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Sunday, April 7, 2024

Eisteddfod's Daffodil Flower Festival ends on tuneful note


* The Hymns and Pimm's congregation sing out. 

The Eisteddfod’s weekend-long Daffodil Flower Festival reached a tuneful finale this afternoon (Sunday) with a well-attended Hymns and Pimm’s event in St Collen’s Church.

Presided over by Father Lee Taylor, it featured a broad selection of hymns – accompanied by cups of Pimm’s – with each guest presenter connected with the Eisteddfod telling the story behind why it was their favourite. Each was then sung by the congregation.


* Father Lee Taylor opens the event.

Father Lee said hymns were like “cherished heirlooms” because they held the weight of history.

An example, he said, was the famous Welsh hymn Guide Me, O They Great Redeemer, which had been sung so well and strongly by Welsh soldiers in the trenches of World War One that it had also been adopted by their German opponents.

Welcoming people to the event, Eisteddfod board trustee David Hennigan said St Collen’s was very fortunate in its presentation of hymns by having Owen Roberts, who was accompanying the afternoon’s musical offerings, as its resident organist.

Explaining the reason for choosing his own favourite, Eternal Father Strong to Save, which has as its most famous line “For those in Peril on the Sea”, he said it was appropriate for its international element and the fact that a number of the 3,000 people from 32 different countries who would be visiting the 2024 Eisteddfod would be journeying by sea.

Former Eisteddfod chairman Gethin Davies chose Amazing Grace as his favourite because, as he explained, it reminded him of the 1995 festival when it was hauntingly sung by a girls’ choir at an evening concert.

The hymn How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds was selected by Alison Jarvis and Eisteddfod deputy chair John Gambles picked I, the Lord of Sea and Sky.

Long-time Eisteddfod volunteer Bill Kong chose and sang a version of Anfonaf Angel in the original Welsh.        

There was another solo performance from his wife Selana, a trust board member, who sang Give of Your Best to the Master in Chinese.

The afternoon came to a close with the singing of The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended.

All of the weekend’s special events were held to support the Eisteddfod’s own charity and included a concert on Friday evening and the decoration of St Collen’s on a Daffodil theme by the festival’s floral committee.


* David Hennigan chooses his hymn.


* Gethin Davies.


* Alison Jarvis.


* John Gambles.


* Bill Kong.


* Selana Kong.

Latest local roadworks alerts


Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

 

Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


08 April - 10 April

 

Delays likely - Temporary one-way

 

Name: Berwyn Street, Llangollen

 

Location: Hall Street

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

 

Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


08 April - 10 April

 

Delays likely - Diversion route

 

Name: Diversion

 

Location: Hall Street

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

Nightingale House to host spring coffee morning

 


Saturday, April 6, 2024

Eisteddfod's Daffodil Festival blossoms with brilliant evening concert

 

* A duet from soloists Shea Ferron and Clare Harrison.

The weekend’s Daffodil Flower Festival in support of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod blossomed into life at St Collen’s last night (Friday).

Thanks to the efforts of the Eisteddfod’s floral committee the church has been decked out with a profusion of spring blooms including, at the back, an enormous daffodil wave with yellow flowers of all shapes, sizes and materials created by schools and organisations in the community.

It was the perfect setting for the opening event – a concert showing off the combined talents of the Carrog-based Lleisiau’r Afon Ladies Choir conducted by Leigh Mason and soloists Shea Ferron and Clare Harrison accompanied by pianist Owen Roberts.

It was the choir who got the show underway with three Welsh songs to set the ideal tone for the evening.


* Lleisiau’r Afon Ladies Choir conducted by Leigh Mason.

Well-known young local entertainer Shea Ferron’s first set included the three numbers he sang so successfully in last year’s musical theatre competition at the Eisteddfod, including You’ll Be Back from Hamilton.

The choir came back with more beautifully-crated Welsh folks including the very lively Deryn Y Bwn. 

Soprano Clare Harrison stepped up to present a stunning version of Let the Bright Seraphim by Handel and was later joined by Shea for a memorable duet of The Prayer.  

There was more from the choir before soloist Clare returned a lightly jazzy Can’t Help Loving That Man from Showboat and others.

At last year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod Shea memorably hit the headlines when he climbed up on the Pavilion stage during an evening concert to belt out Bring Him Home from Les Miserables with his singing hero Alfie Boe.

The whole brilliant evening reached its grand finale when the choir backed both soloists with a storming One Day More from Les Miserables.

* Festival events continue today (Saturday) when the daffodil wave and the other stunning floral displays go on show to the public inside and outside the church throughout the day. 

The Community Hall is also open from 10am-4pm today and tomorrow with stalls, refreshments and prize raffle. Free entry.

The weekend’s programme comes to an end on Sunday when, from 3pm, Father Lee Taylor leads a free Hymns and Pimm’s choral concert of favourite hymns in the church. 

Father Lee says: “All are welcome, regardless of belief or background, to come together and celebrate the joy of singing. 

“Research shows that singing has numerous benefits, including boosting mood and promoting a sense of well-being. 

“Come hear the stories behind some of our most beloved hymns and discover how they have inspired and uplifted individuals on their spiritual journeys.”

Friday, April 5, 2024

Llangollen takes top 10 spot in list of UK's best inland towns


* Horse-drawn boat trips helped propel Llangollen to a top spot in the Which? list.

Llangollen takes one of the top 10 spots in a new list of the UK’s best inland towns.

With its 79% it wins seventh place overall out of 94 towns and villages ranked by consumer champion Which? 

It is also the top Welsh town in the list, which is based on feedback from over 9,000 holidaymakers with rankings worked out according to scenery, food and drink, tourist attractions and value for money.

Which? said of Llangollen: “From canal boat cruises to horse-drawn boat trips, as well as its annual International Musical Eisteddfod festival, there’s plenty for visitors to enjoy.”

Claiming the top spot is Wells, in Somerset which scored 83% overall and at the other end of the scale is Gretna in Scotland with a score of just 49% for bottom spot.

* For the full story, go to: Britain's best inland towns and villages have been revealed — did yours make the cut? (msn.com)

Health authority responds to question about nearest minor injuries units

* Oswestry Minor Injuries Unit at the town's health centre, Picture: Whitchurch Herald.

A health authority has responded to a question about the minor injuries units which  Llangollen people can use.

These units (MIUs) are staffed by experienced emergency practitioners who are supported by health care assistants but not doctors.

The query about Oswestry MIU, which is located at the town’s health centre, arose when a local social media user revealed that they had received excellent treatment there for an ankle injury sustained over the bank holiday weekend.

Their Facebook post described how they were first advised by the health information service 111 to attend hospital accident and emergency.

But not wanting to face a long wait for an x-ray the person contacted their GP a few days after the injury and was told they could visit the Oswestry MIU, which they did and received “excellent” treatment there.

But they then questioned why 111 didn’t advise them about the Oswestry service.

Llanblogger raised the issue with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) where a spokesperson said: We publicise our Minor Injuries Units on our website here: Minor Injury Units - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

“We’ve also make regular posts on social media directing people to their local MIU.

“The nearest MIUs to Llangollen are Mold, Holywell or Denbigh.”

Llanblogger checked out the suggested link and found that, actually, Oswestry is listed as the nearest MIU for the central Llangollen postcode area at just under nine miles distant. Then comes Mold (13.9 miles), Denbigh (18.1 miles) and Holywell (20.8 miles).


* From the link provided by BCUHB giving closest MIU's to Llangollen.

According to the BCUHB website, patients attending one of these units will be assessed and treated as quickly as possible. If their condition cannot be dealt with at the Minor Injuries Unit, then they will be referred to their GP or nearest Emergency Department or to another appropriate service.

Injuries dealt with at MIUs include:

  • Minor injuries in adults
  • Minor injuries in children
  • Human/ Animal Bites
  • Minor burns
  • Minor head injuries/ scalp laceration
  • Ear/ nose foreign bodies
  • Limb injuries
  • Minor eye injuries
  • Insect stings

The website adds: “Minor injury units cannot treat patients who have collapsed, chest pain, breathing problems, abdominal pain, alcohol related problems, drug overdose, gynaecology problems, health conditions normally seen by a GP such as minor illness, mental health problems, dental problems, neck injury, chest or back injury.

“MIU's are a walk-in service and no appointment is required and NHS 111 Wales is the first port of call of course. However, if the patient is still unsure it is better to telephone the MIU, to allow us to put the patient in the right place, at the right time first time.”

Oswestry MIU is located at the health centre in Thomas Savin Rd, SY11 1HS.


* Details for Oswestry MIU from the Shropshire Community Health Trust website.  

Grants available now from Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council

 


Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) now have grants available for 2024/2025.

These are:  

  • Youth Led Grants
  • Dementia Aware Community Grant 
  • Welsh Church Act Grant 

The Youth Led Grants Scheme supports a small range of volunteering projects and activities that are led and carried out by young people. The applications are selected and recommended by a panel of young people aged 14-25.

Grants are available up to £2,500
(Closing date: Friday 31st May 2024)

For more information and to apply

Dementia Aware Denbighshire Community Led Grant has been enabled by funding from the Welsh Government Regional Integration Fund. It will give Voluntary and Community Groups, Third Sector Organisations, Social Enterprises and Small Businesses (less than 100 employees) who operate in Denbighshire the chance to apply for up to £5,000. Individuals can also apply for grants up to £500.

Grants are available for events, activities and training sessions, which can raise awareness about dementia and encourage people to turn awareness into action and improvement in their communities.
(Closing date: Friday 31st May 2024)

For more information and to apply

The Welsh Church Act Grant offers grants of up to £500 for local constituted organisations (including registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community groups who have been constituted for more than six months, parish or community councils, community interest companies, social enterprises, and uniformed groups). Other entities can be considered at the discretion of our volunteer led Grant Panel.
(Closing date: Friday 31st May 2024)

For more information and to apply

 

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Eisteddfod will be saying it with flowers this weekend


* Floral committee members arrange the daffodil wave at the back of the church.

Members of the floral committee have spent the day decking out St Collen’s Church with a wave of daffodils and other colourful displays ready for a packed weekend of special events to support this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

The programme begins tomorrow (Friday) evening with a a choral concert from 7pm featuring the Lleisiau’r Arfon Ladies’ Choir led by Leigh Mason, Clare Harrison accompanied by Owen Roberts and songs from the musical theatre by Shea Ferron. 

Tickets from £10 are available from Llangollen Tourist Information or online at www.llangollen.net 

Please use promo code LIVE24 to get the £3.25 booking fee off your purchase. Discount is applied at the checkout.where a small booking fee applies.

Events continue on Saturday when the daffodil wave, including daffodils of all shapes and sizes crafted by schools and local organisations, and other stunning floral displays go on show to the public inside and outside the church throughout the day. 


* Specially for the floral festival, the famous Eisteddfod crest has been brought over to the church from the Pavilion where it is normally on display.

The weekend’s programme comes to an end on Sunday when, from 3pm, Father Lee Taylor leads a Hymns and Pimm’s choral concert of favourite hymns. 

Father Lee says: “All are welcome, regardless of belief or background, to come together and celebrate the joy of singing. 

“Research shows that singing has numerous benefits, including boosting mood and promoting a sense of well-being. 

“Come hear the stories behind some of our most beloved hymns and discover how they have inspired and uplifted individuals on their spiritual journeys.”

* As part of the Daffodil Flower Festival at St. Collen's this weekend, local bellringers will be ringing a quarter peal (45 minutes continuous ringing) on the afternoon of Sunday, 7th April, before the songs of praise service at 3.00pm.


* The LLs from the Eisteddfod branding have been decorated with flowers outside the church door.


Event devoted to saving endangered curlews planned for Town Hall

Three internationally-acclaimed experts are to speak at a meeting in Llangollen Town Hall on April 10 on the theme of saving the UK’s endangered curlew population.

The celebration event, which is free to attend, has been organised by wardens from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to draw attention to what one of them, Rhun Jones, describes as a “catastrophic” decline in the species over the past couple of decades.

It will be the culmination of a day devoted to crafting and guided walks. 

Rhun said: “We have lost 80 per cent of the birds in less than 20 years. There are now only about 400 left and we are losing them at the rate of six per cent a year.

“There’s a variety of reasons for the loss, including development, fragmentation of habitat, predators and possibly also global warming.”

The problem will be addressed at the Town Hall meeting later this month by the three experts, including Mary Colwell, the founder and director of Curlew Action who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of the species, conservationist David Elias, author of the book Shaping the Wild, and Dr Rachel Taylor, senior ecologist at the British Trust for Ornithology.

“We are very lucky to have three such eminent experts joining us for the event in Llangollen, which will also feature entertainment from the male voice choir Cor Meibion Bro Glyndwr and also, we hope, some poetry readings on the theme of saving the curlew,” added Rhun.

* One of the electrified fences is set up to protect a curlew nesting area.

He explained that the local AONB was closely involved with Curlew Connections Wales, a two-year conservation project funded to the tune of £1 million by the Welsh Government, which was concentrating of three particular areas of the country where the species is most at risk of extinction.

One of these – along with Montgomery and the Brecon Beacons, is the South Clwydian Mountains where the AONB is co-ordinating the work of a band of around 15 dedicated volunteers to identify likely curlew habitats.

Once a nesting site has been pinpointed, working in close co-operation with local farmers, electrified fences of about 3ft high are set up around them to protect chicks by warding off ground predators such as badgers, although they remain vulnerable from airborne attack from the likes of crows.

If the chicks can be protected in this way for the first crucial few days there is a much greater chance that they will survive into adulthood.  

This work, which is going on during the current nesting season from now until July, and much more will be highlighted at the Town Hall meeting on April 10, where doors open at 6.30pm ready for a 6.45pm start.  

* More info on the Curlew Recovery Plans can be found on this website.


Eisteddfod's Snowman stars to perform again in Wrexham

* NEW Sinfonia and NEW Voices perform at the packed Snowman concert last December.

Two acclaimed musical groups who last played to a sell-out Christmas fundraiser for Llangollen Eisteddfod will team up again for an inspirational concert in Wrexham this Saturday.

NEW Sinfonia Orchestra will partner with the NEW Voices once more for the musical event which rounds off a three-day exhibition of music and visual art centred around stories of war and displacement in the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.

In the run-up to the concert the centre’s refugee Hub - a vacant unit which has been turned into an exhibition and concert space - has been hosting a free exhibition curated by its members which includes interactive activities, guided tours, awareness workshops, craft sessions and a café and shop.

For the concert members of the hub will be joining the orchestra and the choir, which are both Wrexham based, plus guest soloist Ukrainian soprano Khrystyna Makar to perform a programme of music centred around tales of displacement interspersed with the poems and stories from refugees.

The project aims to raise awareness of the realities of being a refugee today in the UK and raise funds for UareUK, a Wrexham-based, grassroots humanitarian movement dedicated to helping refugees and those fleeing war and persecution.

New Sinfornia, NEW Voices and Khrystyna Makar last performed together at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod's highly successful Snowman fundraising concerts last December.

The concert’s co-artistic director and orchestra leader Rob Guy said: NEW Sinfonia and UareUK have a track record of working together for the benefit of everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable in our home.

“We are proud to provide a platform for people who have fled war and persecution, and give everyone a chance to connect through music.

“This project, which will culminate in this concert filled with high quality music, has been unlike anything we’ve ever done before.”

Refugee Hub leader Jane Townend said: “We hope to take this project to other cities to spark conversations and raise awareness whilst providing a platform for people who have fled their home country to express themselves both as human beings and to share their experiences. Through sharing art and music we can come together to find common ground and learn about one another.”

* To buy tickets to the concert, go to: https://www.newsinfonia.org.uk/event-details/music-and-humanity

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Corwen toilet block to close temporarily for refurbishment

The toilet block at Green Lane car park in Corwen is to close temporarily while refurbishment work takes place.

The refurbishment is part of a wider project to improve the facilities at Green Lane car park which has been funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

In October 2021, Denbighshire County Council secured investment from round 1 of the Levelling Up fund through a joint application with Wrexham County Borough Council for the Clwyd South Constituency. 

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

The toilet block will be closed for the refurbishment from April 8-12. Temporary toilets will be in place at no cost throughout the construction period.

Some of the improvements that visitors can expect following the refurbishment include a dementia friendly cubicle, which is being funded by a grant from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics fund, and the introduction of contactless payments to be able to access the toilets.

The council says it is pleased to see that the construction work for these much-needed improvements to the toilet block at Green Lane car park are now taking place. Once completed, this will bring the Levelling Up project to improve facilities at Green Lane car park to a close.

The toilet block will remain open following the refurbishment with Corwen Town Council taking over the management of the facility from Denbighshire County Council going forward.

Bad Girls the Musical set for Llangollen breakout

Bad Girls the Musical is coming to town courtesy of Llangollen operatic society. 

Based on the smash-hit TV series back in the 1990s, it takes place inside a women's prison, Larkhill. 

Its inmates are a colourful, diverse, unpredictable collection of women and the show is fast moving with comedy in bucket loads. 

An evil prison officer who has no scruples, aided by his lazy, unfeeling female sidekick, gives this musical its storyline. 

It also has its darker side with confrontational issues being dealt with in a very sympathetic manner, thanks to the clever writing.  

It's raunchy in places, as you may expect in a female prison and these scenes will not fail to have the audience laughing, says director Chrissie Ashworth. 

She added: "Wonderful, show-stopping musical numbers make this show full of energy and oompah.

"Tickets are going well, so do be sure to get yours and come along for a truly memorable show. "

* Bad Girls is on at Llangollen Town Hall from Wednesday May 22 to Saturday May 25 with a matinee on the Saturday.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Promotional videos by Llangollen businesses go viral

Marketing videos made a Langollen eatery have gone viral on social media.

With the help of students from Wrexham University, Street Pizza & Kebab, based on the corner of Castle Street, have created a series of hysterical films to promote their business which have reached over a million shares and views on social media.

* For the full story, go to Leader Live: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24225081.llangollen-street-pizza-goes-viral-delicious-parody/?ref=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR3tVgwfgRTwfVLLAxAnaCv2FDU_UsWwkARTl_h8CDLxC1ljX_rmvj1kdMo_aem_ASDv2cOAqHXhH5HwUMIXcdq3PE0Sl30CBQz0pxmH3vITdCtEmEF5k0Hdho2UphuMESQNlmyNbJtmCOE6IfBWUYkc

All aboard for the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival!


* The 2023 Llangollen Garden Railway Festival at the Pavilion.

Llangollen will be the place to be on Saturday, May 11 as the town again plays host to one of the UK's largest garden railway festivals. 

Over 50 leading retailers have already confirmed attendance at the Pavilion with a fantastic selection of outstanding layouts of the larger scale in railway modelling, catering for all tastes, showing garden railways from different periods and countries.  

The event is the brainchild of Llangollen-based garden model railway enthusiast Keith Potts, who is expecting thousands to attend. 

Previous festivals have been hugely popular in a town famous for its annual International Musical Eisteddfod and own its steam railway.  

A garden railway or garden railroad is a model railway set up outdoors in a garden.

Keith has his own garden railway, set up in the front garden of his  home in Llangollen. 

He said: "Since we held our first garden railway festival in Llangollen in 2020 it has gone from strength to strength. Since COVID, the popularity of garden railways has gone through the roof.  

"Llangollen is famous for its steam railway, but more and people are heading to this part of north Wales for our garden railway event.  

"Not only will you get to see some amazing model railways in action, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts and learn about different railway models and layouts.  

"The festival is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Llangollen countryside, and it's a great opportunity to spend a day out with friends and family.  

"Tickets are selling fast and the great things is that all accompanied children can attend for free."

The event is held at the Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday, May 11 from 10am until 4.30pm.  

The festival will feature over 50 exhibitors, as well as demonstrations of modelling techniques and larger scale and gauge societies, preservation and heritage societies and railway specialist interest groups.  

"There will also be locomotives running on various gauges, live steam, gas fired, digital and analogue operations."

* Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, with free admission for all accompanied children. They can be purchased from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, or by calling 01978 860828. On the day tickets start at 10am. For more information and for a list of exhibitors see https://www.lgrf.co.uk/


Ramblers' gruelling but enjoyable latest outing

Llangollen Ramblers at the start of their Offa's Dyke Path walk from Churchtown last week.  

Thirteen-plus miles later, after much mud, detours for waterlogged fields and pouring rain, they didn't look quite so chipper, according to a group spokesperson who added: "It's not always like that."

If you'd like to join the Ramblers for something rather less demanding, email Judy on smithdinbren@gmail.com for more information.

Taking a closer look at a trio of Mazdas


* MX-30.


*Mazda2.


MX-5.

Steve Rogers drives a trio of Mazdas

Mazda has clipped £3,000 off the price of its one and only electric car.

The MX-30 has been a slow seller and with mounting pressure from emerging Chinese brands the company has brought its pricing more in line with MG and BYD with the added bonus of a free home charger, so another £1000 saved.

Prices are now £27,995 to £32,395 for the three model range with zero finance on a PCP deal. The rotary engined plug-in hybrid MX-30 also gets a £3,000 reduction with a starting price of £31,495.

Mazda is banking on its reputation for reliability and quality to steer more customers to its showrooms. The MX-30 has always been trumpeted as a driver's car, its lightweight battery pack making it a more dynamic drive than its rivals which it is, but customers are wary of its low 124 mile range.

Mazda's own data shows its customers daily commute is 26 miles and argues that this makes MX-30 the ideal second car. We will wait to see if this big price cut does the trick.

Other headline news is an updated hybrid version of the Mazda2 supermini.

This is a car that looks nothing like a Mazda2 because it is a Toyota Yaris with a few tweaks to the front and rear styling, and a Mazda badge of course.

Hitching up with Toyota makes sense because it saves Mazda development costs and there is no better company than its Japanese rival when it comes to hybrid power.

Economy and low emissions are the name of the game here with the 1.5 litre petrol mated to a CVT gearbox capable of up to 74mpg and producing 87g/km to 98g/km depending on the car sitting on 15 or 16 inch wheels.

I topped 70mpg on a short drive and was impressed with the pick up from the 114bhp engine that sprints to 62mph in 9.7 seconds.

Mazda is offering a four model line up with prices ranging from £24,130 to £29,230.

Its own Mazda3 1.5 litre petrol has had a front end facelift as well and is priced under the hybrid from £18,615. There are three power options, 75, 90 and 115bhp. A good mid level option is the 90bhp Exclusive Line for £20,365 which has a reasonable amount of bells and whistles.

And finally.... Was 1989, the year the Berlin wall came crashing down, a memorable year for you?

Over in California I had a day to remember at the press launch of the Mazda 323. We had an exclusive viewing, and a 10 minute drive, in a new Mazda roadster. It was called Miata but we came to know it as the MX-5, a simple but stunning reincarnation of the British open top two seaters of the fifties and sixties with a particular no the little Lotus Elan.

It was an instant universal hit and quickly became the world's best selling roadster. To date nearly 1.3 million have been built with more than 135,000 coming to the UK. MX-5 is 35 this year, still a world beater and likely to be the benchmark roadster until the end of its days.

To celebrate this landmark MX-5 has had a few birthday presents in the shape of new LED headlight and tail light design, a larger 8.8in touchscreen, and a tech update to make it all function a little faster. Two litre models are now fitted with an asymmetric limited slip differential to give more stability when cornering.

MX-5 has turned into a legend yet it is not that quick, or particularly comfortable, with a cabin that is a snug fit for driver and passenger. But it corners as if on rails and that old school bark from the four cylinder engine, 1.5 or 2-litre, harks back to the old days and is a great feeling behind the wheel.

In a nutshell the MX-5 is to the road what the wartime Spitfire was to the skies...loved and revered.

Fast Facts

MX-30 BEV Exclusive Line

£33,150

Range: 124 miles

Battery: 35.5kWh

Battery warranty 8 years/100,000 miles

143bhp

0-62mph 9.7secs; 87mph

Zero emissions

Insurance group 19

Boot: 350-1155 litres