Archives-inspired jigsaws now available at local libraries

* Piecing together the past with the help of jigsaws. 

A unique and engaging way to explore local history has arrived at local libraries in Denbighshire.

Thanks to a Welsh Government funded initiative, library users can now enjoy solving jigsaw puzzles based on historical archives.

 

Two designs are available in two different sizes. Each puzzle showcases a different piece of local history. 

The 48-piece design features a page from a book of heraldic shields from “The Painted Book” which has been reproduced with the kind permission of The Williams Wynn family. For the more avid puzzler the 1000-piece design features historic views of Denbighshire including picturesque Llangollen and Rhyl’s Victorian promenade.

 

Deborah Owen, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire, said: "Since we introduced our jigsaw library three years ago, they have been really popular with our library readers.

 

“We’ve got a selection of jigsaws for adults ranging from 35 to 1000 pieces and they are great for relaxation and relieving stress. They can also help with manual dexterity.

 

"We are very excited to have worked with North East Wales Archives to add some locally inspired jigsaws to our collection."

 

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

“Archives and jigsaw puzzles are very similar - when putting the pieces together, hold the key to a greater picture.

 

“Children and adults find them engaging and fun, appreciating the challenge of working out how the pieces fit together.

 

“Completing a jigsaw puzzle can also give children and adults a sense of accomplishment and a boost to their confidence having successfully completed it.

 

“Why not take your child or grandchild to the nearest library and complete one of the puzzles together?”

Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: “These innovative jigsaws brilliantly combine a cosy activity with education, bringing Denbighshire's rich heritage directly into people's homes. By transforming our historical archives into engaging puzzles, we're making Welsh history more accessible and interactive. This typifies our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage whilst finding creative ways for communities to connect with their local history."

  

The archive-inspired jigsaws are available to borrow from all eight branch libraries starting this month. Each puzzle is accompanied by a brief historical context to enhance the learning experience and encourage discussion. With sizes and difficulty levels varying, there is something for everyone—from beginners to puzzle enthusiasts.

 

* To find your nearest library and opening hours visit their website at https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/your-local-library.aspx

 

Volunteers help improve biodiversity at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve

* Volunteers working at Wenffrwd.

The Dee Valley Rangers and Nature for Health team alongside volunteers have been helping biodiversity bloom by planting wildflower plugs at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

The site in Llangollen has recently undergone a number of improvements including the introduction of a new path that links directly to the canal tow path.

 

Nature for Health is a collaborative project funded by the UK Government, that engages with individuals and communities to promote the role access to nature can play in improving health and wellbeing.

 

The programme welcomes people of all abilities to get involved with conservation and healthy outdoor lifestyle activities on your doorstep.

 

What was once a site for tipping household, commercial and industrial waste for Llangollen residents, the area is now a flourishing nature reserve for the public to enjoy.

 

The wildflower meadows provide food for pollinators and yellow meadow ants which make the anthills that you will see, and the thick bramble offers a safe area for birds and mammals, as well as many delicious blackberries.

 

The beech and pine woodland were also planted on an older section of landfill which provides excellent roosting opportunities for bats and homes for solitary bees.

 

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and biodiversity champion said: 

“The transformation of a former waste site to what is now a thriving nature reserve is a true testament to the hard work undertaken by our rangers and volunteers. I’d like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved for their hard work in revitalising this site and playing their part in enhancing biodiversity in the county."

 

* If you’d like to join a volunteer session, they are open to people of all abilities over the age of 18. For more information contact Christina Sheehan christina.sheehan@denbighshire.gov.uk or Hannah Taylor hannah.taylor@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Police monitor speeds along Queen Street, Llangollen

* The police pictures of Queen Street posted on Facebook.

North Wales Police have messaged on Facebook this morning (Friday) that they have been monitoring speeds on Queen Street, Llangollen, where the 20mph begins and ends.

The post, in the name of Conwy and Denbigh Rural, says: "Over the past few days, speed checks have been conducted along Queen Street in Llangollen due to complaints from local residents.

"Our visibility appears to have had the desired effect with motorists taking note of our presence.

"We will be monitoring this area on a regular basis, please continue to stick to the speed limits. Thank you."

Young people help with organising this year's summer fete

Llangollen Summer Fete is involving young people more than ever in the big annual event.   

The committee decided to invite a pupil from Ysgol Dinas Bran to become a junior member of the organising team for this year and Faye Roe-Rothwell, who is in her final year with exams underway, was chosen.  

The committee has also already run a competition for junior pupils to design the fete’s official flyer that will be delivered to houses across town. 

The winner was 11-year-old Bronagh Cooke from Ysgol Y Gwernant and because the calibre of entries was so high it was decided that the others should be posted regularly on social media and also form the Treasure Hunt around the fete on the day. 

A spokesperson for the fete committee said: “Faye has contributed so much value already, representing her age group particularly well, and at a time when most pupils face a lot of pressure with upcoming exams she has handled the additional role with grace. 

“She has been welcomed by the committee and settled in to give many great suggestions, help with finding raffle prizes as well as running a proportion of the social media for the 2025 fete. We are very pleased with what she has brought to the table. 

“Llangollen Summer Fete is for local people by local people. We already have local businesses, charities and groups taking part. 

“The committee and volunteers are community-minded local people. And now they are really proud do say that the young people of Llangollen town are also a part of making the fete happen. 

“We hope to see you all at the event spending time with your friends and neighbours, reconnecting with people and enjoying the entertainment, stalls, activities, crafts as well as the food and drink..

“The event is entirely funded by sponsorships and donations. Part of this is done through the raffle with local prizes.”

* You can buy raffle tickets at Plas Newydd daily or at their stall in town outside the Town Hall on Saturdays from 12-2pm.

Llangollen Repair Cafe moving to new home

* A volunteer repairer at work in the repair cafe's early days.

As it celebrates a successful first year Llangollen Repair Cafe has announced that it is moving to a new home.

Founder Michael Jepson said: The repair cafe has its first anniversary this month. Thank you to our visitors and the trustees of St Collen's Community Centre for helping us at the start.  

"The cafe has proved popular, with many visitors bringing a wide variety of items to be fixed, and leaving happy.

"We are now moving  to a new location at Llangollen Memorial Hall in Market Street, LL20 8PS, and with a new opening time of 10am-12noon. 

"We have fixed electrical items, toys, bags, clothing, sharpened tools, gardening equipment and much more. We also PAT test items too.  

"Items are fixed for free but the wonderful donations have helped us pay our rent, and excess will be used for volunteer training. We are a not for profit project run entirely by local volunteers and are not funded by the council."

He added: "Some visitors make use of our cafe, having a drink and homemade cake, enjoying meeting old friends and making new ones.

"It's always a vibrant welcoming space where people can watch things being repaired and learn new skills.

"We welcome new volunteers to help us, people who can fix things, or people who can welcome visitors, serve tea, help people with forms, and the  other things that need doing. We all help each other and have a good time. 

"If you want to learn new skills, gain experience or share your skills with others, come and have a chat with Michael and see how it works. 

"The next repair cafe is on Saturday May 17. See you there."

Tonight's Legion service marks VE Day 80th anniversary

* The British Legion service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the square.

Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion hosted a service of commemoration for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Centenary Square this evening just before sunset.

Prayers were said by Father Lee Taylor from St Collen's Church and there were readings from Legion branch chairman Mike Adams and member Tug Wilson.

Flags were lowered by a standard party and the traditional minute's silence was observed. The service ended with the sounding of Last Post.

Immediately afterwards on the library steps a civic party led by the Town Mayor, Cllr Aled Morris, and town crier Chem read proclamations signifying the end of the Second World War in Europe 80 years ago.

The Town Hall frontage was then floodlit in patriotic red, white and blue.   

* Proclamations are made from the library steps.

* The Town Hall frontage floodlit in red, white and blue.   

9

Llangollen Road, Acrefair closed due to collision

 ⚠️  ROAD CLOSED ⚠️ 

Llangollen Road in Acrefair, Wrexham is currently closed due to a Road Traffic Collision. Officers are currently on scene. Please avoid the area and consider alternative routes on your travels.

Eisteddfod means fresh start for Ukrainian soprano after Russian invasion

 

*Soprano Khrystyna Makar. Picture by Rick Matthews.

A talented classical singer from Ukraine whose life was ripped apart by the Russian invasion is hoping to reignite her career at prestigious competition in North Wales.

Soprano Khrystyna Makar is among 25 singers from around the world who will be vying to become the Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July.

She fled her war-torn homeland with her two young sons, Denys, now 20, and Lukian, 15, in 2022, leaving her husband, Volodimir, and her parents in their home city of Lviv.

Khrystyna, who lives in Shotton in Flintshire, will be up against contestants from the USA, China, and South Africa as well as Wales and England.

Once again the blue riband competition is being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

 

The winner of will be presented with the Pendine Trophy by opera star Sir Bryn Terfel, along with a cheque for £3,000 while the runner up will receive £1,000.

 

But first the competitors will have to navigate a preliminary round and a semi-final before the final two take part in a sing off as part of the Eisteddfod’s final concert on Sunday evening, July 13.

It’s taking place on the same night as a concert by Sir Bryn who’ll be performing all the songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, and will be joined by The Fisherman's Friends, the acclaimed folk group from Port Isaac, Cornwall, and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

Before Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion Khrystyna was a successful classical singer who had performed all over her native country and in Europe at concert halls in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia.

Since arriving in the UK when she lived first in Llangrannog, in Ceredigion, and then Aberystwyth before settling in Shotton, Khrystyna has tried to keep her musical career on track although it has been difficult and she hopes the exposure of competing at Llangollen will help.

Khrystyna hopes the event can boost her singing opportunities in the UK and in the meantime she makes trips home to see her husband and family.

She is just back from a visit which coincided with a deadly Russian missile strike on an apartment block in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Twelve people were killed in the attack and over 80 injured and Khrystyna said: “It’s difficult but people still try to keep going.

“It was Easter so we were able to celebrate together with my husband and my parents – we don’t lose our traditions even in these times.

“Lviv is in the west of the country so it’s quite far from the war but sometimes missiles come down there. Everywhere is dangerous but people are still trying to build their lives.

“Being separated from your family is difficult but you have to be strong.

“We are a very friendly people and we’re very grateful for the support we have had from the people in Wales and England.”

The ongoing success of the competition is music to the ears of Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who came up with the idea in 2013 and have seen it become a fixture of the Eisteddfod programme.

The 2025 competition is all the more special to the couple because Pendine is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year.

Mario said: "The standard of the competitors in years past has been absolutely phenomenal and I have no doubt it will be just as incredibly high again this year.

“As well has having the opportunity to showcase their talent an added bonus for the competitors this year will be the thrill of appearing on the same stage as Sir Bryn Terfel, a true giant of the opera world.”

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s artistic director, Dave Danford, said: “This is one of the most important competitions of the Eisteddfod and people come here because they could be watching someone who will become a household name.

“For the competitors the chance to share a stage with Sir Bryn Terfel is just wonderful – it’s a prize in itself.

“Mario and Gill Kreft have been very good friends to the Eisteddfod over many years and we are very grateful to them.

“Two previous winners, Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, from Pembrokeshire, who won in 2017 and Shimona Rose, who won in 2024, will be featured soloists on Wednesday, July 9, at the Karl Jenkins concert to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations which will feature a performance of his ‘One World’ by an international massed choir of voices.”

Sir Bryn Terfel added: ”The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a wonderful opportunity for talented young singers to make a mark and it can provide a real launchpad for fledgling careers onto the global stage.”

* For more information about this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod go to https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/

Curtain set to rise again on town's New Dot Cinema

* The New Dot revival team discuss the return of Llangollen's community cinema.

The team of enthusiasts behind a revival of the town's own community cinema have sent llanblogger this update on their progress ...

"You may have heard a few whispers around town that New Dot Cinema is opening its doors again. Meetings have been taking place at Llangollen Town Hall to plan the return of the popular community cinema, which will offer a familiar and comfortable atmosphere, exciting cinematic experiences and maybe even some surprises.

"The reinvigorated interest in New Dot Cinema has attracted the attention of many locals who are keen to volunteer and who bring their different experiences of films, web design and knowledge of events to the table. 

"They are discussing creative and engaging ways to engage the community and breathe life back into the cinema. If you’re interested in joining us, we would love to discuss your experiences and any help that you could offer New Dot Cinema. Please email newdotcineam@gmail.com to find out more. We would love to discuss your interests and any ways in which you could help out with the cinema.

"We are also in the process of choosing a variety of films that we hope will resonate with the community. There are lots of exciting events happening this summer in Llangollen and the New Dot Cinema team are ready to join in the mix, with their first film screening being Friday 25th July – keep your eyes peeled as we will start to share clues about the first film soon.

"The relaunch of New Dot has been driven by cinema enthusiast and local resident Olivia Brown, aged 23, who studied Film and Theatre Makeup Artistry in Coleg Cambria. She said: “I wanted to see the return of New Dot Cinema to Llangollen, so that I and others, could enjoy watching movies on the big screen, with friends and family, within walking distance of home.”

Heulwen Wright, Deputy Town Clerk, said: “Llangollen Town Council is delighted to see New Dot Cinema returning to the Town Hall. The previous screenings were highly atmospheric and having the big screen and technology that New Dot and Llangollen Town Council have invested in make the venue an ideal location for a Community Cinema. Its return will be wonderful for the Llangollen Community and visitors alike.”

Ysgol Bryn Collen’s special efforts raise £5,618 for Hope House

* Bryn Collen children spell it out on the school playground.

The final total from Ysgol Bryn Collen’s sponsored walk and colour run in aid of Hope House Hospices has now been revealed as £5,618.

Last month the whole school took part in the events in memory of Vicky Jones who was a parent, governor and vice chair of the school's PTFA. 

Year 5/6 walked around Llangollen, Year 3/4 did loops of Plas Newydd, the infants walked around Pen y Coed Woods and then nursery walked around the school field .

The PTFA completed the colour run in the afternoon for the whole school. 

The school has thanked everyone who took part or contributed.

Police witness appeal after road collision near Llangollen

North Wales Police Wrexham Rural has launched a witness Appeal following a Road Traffic Collision not far away from Llangollen.

On its Facebook page it says: "Officers are appealing for witnesses in relation to an Road Traffic Collision between a silver car and a cyclist.

"The incident occurred on SATURDAY the 3rd of MAY at 11:30am on Llangollen Road, just off the Ruabon Roundabout.

"The vehicle did not wait at the scene, and we are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen the collision, the vehicle involved, or has dashcam footage from the area at the time.

"If you have any information, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 25000366308.

"Your information could help our investigation."

Llangollen's VE Day 80th party goes with a swing

* A couple get into the swing of things on the dance floor.

A two-day programme of events for Llangollen's celebration of the 80^th anniversary of VE Day started with a swing yesterday (Monday). 

The Bank Holiday and this Thursday (May 8) will see community-based celebrations across the UK to celebrate the landmark anniversary of the day the war in Europe ended in 1945.   

In Llangollen the town council has arranged a full package of events to mark the occasion in style, all centred on the Town Hall and nearby Centenary Square. 

Yesterday at 9.30am the flag was raised in the square as town crier Chem proclaimed that the celebrations were officially underway. 

In the town hall scores of people turned up to enjoy a free VE Day party with performances by a wide range of local groups such as Llangollen Silver Band and The Melodics Choir, dancers Valentine and Karen Lyon and solo singers Charlie Jones and Phil Robinson. 

Throughout the day wartime archive video and photographs were shown on a big screen while schoolchildren from Bryn Collen and Y Gwernant were shown in a film singing a wartime era song. 

There were stands manned by local organisations such as Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Dementia and the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

Complimentary teas, coffees, and cakes were served throughout the day and the event closed with a powerful performance by North Wales Opera who are currently rehearsing in the town hall for their Opera Cavalleria Rusticana and Paglicci, and the group’s Eve Callahan sang a VE-Day song. 

The  day's events were filmed by a crew from GB News with a number of live sequences from Llangollen being screened nationally throughout the day. 

Celebrations continue on the evening of Thursday May 8 when church bells will ring out at 6.30 and the Royal British Legion will lead a short commemoration on the Town Square followed by the lighting up of the Town Hall in symbolic red, white and blue by the mayor. 

* The VE Day flag is raised in Centenary Square as town crier Chem reads the proclamation to start the day's events.  

* The Silver Band plays to start the Town Hall party.

* The Karen Lyon dance group take the floor.

* Town Mayor, Aled Morris, joins in the dance action.

* The Julie Thomas dance group go through their paces.

* The Melodics in fine voice.

* North Wales Opera Studio's Eve Callaghan takes the applause after her solo singing performance.

* The North Wales Opera Studio chorus sing a selection from their forthcoming production.

  * The GB News film crew capture the day's action.

Events to mark VE Day 80th anniversary begin this morning

A special two-day programme of events for Llangollen's celebration of the 80^th anniversary of VE Day begins this morning (Monday). 

Both today's Bank Holiday (May 5) and this Thursday (May 8) will see community-based celebrations across the UK to celebrate the landmark anniversary of VE Day.   

In Llangollen the town council has arranged a full package of events to mark the occasion in style, all centred on the Town Hall and nearby Centenary Square. 

This morning at 9.30am the flag will be raised in the square as town crier Chem proclaims that the festivities to be officially underway. 

In the town hall there will be a free event with performances by a wide range of local groups such as Llangollen Silver Band and The Melodics Choir, dancers Valentine and Karen Lyon and solo singers Charlie Jones and Phil Robinson. 

Throughout the day wartime archive video and photographs will be shown on a big screen while schoolchildren from Bryn Collen and Y Gwernant will make VE Day decorations to deck out the hall. 

There will be stands by local organisations such as Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Dementia Friends, Friends of Llangollen Health Centre, Llangollen Food Share and the local branch of the Royal British Legion for which donations will be accepted.

Complimentary teas, coffees, and cakes will be served throughout the day and the event will come to a close with a performance by North Wales Opera who are currently rehearsing in the town hall for their Opera Cavalleria Rusticana, and the group’s Eve Callahan will sing a VE-Day song.  

Celebrations continue on the evening of Thursday May 8 when church bells will ring out at 6.30 and the Royal British Legion will lead a short commemoration on the Town Square followed by the lighting up of the Town Hall in symbolic red, white and blue by the mayor.