One of world’s rarest trees returned home to Llangollen

* Planting partners.

A partnership has safeguarded an extremely rare tree found in Llangollen for future generations to enjoy.

Pupils from Ysgol Dinas Bran, Gwernant and Bryn Collen have been learning all about the Llangollen Whitebeam, a very rare tree which only exists at two locations in the world.

In 2017, a project ran in partnership between the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Chester Zoo and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), commissioned a detailed survey to determine the population of this species, as well as to gauge their condition.

In total, only 315 of the trees were recorded, 307 were found at Creigiau Eglwyseg Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with an additional eight trees in Shropshire.

Berries were also carefully collected and taken to Chester Zoo where skilled botanists cultivated the plants at the zoo for several years, by recreating the unique environment of Llangollen in a behind-the-scenes plant nursery.

* The Llangollen Whitebeam.

Now, six years later, 20 of the rare trees have been replanted in several locations around Llangollen, including one at Dinas Bran this month. The reintroduction was supported by local school pupils from Ysgol Dinas Bran and volunteers.

Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “We are so fortunate to the rich diversity of wildlife found in Denbighshire and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape . To think that we hold almost the entire global population of just one species is remarkable and something to cherish.”

“Given the inaccessible places these trees grow, they are easily overlooked and many people are not aware as to the importance of this species.

“By planting them with school children, future generations will have a greater appreciation as to what is on our doorstep, and people will now be able to see and appreciate the Llangollen Whitebeam as it is planted in and around the town.”

Richard May, NRW Environment Officer, said: “We are very happy to have worked on this positive project with our partners at Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape and Chester Zoo.

“We now have an up-to-date survey of the endangered Llangollen Whitebeam and we understand more about the health of the population and what conservation management it requires.

“It’s amazing to think that this tree can only be found in two places in the world, and I’ll enjoy seeing these trees restored to Castell Dinas Bran.”

Richard Hewitt, Team Manager of the Nursery team at Chester Zoo, added: “Chester Zoo is well known for its species-saving work with a variety of animals, but many maybe unaware that we’re also dedicated to saving the world’s botanical treasures, too. Our team have dedicated more than six years to nurturing this species in our nursey, starting with a mere seed and growing them right through to these magnificent trees. It’s a great feeling to now see them go on to thrive in their historical home in North Wales.

“Without the help of this partnership, this special tree could have disappeared from our planet altogether.”

Printing from Nature sessions planned for community hall

 

Outback: still pulling its weight despite its age

Subaru Outback drive by Steve Rogers

Long before we became addicted to crossover SUVs there was very little around for people wanting something more than a bog standard family estate.

Hauling a horsebox, pulling a trailer, or just towing a caravan off a muddy field, the answer was a big old 4x4, capable but noisy, and uncomfortable on the open road.

Or....you could buy a Subaru Outback, the car that looked like a normal family estate but with a secret stash of hardware. Twenty five years ago Outback was no ordinary estate. It had the company's renowned permanent all wheel drive system, raised suspension and bits of plastic body armour. It could paddle through streams and tackle the same off-road challenges normally the domain of Land Rover and the like.

I'll bet you didn't know that Subaru, a company fairly anonymous on our roads, is a world leader in all wheel drive sales. Good pub quiz question that.

Outback started a trend and big hitters followed with Audi's Allroad, Volvo's Cross Country, Volkswagen's Alltrack and Skoda's Scout.

They have all faded, replaced by SUVs, but the Outback is fighting on and made a comeback with a big upgrade last year. It got a new platform to improve ride and handling and a bunch of tech upgrades, yet it is difficult to place Outback in today's world of motoring.

Marketing speak would say Outback does not fit today's customer profile, and it doesn't.

In fact it is all wrong. It is not the SUV everyone wants, it has an ageing petrol engine with high exhaust emissions, lousy economy and is bereft of hybrid technology.

It was for those reasons that my expectations for Outback were in the medium to low region.

If you are expecting me to say how could I be so wrong, forget it. But I was pleasantly surprised, it exceded expectations and any notion that Outback is just hanging on like an ageing sportsman living only on past glories can be kicked right out of the park.

The facelift breathed new life into the old girl, a freshened up front grille and headlight signature giving it a bit more street cred while inside is even more impressive. There is nothing to make you shout wow, it is still a bit old style with good old fashioned needles in the speedo and rev counter dials, but trim and build quality are high grade giving the cabin a real classy feel.

What does provide a fashionable lift is the near 12in high portrait style touchscreen. Not my favourite piece of new world tech but this one is actually easy to use with helpful quick keys to get to the 11 menus. They open in a flash to reveal clear directions in big type. Nothing is difficult to find which is as well because getting into the menu to activate auto brake hold and turn off lane departure for every journey is annoying.

Outback does redeem itself with no fuss voice control, responding easily to commands to adjust heating, radio selections and navigation destinations.

As a forerunner to the sports utility Outback is a substantial family car with plenty of legroom front and back. The transmission hump is a bit of a nuisance but three adults across the back is a given. The boot is cavernous and stretches to around 1700 litres with the seats folded flat.

Compared to speedster hybrid rivals Outback is a bit of a plodder but with enough grunt for safe overtaking and smooth motorway cruising. The less said about economy the better, mid thirties on a good day, otherwise be happy to get past 30mpg.

The photograph shows Outback doing something it does best; this is a safe as houses towcar and hovered between 24-25mpg on a 400 mile round trip which is surprisingly efficient.

Subaru offers three trim levels and has thrown just about everything at the entry Limited, even powered front seats, and heated seats in the back as well as the front. Extras for my top of the range Touring include nappa leather seats, memory function for the driver seat, sunroof, deafening 11 speaker quality audio, hands free powered tailgate, and digital all round camera with jet wash.

All models get the Eyesight safety system which is world beating and with more improvements is about as good as it gets.

What does the future hold for Outback? There are no immediate plans to replace it so it has to keep plugging away and hope that substance over modern day styling wins the day.

Fast facts

Outback Touring AWD

£42,595 (starts £36,990)

2.5 litre petrol; 8sp automatic

166bhp

0-62mph 10.2secs; 120mph

32.8mpg combined

193g/km. 1st tax £1,650

Boot: 561 litres

Insurance group 30

New martial arts club opens at Llan Leisure Centre

A new martial arts club has recently opened at Llangollen Leisure Centre.

Llangollen Kickboxing Club meets on Monday nights from 7 to 8pm (£6). 

It is run by Steve Stockdale, a current World Kickboxing Champion who has over 30 years martial arts experience and has fought his way to many titles over the years.

Steve is an additional needs teacher at St Christopher’s School in Wrexham and is also a qualified personal trainer and martial arts instructor. 

Having taught small groups and individuals for many years, he was persuaded by his students to open up the club to others after taking the over-35s kickboxing World Championship in Greece last year.

The club is affiliated to the World United Martial Arts Organisation (WUMA) and students follow a certified syllabus. 

Focusing on fitness, flexibility and sparring, members can also compete and many have already been successful in tournaments around the country.

Steve says the club has a friendly, supportive and positive atmosphere but it is also one where you are pushed to be your best. 

"The doors are always open to new members and if you are interested in more information see llangollenkickboxingclub.co.uk," he added.

Repair cafe to hold its first session this Saturday

Llangollen's first repair café session will be held this Saturday, May 18, at St Collen's Community Hall, from 11am-2pm.

Repair cafés are pop-up events held on regular dates where the local community can get their broken household items repaired for free by volunteers.

The types of things fixed include clothes, household electrics, technology, woodwork, children’s toys, furniture and bikes.

The new Llangollen cafe is part of the Repair Café Wales movement.

* If you'd like to bring a thing to mend or be mended, you can book it in at https://repaircafewales.org/what-are-you-having-repaired.../

If you'd like to volunteer to help repair, you can sign up as a volunteer at https://repaircafewales.org/volunteer-form/

Recycling information session today at the Town Hall until 7pm

 

Denbighshire County Council is holding a series of drop-in sessions to answer questions about its new recycling service which comes into effect on June 3.

One of these is being held today (Wednesday) at Llangollen Town Hall, between 2 and 7pm.

* There is also comprehensive information about the new service in the FAQs on the website: https://bit.ly/4aBpRGA

Eisteddfod hosts all-star family fun day on festival Sunday

* Fun day host Andy Day.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will be opening its gates for a Family Fun Day on Sunday July 7 featuring children’s TV presenter Andy Day. 

Andy will be presenting a lunchtime concert in the pavilion, which is being produced in association with Music for Youth, and will feature young musicians from across the UK, as well as some of the Eisteddfod’s visiting groups from overseas.  

Either side of the lunchtime concert there will be outside stage performances, featuring international competitors, young musicians, local bands, and another appearance from Andy as he presents his Dinosaur Raps!

There will be a wide range of other activities for all the family to enjoy, including interactive workshops, along with retail traders, and a variety of food and drink outlets. 

This is all part of a revitalised Llangollen Eisteddfod, which features artists such as Tom Jones, Gregory Porter and Katherine Jenkins during its Core Eisteddfod Week (July 2-7) along with additional shows either side from global superstars such as Bryan Adams, Simple Minds, Paloma Faith, Manic Street Preachers, Jess Glynne, and Madness.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Eisteddfod, said: “The line-up of artists we have coming to perform in Llangollen this year is incredible, and alongside the global superstars we have the best homegrown Welsh talent as well, including Calan, royal harpist Alis Huws, and Johns’ Boys’ Male Chorus. 

"We also have over 3,000 competitors from 32 countries coming here to compete, many of whom will also be performing during our Family Day on Sunday July 7. 

"This day will be a real celebration, with a full programme of entertainment to suit all ages, along with a lunchtime concert in the pavilion, which is being produced alongside Music for Youth, to showcase some of the UK’s finest young musicians.

“Andy Day has been a familiar face on our TV screens for over 15 years, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Eisteddfod, as he brings his infectious enthusiasm to proceedings.”

* All tickets allow access to the Eisteddfod field from 10am to 4pm, and the lunchtime concert inside the pavilion at 12.30pm at no additional cost.

A family ticket for 1 adult + 2 children costs just £21, with additional adults at £18, additional children at £3, and under 5s are free.

Tickets are available to buy online from LLANGOLLEN.NET

Town's summer fete is coming back after five years

After a gap of five years due to the pandemic Llangollen Summer Fete is back next month.

Three local organisations - Vale of Llangollen Rotary, Llangollen Parks Project and Plas Newydd – have teamed up to revive the popular event, which was last held in 2019, on Saturday June 8 at its traditional location of Plas Newydd, from 12.30-4pm.

Organisers say it will feature a range of family-friendly favourites, including games, stalls, treasure hunts, raffles, entertainment, yummy food, competitions, a local artisan market, music and much more.

Entry to the event will be by donation only and funds raised on the day will go to a number of good causes.

Further updates and announcements on the event will be given on its Facebook page here and the event page here.

Organiser are also encouraging people to share their memories of past summer fetes.

Councillor raises band hut graffiti attack with police

* The graffiti sprayed on the band hut wall.

A concerned county councillor has raised a graffiti attack on the Llangollen Silver Band hut with the police. 

Band members saw the huge white letters daubed on the rear, riverside wall of their Parade Street headquarters when they turned up for practice there on Monday evening. 

Now Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards says she will be giving details of the act of vandalism to local police. 

A conductor with the band described the attack as "disgraceful."

The defacement of one of the town's best known buildings which took members years to complete, has sparked anger on social media.

Comments include:

“Dear me, that’s so disrespectful to the people who put so much time and effort into that building , including my own father.”

"We work so hard to look after the band room. It’s run completely voluntarily and all we want it to be able to bring happiness to the community. Breaks my heart that people find it appropriate to do this.”

“The Police Station is across the road, hopefully they will have some footage of the culprits.”

“What is wrong with people, constantly wanting to destroy things, why? So sad.” 

“Narcissists like to see their names emblazoned on roads and paths in our park this week.”

“Omg that’s awful!”

“Disgraceful lack of respect.”

“Such a shame people work so hard to keep the band going and building looking nice.”

“Any CCTV? There was a spate of this late last year - culprits were on camera.”

“A stupid thing to do.”

Items from the past found under church floor

* Items found under the floor including glass, lead, nails and a 1919 coin.

Genesis Project Manager Sue Evans along with engineers, an archaeologist, and the church’s architect Duncan Sanderson recently visited St Collen's to closely inspect the void beneath the timber platform holding the pews as part of the on-going re-ordering.

Chris Williams, from Heneb, Clwyd-Powys Archaeology https://www.facebook.com/cpatarchaeology said: “The visit was necessary to develop a design specification for the proposed heating system, the removal of some of the pews and relocation of the font.

“Seven trial holes were opened in the oak flooring of the platform to test different areas.

“The findings from the day show that the base below the platform throughout the church consisted of a compacted lime mortar-rich soil with a combination of mortared stone debris and wood shavings, likely from the construction and subsequent modifications to the timber platform.”

Sue was later able to show members of the congregation some of the items found under the flooring, which included Victorian glass and lead from the windows, Victorian nails and tiles and a coin dating from 1919.

* Expert inspection under the pew area.

The results from the day will enable the project to design a new heating system for the church.

This is just a small part of the much larger project to create a community space within the building, the money for which has been provided by the Heritage Fund and will include the provision of a toilet and kitchen in the church.

Sue added: “We will soon be undertaking some community events which will enable us to research the rich history of the building. So if you would like to be involved with these events then please do get in touch with us.”

Big tent now fully ready for Eisteddfod action

Eisteddfod volunteer Issy Richards was at the International Pavilion yesterday (Monday) to capture the dramatic scenes as the heavy machinery went into action to put up the rear section of the iconic "big tent".

In just a couple of months time it will provide the extra audience requirements for the world-class entertainers such as Sir Tom Jones and Katherine Jenkins who are lined up to appear within it along with a host of talented competitors from across the globe. 

Tractor run raises £2,100 Teenage Cancer Trust

Members of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club and Llangollen Young Farmers' Club got together to mark the second donation made possible by their very successful Illuminated Tractor Run last December. 

A total of £2,100 is being sent to assist the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust which works across the UK  supporting young people who are making their way through some difficult times in their lives and their families too.

Both organisations would like to thank everyone locally who helped and supported making these donations possible.

Full hybrid new Suzuki makes for some Swift handling

New Suzuki Swift drive by Steve Rogers

Suzuki could not have picked a better time to launch its new Swift.

Why? Because the supermini cake is getting smaller. Ford shocked the motoring world when it ditched the huge selling Fiesta, add other big hitters like Nissan Micra and Kia Rio and the list of rivals is shrinking.

Not that it is going to be plain sailing, there is still good opposition around yet new Swift has a strong story to tell: A starting price under £19k, class leading economy and a more than impressive spec list.

There are just two grades, Motion and Ultra, and the obvious pick is Motion. Suzuki has packed the entry model with all the essentials so expect LED headlights, heated front seats, rear camera and sensors, navigation with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections, adaptive cruise control and a generous list of other safety aids including blind spot monitor, cross traffic alert, and warning beeps if you stray off line.

Swift made its debut in 1985 but it was the 2004 model that made people sit up and take notice. The eye catching shape has stood the test of time although the new model has a redesigned front and is all the better for it.

There have been significant changes inside as well. The outdated dashboard has a more modern look with a lot of new tech in a prominent 9.2inch touchscreen along with an updated driver's binnacle.

It is still covered with hard plastics - the Japanese prefer it because it is easier to clean - yet it has a quality look about it helped by a two-tone finish.

Swift is one of the smallest superminis so don't expect masses of room. It can cope with four adults but the boot is compact and will struggle to take anything more than three carry on bags.

The other big change is a new 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine. It is a self charging 12V mild hybrid so the benefit from the motor is restricted to a small increase in acceleration, lower emissions and smoother stop/start system.

Three-pot engines sound a bit gruff under hard acceleration but have good low down pick up and are generally frugal on fuel. The Swift is exceptional with a class leading 64mpg from the five speed manual. Performance is only adequate and you will need to drop down gears on hills where it runs out of puff.

The car would benefit from a full hybrid set up like the new MG3 which is way faster but with the extra weight of a battery pack will drink more fuel and cost more.

Suzuki is offering a CVT automatic linked to its highly efficient AllGrip all wheel drive system and for the first time AllGrip will be available with the five-speed manual.

A big part of the Swift's charm is its sporty handling. It is a fun car to dart through twists and turns, body movement is under control and the steering quick and precise. No understeer, no drama just an easy, rewarding drive.

Will there be another Sport model? Who knows because UK Director Dale Wyatt gave nothing more than a considered 'may be' when I posed the question. But he did reveal that Suzuki will launch its first battery electric car next year.

If you lived in India your car would probably be a Suzuki where the company rules the roost with almost half the car market. It has never been very easy in the UK in spite of an enviable reliability record, but they have smoothed over a few rough edges and with its competitive price and outstanding economy this could be the time to go for glory.

Fast facts

Swift Ultra mild hybrid

£20,549 (starts £18,699)

1.2 litre petrol; 82bhp

0-62mph 12.5secs; 103mph

64.2mpg combined

99g/km. 1st year tax £165

Boot: 265-589 litres

Insurance group 27

Operatic's Bad Girls musical now ready for release

* The irritable inmates.

Llangollen Operatic Society are in the last few rehearsals for their forthcoming show, Bad Girls. 

It's billed as a fast-paced, funny, raunchy look at prison life for a bunch of inmates having to deal with less-than-wholesome prison staff. 

“Sprits are high and there's masses of enthusiasm," reports artistic director Chrissie Ashworth.

"And there's absolutely nothing being left to chance, we've got this nailed!"

Bad Girls runs at Llangollen Town Hall from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 May, including a Saturday matinee. 

Producers say that due to the adult nature of some scenes it is not suitable for under-16s. 

* Tickets are available from: Llangollen Tourist Office, Llangollen Oggie Shop, or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

* The severe staff.

EE warns of possible service disruption

9.21pm update: EE says the problem has now been fixed. 

EE has issued a warning about possible loss of its service in the Llangollen area, presumably as a result of this evening's thunderstorm.

It says: "MyPlace update: Just to let you know, we have a problem near Llangollen which may be affecting service in the area.

"Everything should be back to normal within 15 hours. We will continue to keep you updated. 

"To keep connected simply use WIFI calling, to get started click here ee.co.uk/wifi-calling."

Change of opening hours for county's libraries

From June 1 the opening hours of Denbighshire’s libraries and One Stop Shops will be changing.

The new hours have been informed and tweaked by library staff, library users and the numerous responses to the public consultation to fit each individual libraries' needs on a case-by-case basis.

The full array of library services are being maintained, and a full programme of activities will be available to users throughout Denbighshire, says the county council. 

The popular Bookstart rhymetime sessions are continuing, and people will still be able to drop into their local Talking Point to find out what help and support is available in their local area, but there may be some changes to specific times.

The Digital Library offering will continue to be available 24/7, giving library members free access to eBooks, audiobooks and ePress via the Borrowbox app, and digital magazines via the Libby app.

* The changes which apply to Llangollen library are:

Wednesday - 2.5pm; Thursday - 10am-1pm and 2-5pm; Friday - 10am-1pm and 2-5pm; Saturday - 9.30am-12.30pm. 

Bryn Collen celebrates "excellent" Estyn report

 

Pavilion packed with garden railway enthusiasts

* A miniature steam engine makes its way around one of the numerous railway layouts on display.

Llangollen's International Pavilion is today playing host to thousands of enthusiasts attending one of the UK's largest garden railway festivals. 

Over 50 leading retailers have laid out their displays and stalls, including some showcasing some of the most ingenious railway model layouts from different periods and countries, catering for all tastes.

There have been locomotives running on various gauges, live steam, gas fired, digital and analogue operations plus a huge range of accessories and parts.

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

The event is the brainchild of Llangollen-based garden model railway enthusiast Keith Potts who himself is the proud creator of a marvellous layout outside his own Llangollen home. 

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.  

"Today's event has been a fantastic success as we not only got to see some amazing model railways in action, but there has also been plenty of opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts and learn about different railway models and layouts."  

The festival closes at 4pm this afternoon (Saturday). Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, with free admission for all accompanied children. 

* The Pavilion packed with enthusiasts. 

* Making adjustments to the rolling stock.

 * Lots more stalls and exhibitors next door.

* Stall for specialists.

* Making sure everything is right on track. 

* Right stop for Ffordd-Y-Deryn station.

* An exhibitor all the way from the East Midlands.

* Getting into the correct costume.

* People gather on the platform.

* The local Glyn Valley Tramway's stall gets busy.

 * A famous face puts in an appearance.