St Collen's celebrates patron's day with choral service

* Father Lee Taylor leads worship at the service.

Members of  St Collen's Church celebrated their patron saint's day with a service of choral evensong yesterday evening (Wednesday)

Led by priest-in-charge Father Lee Taylor and supported by a choir, this included hymns, psalms and prayers.

Lessons - from the Old Testament, read in Welsh by Gethin Davies, and from the New Testament, in English, by June Cook, interspersed the worship.

The church is grateful to the Choral Evensong Trust for awarding a Patronal Festival Grant which supported the service and enabled refreshments to be served afterwards in the Community Hall. 

St Collen was a 6th-century monk believed to have travelled from Brittany before settling in Llangollen.

The name Llan-gollen means “the church of Collen.”

* Gethin Davies reads a lesson from the Old Testament.

* Above and below: The choir play their part in the service.

* June Cook reads the lesson from the New Testament.

* Congregation members enjoy refreshments in the Community Hall after the service.

* ... and enjoy the food served.

Jobs fair at St Collen's Community Hall has a busy morning

Working Denbighshire, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Careers Wales, is holding a Jobs Fair today (Wednesday) at St Collen’s Community Hall in Llangollen.

The event, which is running until 3pm, offers an opportunity for job seekers to meet with a wide range of local and regional employers across multiple industries.

Organisers say it has been a successful event with the various stands kept busy throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Next events organised in Llangollen are:

* Canal Boat Art at the Dory Gallery on Regent Street on Monday June 2, from 1-3pm

* Corn Dollies Workshop also at the Dory Gallery on Tuesday June 3 

Your chance to find out more about shows at the Pavilion this summer

Residents and businesses are being invited to a public meeting ahead of this year’s TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod events.

This summer more than 50,000 people are expected to come to Llangollen, providing a huge boost to the local economy. 

The meeting will take place at 7pm on Thursday May 29 at Llangollen Pavilion when representatives from both the volunteer team behind the festival and co-promoters Cuffe and Taylor will be on hand to answer and address all questions covering subjects such as traffic management, noise alleviation measures and access to the site. 

Chair of Llangollen International Eisteddfod, John Gambles, said: “In just a few weeks’ time, the doors of our iconic Pavilion will welcome tens of thousands of people for our TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod events. 

"This meeting will be an opportunity for Llangollen residents and businesses to get the latest information, as we gear up for a summer of fun. It’s important to us to keep residents in the loop, to ensure the impact on our town is positive.”

Numerous steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment for the public during event days, including a one-way system in certain areas. A dedicated phoneline will also be launched to allow residents to contact the Eisteddfod team with any issues during the festival.

* Tickets for all TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod are available from llangollen.net

* The Kaiser Chiefs on stage at the Pavilion.

Army of Evel Knievels to arrive in Llangollen tomorrow

Llangollen Railway says it is looking forward to welcoming an army of Evels to the Dee Valley as they tour Wales to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of stunt bike legend Evel Knievel’s jump at Wembley Stadium.

They also aim to raise funds for the NSPCC. The group have already collected an incredible £30,000 for the children’s charity this year.

The Evel Express will leave Corwen station at 11.05 am tomorrow (Thursday) and arrive at Llangollen at 11.49.

It see around 60 of the Ride Cymru Knievels travel aboard the railway's Class 109 Wickham railcar. 

They will all be wearing Evel’s distinctive jumpsuits, capes and boots and will be accompanied by some of his family, including Kelly his eldest son. 

The Knievel posse will return from Llangollen to Corwen, where they have been staying, at 3.15pm.

 

Railway press officer Terry Pickthall said: “We are really looking forward to the Ride Cymru Knievel’s visit and supporting them raising funds for the NSPCC. 

"As a child of the 70s I was the proud owner of one of the legendary Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toys, which was one of the bestsellers of the decade. 

"I think this toy did nearly as much damage to my parent’s house as the real Evel did at Wembley! 

"We promise that the Evel Express won’t be attempting to recreate any of Evel’s legendary stunts and will cross the River Dee in the usual manner, using the beautiful Dee Bridge, at a sedate 10mph."

The following day (Friday) the 14^th annual Ride Cymru Knievels event will be starting from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct with the Telford Inn as its morning HQ. 

The Knievel family will be attending and organisers say as supporters are welcome from 8am with the ride beginning at 9.15am. 

The event is in aid of children’s charity NSPCC and the aim is to be raise over £20,000. 

For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ridecymru/?locale=en_GB

 

* Llangollen Railway is celebrating its own 50^th anniversary this year. 

Whilst Evel Knievel was attempting to jump over 13 single decker buses at Wembley Stadium on his Harley Davidson, volunteers of the Flint & Deeside Railway Preservation Society were just taking possession of a derelict Llangollen Station and taking their first steps to try and reopen 10 miles of the Ruabon to Barmouth line between Llangollen and Corwen. 

The railway started this special anniversary year in fine style with a very successful steam gala in April and more events are planned through the year, including a 50^th birthday party weekend on the weekend of September 12-14.

South Denbighshire Community Partnership has two local jobs on offer.

South Denbighshire Community Partnership currently has Llangollen-based two positions on offer.

All supporting documentation can be found on their website https://www.canolfan-ni.org/vacancies-at-sdcp

 

They will also be attending to promote these and our volunteering opportunities at tomorrow (Wednesday's) Llangollen Jobs Fair at St Collen's Community Hall .

The first is:

SDCP is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic person who is passionate about, and committed to, Community Development to join our award-winning team as a Community Development Officer to deliver the NLCF People and Places III, “Your Place or Ours - Dee Valley” Project.

The post holder will primarily be based at the Pengwern Community Hub in Llangollen but will also engage in outreach work as required. Responsible to the Senior Community Development Officer, in partnership with Denbighshire County Council Housing Department, for its day-to-day operation.

The Role requires applicants to hold a full driving licence, have their own transport and be able to drive the organisation fleet vehicles. The ability to communicate in Welsh would be an advantage.

By engaging with the community, developing and implementing a programme of services and activities to improve the quality of life for local people and build stronger communities and contribute ideas for the improvement of the facilities, its future development and its long-term sustainability.

Ensuring that Pengwern Hub is a warm welcoming centre that provides appropriate services that tackle social isolation, rural poverty and improve access to services.

Job Type: Full-time, £27,711.00 per annum

Hours: 35 hours Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm (Although some flexibility will be

required for evening and weekend events)

Education & Experience:

•

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

•

A good general level of education with a minimum Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject (Community Development, Health & Social Care)

•

A minimum of 3 years’ experience working within a community support role required.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form along with your C.V. please visit our website for all vacancy documents:

https://www.canolfan-ni.org/vacancies-at-sdcp

Equal Opportunities

SDCP recruits’ staff and volunteers on the basis of their skills, experience, temperament, and ability to carry the role without regard to race, nationality, gender, age, sexuality, disability, or religion.

Application deadline: Thursday 12th June 2025 by email to Sian@sdcp.org

Shortlisted Candidates will be contacted by Monday 23rd June 2025.

Interviews to be held on Monday 30th June 2025.

Expected start date: Monday 30th July 2025

* The second opportunity is:

Administrative Assistant vacancy with South Denbighshire Community Partnership.

SDCP is seeking an experienced, energetic and enthusiastic person to join our very busy Team to carry out reception duties and deal with enquiries from Centre users and the public. To present an effective and efficient front of house service at Pengwern Hub, Llangollen and to support the Pengwern Team with administrative tasks to deliver the NLCF People and Places III, “Your Place or Ours - Dee Valley” Project.

The Role requires applicants to hold a full driving licence, have their own transport and be able to drive the organisation fleet vehicles. The ability to communicate in Welsh would be an advantage.

The post holder will primarily be based at the Pengwern Community Hub in Llangollen. Responsible to the Operations Manager.

Ensuring that Pengwern Hub is a warm welcoming centre that provides appropriate services that tackle social isolation, rural poverty and improve access to services.

Job Type: Part-time

£23,656 per annum pro rata

Hours: 20 hours Monday to Friday 9.30am – 1.45pm (including unpaid break of 15 minutes daily)

Education & Experience:

•

Good general level of education

•

Experience in a customer facing/administrative service role and demonstrate a mature, common-sense approach

•

Experience of using general office computer packages

•

Experience of administrative systems

•

Be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

•

Able to demonstrate a can-do attitude, willing to go the extra mile

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form along with your C.V. please visit our website for all vacancy documents:

https://www.canolfan-ni.org/vacancies-at-sdcp

Equal Opportunities

SDCP recruits’ staff and volunteers on the basis of their skills, experience, temperament, and ability to carry the role without regard to race, nationality, gender, age, sexuality, disability, or religion.

Application deadline: Thursday 12th June 2025 by email to Sian@sdcp.org

Shortlisted Candidates will be contacted by Friday 20th June 2025

Interviews to be held on Friday 27th June 2025

Expected start date: Monday 28th July 2025

Emergency road closure of Hill Street today

Denbighshire County Council has notified local residents of an emergency road closure in Llangollen today (Tuesday).

They say Hill Street has been closed to facilitate urgent works to repair a water leak by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

 

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: I’m moving and will be renting somewhere on my own for the first time. It feels like there’s so much to think about, I’m worried I’ll forget something important. Do you have any advice on what I should do when looking for a new home?

A: Before you start your search it’s worth noting recent changes to Welsh law mean tenants are now called contract-holders while a tenancy is called an occupation contract and a tenancy agreement is known as a written statement.

Most properties available for rent are listed online or with lettings agents. If you have the chance, renting directly from a landlord might be a bit cheaper before you move in as they may ask for fewer references and you might not need to do a credit check. But you’ll have to deal with them directly if any issues arise during the occupation contract. It’s worth noting some landlords use a lettings agent to find their contract holders and then manage the properties themselves. If an agent is managing the property then you’ll deal with them rather than with the landlord directly, for instance, if you need to get any repairs done.

Remember, never pay any money before you’ve seen the property or to arrange a viewing as this is a common tactic used by rental fraudsters. If you can, take someone with you when viewing properties for a second opinion. If repairs are being done when you view a property, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the issues and follow-up the viewing with an email so you’ve got a record of the issues and that you were told they’d be sorted before you move in.

Things often happen very quickly when trying to find somewhere to rent so always ask the landlord or letting agent some key questions to make sure properties you’re considering are safe, affordable and meet your needs.

Key questions to ask include:

• How much is the rent? Is it payable monthly or weekly?

• How long is the occupation contract for?

• Are bills included in the rent?

• Are any appliances or furniture included?

• Is there a break clause allowing any fixed term to be ended early, if needed?

• Does the landlord need a guarantor?

Ask whether the occupation contract is for a self-contained property, or whether there are shared facilities and whether or not it’s a joint-contract with other people and, if relevant, if you can have pets. It’s also a good idea to check the Rent Smart Wales website to make sure the landlord is registered and has a licence or the agent holds it.

Check if you’ll need to pay a holding deposit while the landlord carries out pre-contract checks. A deposit can’t be more than a week’s rent and should be returned to you at the start of the occupation contract. You should also ask your landlord or letting agent what documents you'll need to provide when you agree to rent the property.

Avoid ‘subletting’ which is when you rent directly from an existing contract holder, as they might not have the landlord’s permission to rent to you, which could cause problems further down the line. If a contract-holder is showing you around the property on behalf of the landlord they should give you the landlord's contact details.

If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of who you are, this may be discrimination - for example because of your race, religion or sexual orientation. A 'no kids policy' or refusing to rent to you because you get benefits could also be discrimination. You only need to tell a landlord or letting agent you receive benefits if they ask.

Remember, if you need any other pointers or advice on renting or you run into any problems, you can contact Citizens Advice for help.

Citizens Advice Denbighshire wants your views on its service

Citizens Advice Denbighshire would like to hear about the experiences and ideas of the people of Llangollen to help them improve access to advice and support services across the county. 

They say they will use your responses to shape new projects and initiatives that will help make sure they’re meeting the needs of our community. 

The questions have a mix of open-ended and tick-box answers and should take around five minutes to complete. 

Your responses are anonymous and will only be used to develop new projects and initiatives, they assure.

The consultation closes on May 31.

* To get involved scan the QR code on the poster above or visit: www.CADenbighshire.co.uk/survey

Major comic con event is heading for Llangollen Pavilion

A major event in the comic con calendar has found a new base in Llangollen.

And an outfit which has previously arranged guest appearances from the likes of Rupert Grint, Kiefer Sutherland and Andy Serkis says fans are going to love the first big name it will be bringing to the town’s International Pavilion on September 20 and 21.

A comic con or comic book convention is a convention emphasizing comic books and comic book culture in which fans gather to meet creators, experts and each other.

On its Facebook page Wales Comic Con has just announced that it will be coming to Llangollen – now being run by the Eisteddfod team after being acquired from Denbighshire Leisure – in the autumn.

The triumphant post says: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve signed a multi-year deal to host Wales Comic Con at a brand-new venue in the heart of North Wales!

“We’re moving to the Llangollen Pavilion – a stunning location steeped in history, surrounded by breath-taking scenery, and home to the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

“Some of you might even remember the Doctor Who Exhibition that once called this town home – it’s a place with deep roots in geek culture, and we can’t wait to add our own chapter to its story.”

And organisers go on: “Join us for the first edition at this new venue on September 20-21 – it’s going to be a weekend to remember. With more space than ever before, we’ll be packing the site with our biggest line-up of displays yet, plus a UK-first unique panel experience that we can’t wait to reveal.

“We know you’re excited for those first guest announcements, and we’ve got a fantastic name to kick things off this evening – a star from one of the biggest TV shows ever.

“As you’ve come to expect, we pride ourselves on delivering line-ups with first-time UK appearances like Rupert Grint, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Morrison, Lee Pace, Evangeline Lilly and world-firsts like Charlie Hunnam. We even brought legends like Andy Serkis out of UK event retirement, so you know we’re aiming high once again. You’re going to love this first name out the gate.

“Community has always been at the heart of Wales Comic Con, and our fans deserve the very best. That’s why we’re proud to say that our events remain FAMILY FRIENDLY, with tickets for KIDS 11 AND UNDER GOING FREE.

“We’re also committed to offering the best value for families, with our VIP and Platinum experiences returning this year, packed with unique perks tailored to the new venue. Tickets for the September event are on sale now – grab yours today at https://store.walescomiccon.com/ and be part of something truly special.”

Latest local roadworks update from the county council

Latest local roadworks update from the county council is:

NEXT TO NUMBERT 28 MILL STREET, LL20 8SA MILL STREET 09/06/2025 09/06/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC)

A539 OPP 10 Regent Street JNC QUEEN STREET AND CHURCH STREET Llangollen LL2 BROOK STREET 19/05/2025 06/06/2025 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Verge ABBEY ROAD 31/01/2025 13/06/2025 Gwaith Ar Wal Gynnal/ Retaining Wall Works DCC HIGHWAYS

A542 Llandyn Hall Farm Culvert TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 28/04/2025 23/05/2025 Gwaith ar Gylfat/ Culvert Works, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Nr Dee Cottage MILL STREET 10/06/2025 10/06/2025 Amnewid Colofn / Replace Column DCC STREET LIGHTING

A539 Wharf Hill / Castle Street ABBEY ROAD 26/06/2025 13/07/2025 Eisteddfod BIG PARKING LTD, Stopio Mynd/Stop Go

Ochr / Side of 8 Cae Ddol ABBEY ROAD 11/06/2025 11/06/2025 Amnewid Hen Golofn / Replace old column

Young snappers encouraged to capture meadow moments

Young photographers are being encouraged to capture life around Denbighshire’s many wildflower meadows.

Denbighshire County Council has launched a Schools Wildflower Meadow Photography Competition as wildflowers across the region begin to bloom.

In 2019 the council declared a climate and nature emergency with the aim to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

One of its first actions was to start managing some of our grassland for wildflower meadow creation across the county. The aim of the project is to restore and increase the amount of habitat available throughout the county for pollinators and wildlife.

This project also brings many benefits or ‘ecosystem services’ to residents in the county, such as reduced flooding, improved air quality, and air cooling.

Budding young nature and photography enthusiasts are encouraged to take a photograph of one of our wildflower meadows, a school meadow or community nature reserve site.

Photos can be of the whole site or of a tiny part such as an insect, flower or grass species, it’s up to the photographer to pick their favoured subject to make the best photograph. Each entrant needs to write something about their photo or find a quote that compliments the photo.

The winning entries will be printed up to A2 size and put on the walls outside the council chamber in County Hall, Ruthin. All the winners will be invited to attend a council meeting to receive their prizes and see their pictures on the wall.

Winners will receive a selection of environmental books for their school and a smaller version of the image will be available for the winner to put up at home or school.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Pupils across Denbighshire have a really good understanding of how climate change is impacting on their lives. They have great ideas and carry out a lot of good work themselves, many have supported us in creating wildflower meadows across Denbighshire.

“We want to open the floor to them through this competition to really see what our meadows mean to them through the lens they will see them through. I look forward to seeing the entries from our fantastic youngsters across the county.”

* For more information on how to enter the competition please visit this link - www.denbighshire.gov.uk/wildflower-meadow-photography-competition

 

Jobs fair planned for St Collen’s Community Hall

Working Denbighshire, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Careers Wales, will be holding a Jobs Fair next Wednesday, May 21, at St Collen’s Community Hall.

The event, which will run from 11am to 3pm, offers an opportunity for job seekers to meet with a wide range of local and regional employers across multiple industries.

Whether you're searching for your first job, looking to return to work, or ready for a career change, the Jobs Fair is open to all and completely free to attend.

Attendees will be able to explore job vacancies, chat directly with hiring managers, and discover pathways into training and employment. There will also be staff from Working Denbighshire on hand to offer advice and guidance around job searching, CVs, and interview prep.

Following the success of our first event earlier this year in Rhyl, we’re proud to host our second Jobs Fair in Llangollen, and the event is expected to be popular with both employers and residents.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “Bringing this event to Llangollen opens even more opportunity for people in the Dee Valley to meet employers, explore training options and take their next steps into work.

"We’re proud to support events like this, which have a real impact on our communities and help local businesses connect with great candidates.”

Ruth Hanson, Principal Manager at Working Denbighshire said: “Our Jobs Fairs are designed to be a welcoming and accessible space where people can come and speak to employers face-to-face, find out about live vacancies, and gain confidence in their job search.

“After the success of our job fair in Rhyl, we’re really pleased to bring this event to Llangollen and look forward to helping residents connect with new opportunities.”

To ensure the event is accessible and welcoming for everyone, quiet spaces will be available on the day for individuals who may benefit from a calmer environment. These are bookable by using this link: Microsoft Forms

Employers who would like to get involved in the Jobs Fair are encouraged to get in touch via: employmentcoordinators@denbighshire.gov.uk.

There is also further information on our website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/training-and-events/jobs-fair.aspx

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

For updates and further information, follow Working Denbighshire on social media or visit our website.

 

Board member Dave tells Tory leader Kemi about this year's Eisteddfod

* Dave Hennigan with Kemi Badenoch at the Pavilion.

Eisteddfod board member Dave Hennigan took the opportunity to brief Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on this year's festival earlier today (Friday).

The two met up outside the International Pavilion where the Welsh Conservatives have been holding their conference this weekend. 

Dave was part of the team making sure things ran smoothly for one of the largest events to be held at the Pavilion since its running was taken over by the Eisteddfod from Denbighshire Leisure last month.

He said: "I met Kemi Badenoch just outside and took the chance to tell her about all the fantastic things that will be happening at Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025 and also at the Pavilion.

"She took one of our Eisteddfod flyers and wished us well."

Later, Dave evened things up politically when he met Ken Skates, Welsh Labour's Clwyd South Senedd Member and Welsh transport minister, in the town.

"It's always great to catch up with Ken and I updated him on plans for Eisteddfod 2025.

"He's a massive supporter and always ensures that our voice is heard in the Senedd."  

 * Dave Hennigan with Ken Skates MS and Eisteddfod chairman John Gambles.

A5 traffic lights go as sewer repair work ends

The traffic lights put up for the roadworks at the junction of Regent Street and Hill Street have been removed today (Friady) as work on a collapsed sewer is now complete .