5. Oban, Argyll

6. Bournville, Birmingham

7. Llangollen, Denbighshire

8. Whitby, Yorkshire

9. Chipping Campden, Cotswolds

10. Buxton, Derbyshire 

Happy St David's Day from llanblogger

llanblogger says: 

World wishes Llangollen a happy St David's Day

* Welsh folk superstars Calan, who headline the 'Wales Welcomes the World' concert at the core Llangollen Eisteddfod on July 3, are amongst those who have sent St David's Day messages.

St David's Day messages from America, Canada, China, the Czech Republic and Japan will be beamed to Llangollen at a special Gamanfa Ganu held this Sunday at St Collen’s Church. 

The messages have been sent by competitors and performers heading to Wales this summer for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

The night will feature conductor Trystan Lewis and Shea Ferron of Johns’ Boys Male Chorus, as well as the celebrated Derwent Harp School. 

Others who have sent messages for the evening include Broadway star John Owen-Jones, and Welsh folk superstars Calan, both of whom will be heading to Llangollen in July to perform evening concerts during the Core Eisteddfod Week. 

Over the past few weeks, competitors have been sending in their St David’s Day messages for the event. This includes videos from dance groups, community bands, children’s choirs, a rock band, and a male voice choir. 

Vice-Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod John Gambles said: "These messages will make our St David's Day Gamnfa Ganu even more special. This Sunday night, people can expect an amazing traditional Welsh evening, backed up by some tremendous performances sent in from across the World. We would like to thank everyone who sent messages for St David's Day."

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.   

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. If you have never been to a Gymanfa Ganu you’re in for a real treat.” 

Tickets, priced £10, are available from llangollen.net and from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre. You can also pay on the night. Doors open at 7pm. The event will raise money for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod charity.