Improvement work planned for Riverside Park

Work is set to take place to improve and develop areas to "help health and wellbeing" along Llangollen’s Riverside Park, says the county council.

Funded by Shared Prosperity Transitional Year, the work will be coordinated and carried out by Denbighshire’s Streetscene department.

It follows previous improvement work at the park during the last few years which has seen initiatives including a 9-hole bespoke mini golf and play equipment added to the area.

Streetscene is working to further enhance the park area for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

Developments to take place at Riverside Park, where funding allows, will include the introduction of an outdoor gym area to the rear of the existing skate park. This will include the removal of the hedge row, landscaping the immediate area and installation of a number of outdoor gym equipment pieces

Plans also include the removal of existing hedge row by the picnic area/benched and installation of bow top fencing, to include pedestrian access gate and the installation of accessible picnic bench, to include required ground works.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “We are pleased to be able to continue improvements along this fantastic area at Llangollen through the funding we have been able to access. This work will complement areas that have already undergone improvement at Riverside Park through the direction of Streetscene to further enhance this important part of the town for both the enjoyment of residents and those visiting Llangollen." 

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

OPP 10 Regent Street JNC QUEEN STREET AND CHURCH STREET Llangollen LL2 BROOK STREET 15/09/2025 02/10/2025 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Junction of Chapel Street and Regent Street CHAPEL STREET 06/10/2025 25/10/2025 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works GTC LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Jct Grange Road BACHE MILL ROAD 06/10/2025 26/10/2025 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works GTC LLANGOLLEN

Operatic Society to host charity cake afternoon

 

Former mayor resigns from town council in row over 'lack of vision'

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting that former town mayor Paul Keddie has stepped down from Llangollen Town Council due to its 'lack of vision' over community events.

* For the full story, go to: Resignation of former Llangollen mayor Cllr Paul Keddie | Denbighshire Free Press

Llangollen Flower Club to host coffee morning

 

Open day at Trevor Church

 

Rich history of Ruabon to Barmouth railway line told in new book

* Ruabon Station as it was in 1961.

For nearly 100 years, passengers could enjoy arguably one of the finest journeys in the British Isles from the comfort of their railway carriage. 

The Great Western Railway described the journey from Ruabon to Barmouth as "a paradise for artists and fishermen and a country rich in mountain streams, wild woods and wide far views, unbeaten in any part of Wales".

Now, a new book on the line has been published by a man well acquainted with its rich history.

Peter Dickinson was one of the founding members of Llangollen Railway's Heritage Group and is still an active volunteer as Station Master at Llangollen. 

And the book, entitled The Ruabon to Barmouth Line – A New History, couldn't be better timed, as it will appear just weeks after the line, recreated by dedicated volunteers, celebrates its 50th birthday.

The 54-mile route carried generations of holidaymakers to the beaches of the Cambrian Coast, as well as providing a vital lifeline to the rural communities it served. 

* The original Corwen Station in 1953.

Branching away from the Chester to Shrewsbury route just south of Ruabon, the railway served the historic towns of Llangollen, Corwen, Bala and Dolgellau, before reaching the famous Barmouth Bridge and the holiday resort of Barmouth. 

As the book describes, it was a line of contrasts, from the industrial environs of Ruabon in the east, to the rugged coastline in the west. It was also busy with holidaymakers and tourists during the summer months, but painfully quiet during the winter. 

The story of the Ruabon to Barmouth line begins in the mid 19th century when the townsfolk of Llangollen longed for a connection to the rapidly expanding railway network. The Vale of Llangollen Railway Company opened a five-mile branch to passenger traffic in 1863, promoted by the Great Western Railway who leapt at the opportunity to tap deeper into North Wales. 

* The cover of the new book by Peter Dickinson.

Over the next decade, the railway extended ever westwards until it reached the county town of Dolgellau and the metals of the rival Cambrian Railway. The uneasy relationship between the two railway companies continued into the 20th century and was only ended through the Cambrian's amalgamation in the 1920s. 

Two sections of the Ruabon to Barmouth line have reopened as heritage railways, meaning that the sylvan beauty of the Dee Valley can once again be enjoyed from the carriage window on the Llangollen Railway, and the lapping waters and rugged shoreline of Llyn Tegid on the Bala Lake Railway. 

The author has produced a detailed account of the Ruabon to Barmouth line's history, looking at all aspects of its traffic and operation form the earliest days right up to closure. 

The stories of the preserved Llangollen Railway and Bala Lake Railway have been well documented, so no attempt has been made to take this story on beyond track-lifting in 1969. The book is illustrated with a wealth of photographs, many of which have not previously been published, as well as many items of paperwork from his own archives. 

The Ruabon to Barmouth Line – A New History is available to pre-order from Lightmoor Press and is due to be released at the start of October 2025. Copies will also be available from the shop at the Llangollen Station, priced at £35 each. 

Dame Agnes comes to life at Berwyn and District u3a meeting

* Dame Agnes Hunt.

Agnes Hunt is a name you may not know, but who may well have had a profound influence on your life.

With Robert Jones she was co-founder of the renowned orthopaedic hospital near Oswestry.

Alison Utting, another Shropshire woman, is a performer who brings Agnes to life in her one woman show, Aggie. 

She will be appearing at the open meeting of the Berwyn and District u3a at Canalfon Ni, Corwen, starting at 2pm on Monday September 15. 

Everyone is welcome. Entry fee £3.

Madras Community Choir to sing in aid of St Collen's roof fund

* Madras Choir singing last Christmas.

The Madras Community Choir is holding a concert in St Collen’s in aid of the church's roof fund on Friday September 26, starting at 7pm.

The choir is based in Penley, Wrexham and takes its name from the area's Madras VA Primary School.

It was formed by staff member Alison Jarvis in 2011 as part of the school's 200th anniversary celebrations.

Members include staff, past pupils and any willing adult with a connection to the school.

The choir holds regular concerts to raise money for the school.

Singing a variety of light music in English and Welsh, the choir has previously performed at Bangor Church, The Maelor School, Penley Rainbow Centre, Welshhampton Village Hall, Welsh Frankton and many other venues. Their accompanist is James Brown.

Subaru: still blazing the trail with its trusty Forester

Subaru Forester drive by Steve Rogers

Long before SUVs turned the car world upside down Subaru was doing its own bit of trail blazing.

The year was 1997 and we were used to seeing slab sided 4x4s with noisy diesel engines, but things were beginning to change. Honda offered something different with the CR-V and then Subaru muscled its way in with Forester, a car that didn’t look like a tower block but could be called on to pull a horse box across a muddy field, navigate a bolder strewn track and still take the kids to school without loosening their teeth fillings.

So here we are 28 years later and still talking about Forester, now into its sixth generation and, remarkably, not looking a lot different from the original. Once a Forester, always a Forester…

There have been some visual changes to the new model, slimmed down headlights, a less gawky looking grille and deep creases over the wheel arches. Yet this Forester is a much different kettle of fish to the one it replaces.

A lot of work has been done to make Forester a better car to drive and a better experience for passengers. The chassis is more rigid so there is less body roll and the suspension is better at cushioning passengers against our potholed roads and speed humps. Cabin noise has been reduced by a whopping 39 per cent. Compared to Foresters I have driven before the difference is immense.

Changes to the cabin layout are more subtle. It still has a large portrait style central touchscreen but ‘switch city’ has virtually disappeared and hooray to that. They were everywhere on the old model, some out of sight. Now we just have switches for demisting and controlling temperature that sit flush on the touchscreen.

At first the touchscreen looks like a chaotic mishmash of information but is actually completely logical. I liked the permanent display of heating controls at the base of the screen as well as quick touches for auto hold and disarming lane departure, a safety feature that is useful on motorways but an annoyance on rural roads.

Navigation only comes on the top two models and now supports what3words the system that provides a unique three word address for any three metre square on earth, pinpointing destinations that might not have an accurate post code. I find it mindblowing.

The cabin is still very black but some new textures and stitching colours have been introduced to break up the monotony. Customers should be satisfied with the Limited model that comes in just under the £40,000 limit and avoids the new road tax penalty.

Limited has an extensive equipment list that includes heated and powered front seats, keyless entry, wireless phone charging and connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so give it serious thought.

The Eyesight safety system that has been the envy of many rivals is standard and has even more features including emergency braking the car going forward or reversing.

The top of the range Touring pushes up the price and begs the question whether it is worth it for a sunroof, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and powered tailgate when the Limited is such good value.

What sets Forester apart from its rivals is permanent four wheel drive and the legendary X-Mode off road system has been improved and is standard. I have done serious off roading in Forester and it really can take on ridiculously challenging situations and come out unscathed.

There are no changes to the power unit which is still the famed 2-litre Boxer engine with mild hybrid assistance, although power has been reduced to meet emissions regulations. The engine has no help from a turbo so if performance is key look elsewhere because a trip to sixty is pedestrian against its rivals, yet it is a comfortable cruiser.

Economy isn’t a strong suit either although I easily beat the official average with 38mpg over a week’s driving but you would be lucky to go 300 miles before visiting a petrol pump. Going a step further with a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid would close the gap to the rest of the pack.

This new Forester is up there with the best off roaders money can buy. Is it over engineered for its market? Probably in the UK but not in places like Canada, North America and the Nordic countries where they want peace of mind when the weather gets tough and buy Foresters in droves.

Here Forester is up against a car park full of trendy rivals and is banking on its value for money, reliability, and roomy family friendly cabin - it has more rear legroom than the Genesis reviewed last week. Existing customers will be delighted with the improvements but that is not who they need to convince.

Fast facts

Forester Touring

£44,100 (starts £39,995)

2-litre petrol; 136bhp

0-62mph 12.2secs; 116mph

34.9mpg combined

183g/km. 1st tax £345

Insurance group 23

Boot: 508-1679 litres

Towing: 1870kg

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column

Q: I’m starting to book tickets for Christmas events, but I’ve seen lots of stories in the news about people being left out of pocket if these are cancelled at the last minute, which is making me nervous. How can I get a refund if this happens to me?

A: Keep an eye on the organiser’s website and social media profiles for all the latest updates. You won’t be entitled to a refund if you change your mind about going or realise you can’t go anymore - but if an event is cancelled, your refund rights will depend on how you bought the ticket.

If you bought your ticket from an official seller and the organiser cancels, moves, or reschedules the event, you should get a refund. The official seller is the best point of contact to ask about how to get your money back.

If you’re having no luck getting a refund, check to see if the seller is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). If they are, you can use STAR’s complaints procedure. STAR members should receive a refund at face value if the event is cancelled and the organiser has agreed to refunds.

You’ll probably only get the face value of the ticket back - the amount printed on it. Some sellers might refund postage if, for example, the event is cancelled before the tickets are sent. If you had to pay any booking or card fees, you might not get those back.

If the official seller isn’t a member of STAR, check how you can solve an ongoing consumer problem with a business seller. You may also be able to get your money back another way, such as through your credit card company.

If you bought your ticket from a ticket-reselling website, refunds will depend on the site's terms and conditions.

If you bought from a private seller and the event is cancelled or rescheduled then it is unlikely you will be able to recover your money. We still recommend you contact the seller.

Be aware of scams. Unfortunately we’ve found that in these situations scammers can prey on those who are affected.

If your event is cancelled and people or companies get in touch to offer their services to try to recover money on your behalf, be alert and make sure that you're looking out for the signs of a potential scam.

For more information on getting a refund, take a look at the Citizens Advice website.

Llangollen lads cycling to Thailand cross from Germany into Austria

* The intrepid trio at the mighty River Danube.

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand crossed from Germany into Austria during the fourth week of their epic journey,

Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out a few weeks go on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

On day 28 of the trip they recorded on one of their short films how they had encountered heavy rain for the first time as they headed along he banks of the River Danube - and were lucky enough to have some tasty bread donated by a local family as they stopped off in a town.

The crossing into Austria came on day 30 and there was a mention of how a woman from Wales they happened to meet paid for their breakfasts. 

A couple of days later they were telling how they had been interviewed on radio in Welsh - but there's no explanation of how this came about. There was some bike trouble for Louis but that was soon fixed at a local cycle shop.

On day 33 they noted they were well on track to reach Vienna by the weekend. 

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Tidy Town Team's founder celebrates his 80th birthday in style

* David Davies and his wife Yvonne are toasted by family and friends at the birthday lunch.

One of Llangollen's best-known figures celebrated his 80th birthday with a party for family and friends at The Hand Hotel yesterday (Saturday).

David Davies, founder and coordinator of the Tidy Town Team and who is also closely associated with the Probus Club and Methodist Church, hosted the special event which included a lavish lunch and enjoyable quiz which included questions about his own life interspersed with those about national and international events of the same periods.

Members of his family travelled from Canada and the Britain to be at the celebration.

* The host thanks everyone for helping him mark his milestone birthday.

Llangollen panto to hold meet and greet this Sunday

Llangollen's pantomime group has announced it will be raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance and the town's Silver Band with its 2026 production of Dick Whittington.

A spokesperson said: "We have a meet and greet, from 2-4pm, this Sunday September 7 at St Collen's Community Hall in Llangollen.

"We had a fantastic response with sold-out shows which generated the incredible amount of £2,500 for two local charities from our last show, Beauty and the Beast.

"Please come along on Sunday if you would like to get involved in our amazing production of Dick Whittington.

"At the meet and greet Dave, our director, will be introducing all the fantastic characters that are in the show. We need adults and children for all the parts.

"So if you are interested in having a part in the show or want to get involved in behind-the-scenes roles, staging, props, costumes, set building, etc, there will be lots of opportunities to chat and to get to know everyone involved."

Congestion caused by roadworks with no work going on

 

* Traffic congestion on Regent Street caused by the roadworks outside the fish and chip shop.

llanblogger has been trying to find out why two set of traffic lights on a trunk road through Llangollen, which have been causing major traffic congestion throughout the day, have been installed around roadworks left unattended for hours.

A utility company, believed to be Wales & West, set up the excavation, which consists of a small trench extending into the carriageway from the pavement, outside the chip shop on Regent Street (A5) yesterday (Thursday).

But after some initial work on it then and earlier today (Friday) the roadworks were left unattended from mid-afternoon.

But because sets of temporary traffic lights have been installed either side of the roadworks there has been considerable congestion in both directions - especially severe as it's another busy weekend on the regular tourist route.

Earlier this afternoon llanblogger sent an email to Wales & West, to verify they are their roadworks and to question the timing of the work. Apart from an automatic acknowledgement of the email there has so far been no response. 

* The unattended roadworks on the A5.

Eisteddfod celebrates major grant to facelift the Pavilion

* Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Grant Calton, left, and John Gambles have thanked Arts Council of Wales for sharing their vision of an all-year round arts hub in the town.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is celebrating success after being awarded a major grant from Arts Council of Wales to deliver a transformative upgrade to the Pavilion at the site.

After careful consideration, the Arts Council of Wales has confirmed a grant of up to £166,500 as a contribution towards upgrading the Pavilion’s sound and lighting systems. 

This investment will make a significant contribution to the Eisteddfod's drive to transform the building into a modern, energy-efficient, year-round arts venue at the heart of the community.

Now in its 78th year, the world-famous festival has long been a beacon of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange through music and dance. 

Thanks to this investment, the Pavilion will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that enhances the experience for performers and audiences, while securing its future as a vibrant cultural space for both international visitors and local groups.

* Carolyn Thomas MS, pictured with her son Harry, says she was proud to back the bid that will make a huge difference to Llangollen.

The improvements will deliver a wide range of benefits:

• For audiences – a richer and more immersive experience with professional-quality sound and lighting.
• For performers, partners and event organisers – a technically advanced venue capable of hosting everything from local talent showcases to international touring productions.
• For the community – greater access to high-quality cultural events and a flexible space for creativity all year round.
• For the environment – reduced carbon emissions and lower running costs thanks to energy-efficient technology.

Work will begin in autumn 2025 and is scheduled for completion by January 2026. The project will be managed by the Eisteddfod’s leadership team, supported by professional contractors and volunteers.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said:

“This funding represents a significant step forward for the Eisteddfod and for the wider community. It will enhance the experience for performers and audiences and help to the Pavilion continue to be at the heart of Llangollen’s cultural life throughout the year. At the same time, it will assist greatly in our drive to reducing our carbon footprint. We are deeply grateful to Arts Council of Wales for their support in helping us realise this vision.”

Carolyn Thomas MS, who supported the bid, said: “I was very pleased to back this bid from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is one of Wales’ cultural treasures, attracting visitors and performers from across the world while bringing immense pride to our community. 

"I am delighted that Arts Council of Wales has recognised the importance of investing in the Pavilion’s future. These upgrades will not only improve the experience for all who attend but will also help ensure the Eisteddfod continues to thrive as a world-class event and as a hub for local arts all year round.”

Our Llangollen – Our Future: a public consultation event

* St Collen's Community Hall where the event will be held on September 26 and 27.

Llangollen residents, community groups, businesses and other local organisations will have the opportunity to have their voices heard on a range of local issues at a free-to-attend public consultation event taking place in the town at the end of September.

Severn Wye Energy Agency, a third sector charitable organisation, is currently delivering a new National Lottery funded community engagement and development project in Llangollen, part of a project looking at the challenges rural communities face across Wales.

The consultation event, entitled Our Llangollen – Our Future, will be held at St Collen’s Community Hall on Friday September 26, from noon-7pm, and Saturday September 27, from noon-5pm.

The event will also include numerous stands showcasing local community related organisations, as well as a number of guest speakers to talk about subjects of local interest.

Organisers promise more details will be available nearer the dates.

Mark Ellis, Place Coordinator, Llangollen Energised Communities Project, Severn Wye Energy Agency, said: “This is your opportunity to identify future projects, and potential funding, that will enhance Llangollen’s future and that of its residents." 

#OurLlangollenOurFuture and #EinLlangollenEinDyfodol'

Eisteddfod launches monthly.lottery

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has launched a brand-new Monthly Lottery, giving supporters the chance to win big prizes while helping secure the future of one of Wales’ most iconic festivals.

For just £5 a month, players will be entered into a monthly draw, with proceeds directly supporting the Eisteddfod’s work. Every ticket sold helps boost the prize pot and provides vital funds to sustain and develop the world-famous celebration of music and culture. If 200 people join, the first prize would be £100, second prize £50, and third prize £25 – and the more people who take part, the higher the prizes will be.

The first draw will take place on the first Wednesday of the following month, overseen by staff, board members, and volunteers to ensure fairness and transparency. Supporters can join easily online at international-eisteddfod.co.uk/support-us/monthly-lottery or by calling the Box Office on 01978 862000. The first draw will be done on Wednesday, October 1st.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “This is a great initiative that will really benefit the Eisteddfod. Not only does it give our supporters a fun way to get involved, but it also provides important funds that will help us continue to bring people together through music, culture, and community. You don’t need to be a volunteer to take part – anyone can join in and support us while having the chance to win some great cash prizes.”

The Llangollen Eisteddfod has been a highlight of Wales’ cultural calendar since 1947, drawing performers and visitors from across the globe. The new Monthly Lottery is the latest way supporters can play their part in safeguarding its future

Programme of special events will mark railway's 50th birthday

Llangollen Railway is planning a series of special events to celebrate its 50th Birthday Weekend on September 11-13.

This commemorates half a century since the very first open day at Llangollen Station held by members of the Flint & Deeside Railway Preservation Society.

This came not long after they took on the lease of the derelict station and trackbed towards Berwyn from Clwyd - later Denbighshire - County Council. 

* A derelict Llangollen Station as it was in June 1975 just before its restoration began. 

From this modest start the dedicated team of volunteers - and later paid staff - would go on to give provide a treasured 10-mile heritage railway that would receive international acclaim and become one of North Wales’s leading tourist attractions.   

Over the years they have faced many challenges the latest of which came only last week when Austin 1, the railway's very first steam locomotive and planned star of the anniversary weekend, had to be taken out of service for boiler repairs. 

But the show will go with, most likely, the GWR Pannier Tank No 7754 - itself with a proud history - taking Austin1’s place. 

On Friday September 12 the timetable will reflect the development of the railway from 1975 - with special services starting in Llangollen station (1975) and then running onwards in stages to Goods Junction (1981), Pentrefelin (1982), Berwyn (1985/6), Deeside (1990), Glyndyfrdwy (1993), Carrog (1996) and finally Corwen (2014-2023), where we finally completed the founders' vision in opening a permanent and purpose-built new station in 2023. 

Railway press officer Terry Pickthall said: "We will also recreate our original opening ceremony for the first train in Llangollen station, with Bob Heddon, who is our Honorary Trust President, former Trust Chairman and longstanding LR Volunteer and supporter, cutting a ceremonial ribbon. 

 

"On Saturday September 13 we will operate a busy timetable using our steam, diesel and railcar fleet, which we have proudly built up, restored and maintained over the last 50 years. 

"From 6pm we are holding a 50^th birthday party and extend a warm invitation to both visitors and the local community to come and celebrate with us. All are welcome and it's free entry. 

"Our new station bar will be open and a food stall will be on site. The evening will have a 70’s and 80’s theme that reflects our early preservation with a DJ and live band Electric Reflex to entertain us. There will also be a food van available and the bar is open until 10.30pm.

 

"On the Sunday we are having a Dydd Cymru/Welsh Day, where we will celebrate the Welsh language, hope to welcome a Welsh choir and celebrate the pending Owain Glyndŵr day, given his links to the Dee Valley and Corwen.

 

"There will also be a miniature railway at Llangollen Station on Saturday along with talks and demonstrations from our volunteers, photo displays and tours of our engine shed throughout the weekend.

 

"We look forward to celebrating our special occasion with everyone."

* Austin 1 surrounded by volunteers in 1981.

* An open weekend at the railway after its revival began on September 13 1975.

* Another picture from the archives taken in 1976.

 * Glyndyfrdwy Station in its pre-restored state in 1990.

* ... and how it is today.