Eisteddfod hosts first cuppa and a chat learn-Welsh evening

* Welsh doctor in the house: Stephen Rule (Doctor Cymraeg) is looking forward to having a cuppa with the Eisteddfod's volunteers.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced that Doctor Cymraeg will be the special guest at the first ever Paned a Sgwrs (Cuppa and a Chat) evening next month.

The event is organised by the Eisteddfod’s Welsh Language Working Group in partnership with SDCP (South Denbighshire Community Partnership). 

Doctor Cymraeg is the online persona of Stephen Rule. He is an internet sensation, known for making the Welsh language more fun and accessible. His engaging posts, free downloadables and masterclasses have attracted a huge following in Wales and across the World. 

📅 Date: Wednesday October 15 2025 

🕖 Time: 7pm-9pm 

📍 Venue: Llangollen Pavilion, LL20 8SW 

☕ Admission: Free – open to Eisteddfod volunteers and the whole community 

Stephen Rule said: “I’m so pleased to be supporting the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. It’s an event with such a proud history, and I’m excited to be part of its work to celebrate and promote the Welsh language in the community. 

"The whole idea behind Doctor Cymraeg has always been to help people realise that learning Cymraeg doesn’t need to feel difficult or intimidating – it can be enjoyable, social, and something we all share in together. Paned a Sgwrs is exactly the kind of relaxed setting where that can happen, and I can’t wait to join in with the conversations in Llangollen.” 

Rhys Davies, Board Director and Welsh Language Lead of the Eisteddfod, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Doctor Cymraeg to Llangollen. His posts have created a real buzz around the Welsh language, making it feel fun and accessible for everyone. This new Paned a Sgwrs night is about exactly that – enjoying Welsh together in a welcoming space.” 

In June, the Eisteddfod received Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner, a prestigious mark that underlines its determination to embed Welsh in all aspects of its work and to create opportunities for everyone to take part. 

The “Paned a Sgwrs” evening is free to attend and open to all volunteers and the whole community – whether beginners, learners, or fluent speakers – and promises a relaxed and welcoming setting to practise the language together over a cuppa. 

* Dr Rhys Davies has been working with Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones to improve the Welsh Language offer in Llangollen.

Young performers to sing live before next New Dot screening

* Ewan Smith and Rose Burgon will sing live before the next New Dot Screening.

New Dot Cinema has arranged to have two young local musicians, Ewan Smith and Rose Burgon, performing an acoustic set before it's next screening, A Complete Unknown, in just over a week's time.

Ewan, who gigs all over North Wales and beyond, has been playing for around 11-15 years, and his catalogue usually consists of 80's to present day rock and alternative music.

Rose, who is only 16 years old, lives in Llangollen. She enjoys singing a wide range of music from 60's folk to musical theatre and opera.

She is often seen performing on the many stages around Llangollen, both solo and collaborating with her friends.

A spokesperson for New Dot said: "We are really looking forward to having them both team up on Friday September 26.

"You can still get tickets for A Complete Unknown, the story of the early days of Bob Dylan, via our website www.newdotcinema.org or cash payments from Laura's Tearoom Llangollen or by scanning the QR Code on posters about town."

MS concerned over drop in the number of visitors to North Wales

* Sam Rowlands MS speaking in the Senedd chamber.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says the fall in the number of visitors to his region this summer is "deeply troubling". 

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, asked First Minister Eluned Morgan did she appreciate the damage their policies were having on this sector.

 

Mr Rowlands, who constantly argued against the introduction of the 182-day holiday let rule and continues to voice his concern at the looming tourist tax, said: “Tourism is undeniably important to the Welsh economy, in particular in North Wales,  where it supports thousands of jobs and plays a vital role in local prosperity.

 

“As we know, the sector accounts for around one in eight jobs, contributing significantly to GVA. Yet, despite its importance, we continue to see policies that actively undermine the sector, and, as a result of this, in North Wales the picture is especially concerning.

 

“I have reported to me that over 70% of attractions in the region have reported fewer visitors this Summer, with some resorts seeing business fall by as much as 30%. For a region so reliant on seasonal trade, these figures are deeply troubling.

 

“Tourism businesses in Wales need our support. So, I ask: First Minister, does the Welsh Government recognise the damaging role that policies like the 182-day rule, underinvestment in marketing and the looming tourism levy are having on businesses like these?”

 

The First Minister said the visitor levy was partly being introduced to balance the needs of visitors with the needs of local communities and, regarding the 182 days, it was important that property owners make a fair contribution to the economy.

 

Mr Rowlands added: “The Welsh Labour Government is not listening to the very real concerns of holiday businesses owners and fears for the future of the tourism sector here in North Wales.

 

“I have said many times, it is heartbreaking to hear that owners face having to discount their properties or rooms to encourage more visitors to reach their 182-day let targets.

 

“Not only that we had the ridiculous introduction of a default 20pmh speed limit, which again puts people off visiting the area and now of course there are plans to charge tourists for staying in overnight accommodation from 2027.

 

“The tourism industry is struggling and the Welsh Labour Government need to give it more support.”

 

Why National Park consultation is not being held in Llangollen

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has responded to a question over why Glyn Ceirog and not Llangollen has been chosen for the venue for a public consultation session on the proposed new National Park which includes the town. The 12-week consultation process on the planned Glyndŵr National Park by NRW began yesterday (Monday).

It follows two years of detailed evaluation commissioned by Welsh Government, including data gathering, technical assessments, and engagement with communities and stakeholders across the region. NRW has arranged a series of consultation sessions and the one for the Llangollen area is due to be held at the Ceiriog Centre in New Road on Wednesday October 15, from 4-7pm. However, llanblogger readers have questioned why it can’t be held in Llangollen itself as the larger area. A spokesperson for the NRW arranging the sessions said: “The choice of venues in 2025 has been influenced by a range of factors including when potential venue availability and our availability overlapped, a desire to provide opportunity in areas newly included in the proposal (Ceiriog valley for example) and a reasonable spread from North to South across the proposed National Park. “Llangollen has been a preferred venue for us and we used it in our earlier consultations in 2023 and 2024. “Unfortunately, we are unable to make it to Llangollen on this occasion, although there will be an event in Corwen which we felt would offer reasonable opportunity to people from the Llangollen area.” NRW’s programme manager, Ash Pearce, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect nature, support communities, and shape a better future for this stunning part of Wales. We know change can be difficult, but with the right approach, a new National Park could bring real benefits for people, wildlife and the local economy. “Members of the public, organisations and stakeholders are encouraged to attend an event, examine the proposal and have their say by responding to the consultation." The person who questioned the session's location said: "I am concerned that this won't be adequately advertised in the Llangollen area and the response will be lower. The reliance on social media to get feedback or advertise events shows a lack of effort in trying to get a balanced response from the community." The person suggested that those who know about the Glyn Ceidiog meeting should spread the word to those they know are not on social media. * For information on the consultation events, visit: Statutory Consultation Events 2025 * To respond to the consultation, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/proposed-national-park-statutory-consultation-2025 Responses must be received no later than the closing date, Monday 8 December 2025. For more information on the background to the proposal, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/new-national-park-proposal-information-page-wales/

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Latest from the big dig at Castell Dinas Bran

* An area cordoned off for the dig around the castle.

Here's the latest on the archeological dig being carried out at Castell Dinas Bran in partnership with Heneb, the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley team and supported by Cadw.

llanblogger caught up on the excavations with Sue Evans and Sam Thomson from Llangollen Museum to hear how the first days of this year’s dig are unfolding.

Sue Evans said: “It was a very, very blustery start on Day 1 – the weather was against us, but spirits stayed high! Our focus this year is the medieval gatehouse, building on what we uncovered in 2023. 

"But what’s really exciting is that, for the first time, we’re putting a trench on the Iron Age ramparts. That’s completely new ground for us, and the team – including fantastic local volunteers – couldn’t wait to get started. We managed to strip turf on both trenches despite the wind, which felt like a real achievement.”

* A trench dug by experts to look further into the ground.

Sam Thomson: “By Day 2 things had calmed down a bit, at least on the eastern side. At the gatehouse trench we started to see later Victorian pottery coming up – probably linked to the old café that once stood on the castle site. Over at the ramparts, my trench exposed bedrock quite quickly on the slope, while colleagues working in the ditch unearthed medieval pottery – actually more than we found at the castle itself. It’s a reminder of just how complex the story at Dinas Bran is.”

Sue Evans again: “This is such an amazing opportunity for us, and we hope to be able to get some dating evidence during the dig which will enable us to consolidate what we think we know about the site. We will be sharing updates regularly, but if anyone is passing by, we’d love people to come along, ask questions, and see the progress for themselves. Our ultimate aim will be to have a display in the museum of the findings – watch this space!”

Dig background

The latest previous excavations at Dinas Bran shed new light on the medieval gatehouse. Archaeologists were able to confirm the layout of the defensive structures, including the portcullis, main gate door jamb, draw-bar holes, and the base of an elaborately carved wall pillar. 

Evidence also suggests there are still well-preserved sections of high-status masonry buried on site, which could help determine whether the princes of Powys employed Welsh or Marcher masons during construction.

The team also confirmed the location of the doorway into the southern turret guardroom and uncovered surviving medieval floor levels within the gate passageway. Although the original floor in the southern turret could not be reached due to deep backfill, it almost certainly remains intact.

While artefacts were limited, two decorated shards of 13th-century pottery were found at the eastern entrance. Most importantly, the excavation has shown that extensive medieval deposits still survive beneath layers of rubble and landscaping debris. This means there is strong potential for further discoveries and more precise dating evidence in future investigations.

Next Tourism Forum to be held at The Wild Pheasant

Tourism businesses and organisations are being invited to the next Denbighshire Tourism Forum, taking place on Wednesday, October 15 at The Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen (10.30am–1.30pm).

The Forum offers a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the sector, connect with like-minded businesses, and share experiences, say organisers.

This year’s programme includes a range of expert guest speakers:

• Gail Swan, Chair of the Taste North East Wales Food and Drink Group
• Lucy von Weber, Head of Marketing, Visit Wales
• Head of Service for Tourism, Denbighshire County Council

Delegates will have the chance to browse a variety of information stands from organisations including Coleg Cambria, Development Bank of Wales, Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Woodland Skills Centre, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen & Corwen Railway and Denbighshire Tourism.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Tourism plays such a vital role in Denbighshire’s economy and culture, and the Forum is a fantastic way for us to come together, share ideas and support one another. Whether you’re a small business, community organisation or part of a larger attraction, I’d encourage you to come along and be part of the conversation.”

Registration opens at 10.00am, with the Forum beginning at 10.30am, followed by a buffet lunch and networking at 1.30pm.

* Places are free, but booking is essential. Reserve your spot today: Eventbrite Booking Form.

MP welcomes new 'Hillsborough Law' as it starts its Parliamentary passage

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins (pictured) has welcomed the long-awaited "Hillsborough Law" which the Government has been introduced into Parliament today.

Known officially as the Public Office (Accountabilty) Bil, it has been called for by the families of those who died during that tragedy.

It aims to introduce a new legal duty of candour on all public officials and authorities to prevent the kind of cover-ups seen after the Hillsborough disaster as well as in the Horizon Post Office and infected blood scandals and the Grefell Tower fire.

Public officials will have to act with honesty and integrity at all times and could face criminal prosecution if they failed to do so. The bill will introduce a new offence of misleading the public.

Becky Gittins said: “This law is for the 97 who lost their lives and for every family who had to fight for decades for the truth when the state let them down.

“I am proud that this Bill has been introduced and I will be supporting it in Parliament. It delivers the commitment I was elected to make and ensures that truth can never again be concealed by those in power.”

Thailand cyclists have a rest in Vienna and a soggy ride for Budapest

* Battling through the rain and wind on the way to Budapest.

A couple of days' well-earned rest was on the itinerary for the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand as they hit Vienna on day 35 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. 

* The route taken by the lads to Vienna.

After storming across Europe they arrived in the Austrian capital to be overawed by its sheer scale and architectural beauty.

There was no cycling on the agenda for a day or two as they relaxed and did their washing. There was also a time for a little fun as they visited one of the big amusement parks.

Back on the road their next major objective was Budapest and they were soon battling through high winds and driving rain.

The final video bulletin of the week saw them looking forward to meeting Louis's mum and dad in the Hungarian capital city on the Saturday.  

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

Temporary traffic order made for Barbers Hill, Vivod

 

Denbighshire County Council has made a temporary traffic order prohibiting vehicles using Barbers Hill, Vivod, Llangollen effective from September 11, extending westward from its junction with Willow Street for a distance of approximately 520 metres.

The council says the closure is necessary to facilitate installation of ducting and a new carriageway chamber by Dave Group Ltd on behalf of Openreach.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the period of closure.

The signposted alternative route will be via Willow Street, Hall Street, A5 junction opposite Ystrad Hall on A5 to Tyn y Celyn Farm, and Foel to Vivod Bridge.

The works are expected to last approximately until September 25.

High wind fells tree which blocks the canal and touches nearby house

* The fallen tree blocks the canal, the towpath and has gone across the hedge to touch the house on the other side.

This morning's high winds blew down a large tree on the canal, completely blocking the waterway and the hampering walkers on the towpath.  

Its upper branches were also left touching the side of a house on the other side of the nearby hedge.

The fallen tree forced Llangollen Wharf to cancel the day's horse-drawn boat trips towards the Chain Bridge, which its manager Neil Tuffton reckons will have cost him between £300-£500 in lost revenue and cancellations.

* Some towpath walkers were able to negotiate the branches. Others were not.

He said: "The tree came down near the entrance to the marina sometime between nine and nine-thirty this morning and had been standing on the bank opposite.  

"As it had completely blocked the canal there was no alternative but to cancel the day's trips towards the Chain Bridge, which is four in all.

"I've spent the rest of the day phoning people who had booked to explain that we'd unfortunately had to cancel.

"I estimate that this will have cost us somewhere between £300 and £500 but it's just one of those things."

There was no-one available at the house on which the top section of the tree was lying.

More hardy walkers were able to duck under the tree to negotiate the towpath while others were seen to walk away in the opposite direction. 

* Today's horse-drawn boats towards the Chain Bridge had to be cancelled.

Around 2pm a spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust which controls the waterway said: "I’ve spoken to our teams in the area, and they’ve confirmed that contractors should be on site, if not arriving soon, and will be also attending another large branch that’s blocking the towpath further downstream."  

Family celebrate the life of the late Daphne Stallard

* Daphne Stallard.

Family members have set up a special website to celebrate the life Daphne Stallard who was killed in a road collision in Llandudno earlier this month.  

Mrs Stallard, 89, was the widow of the Rev Charles Stallard with whom she lived in Llangollen for 10 years at the time her son-in-law, the Rev Andrew Sully, was vicar of St Collen's.

She was the mother of the Rt Rev Mary Stallard, Andrew's wife, who has been Bishop of Llandaff in Cardiff since 2023.

On the website, the family says: "This site is a tribute to Daphne Stallard who passed away tragically and unexpectedly in Llandudno on Monday, 1st September 2025, aged 89 years. Of St Mary’s Road, Llandudno Daphne was an active Christian and volunteered in many roles, she also loved her garden, walking and letter writing. 

"Daphne was the loving wife of the late Reverend Charles, a proud Mum to Andy, Mary and John and a much loved Mam-gu to Harry, George, Jo and Carys. She was close to all her family especially Fiona and Andrew her daughter in law and son in law and all her relatives. Daphne will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her." 

Daphne's funeral service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno followed by a private family committal at Colwyn Bay Crematorium, on Monday September 22 at 12 noon.

The family add: "Family flowers only please. We are nominating just the two charities detailed here only, any contributions to these would be so gratefully received." 

Donations in memory of Daphne will be gratefully received towards Christian Aid, Gaza Appeal and/or Marie Curie Nurses, from this page or via the donations box at the funeral.

* To see the website, go to: Tribute to Daphne Stallard, 1935 - 2025

Road maintenance work planned for Nant Y Garth Pass

Denbighshire County Council Highways are set to begin works on a major Welsh Government funded road maintenance scheme on the A525 Nant Y Garth Pass. 

Significant resurfacing work is due to take place on the stretch of road from September 15 to October 19, weather permitting.

Traffic will be controlled using stop/go boards with convoy working so some delays should be expected, says the council.

As part of the works the road markings and studs will also be refreshed.

Some preparation work has already commenced, comprising of fence repairs and drain cleansing. 

The council has earmarked 57 locations in the county a two-year road maintenance programme, worth £4.780m over the next two yeears, to improve the carriageway surface condition on sections of the road network.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The council is fully aware that the state of Denbighshire’s road network is a regular topic from our residents. 

"We are grateful for the Welsh Government funding which will, along with the Nant y Garth Pass,  allow us to tackle a large section of our network which needs improving."

* Further information is available on our website www.denbighshire.gov.uk 

Museum tries to link huge Virginian estate with Llangollen

* Llangollen Farm pictured when it went on for sale $34m in 2019.

Llangollen Museum has been trying to help an American woman find links between the town and a prosperous family in the United States.

Back in September 2019 llanblogger carried a story about Llangollen Farm in the state of Virginia going on the market for a cool $34 million.

The equestrian estate had once been owned by the Powell family and was called after Llangollen because their ancestors were supposed to come from here.  

Six years later and the museum recently had a visit from Elizabeth Cooper, from Oregon. She was only in Llangollen for the day, having travelled here on the canal.

A descendant of the Powell family, she was attempting to find links with her Powell ancestors in Llangollen.  

But Peter Jones from the museum team says that although parish records show baptisms of Powells as early as 1625 it was not possible to link them with the Virginia Powells.  

Peter, who has exhaustively researched the subject, went on: "The first Powell associated with the house [in Virgina] was Lt Col Leven Powell (1738 - 1810). He was a member of the First Continental Congress. He was a major, then a Lt. Colonel in the Continental Army.  

"He was with George Washington and the Continental Army for a period of time but after a long illness at Valley Forge, he was furloughed by Gen. Washington.  

"His son was Cuthbert Powell (1775 - 1849) who made his fortune alongside his brother, Leven Powell, Jr. (1772-1807), as a merchant and ship owner. In 1788 Cuthbert married Catherine Simms, daughter of Col. Charles Simms. The couple had ten children. 

"He retired to 'Llangollen,' Loudoun County, Virginia in 1812 after a decline in business. Later he was elected to serve in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly; the Virginia State Senate in 1829 and the Virginia House of Delegates in 1840. 

"He completed preparatory studies; studied law, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Alexandria and was mayor of Alexandria. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, held various local offices, served in the State senate 1815-1819; member of the State house of delegates in 1828 and 1829, elected as a Whig to the Twenty-seventh Congress (March 4, 1841-March 3, 1843) died in 'Llangollen,' Loudoun County, Va., May 8, 1849. Cuthbert was interred in the private cemetery on his estate, 'Llangollen,' near the town of Upperville in Loudoun County, Va."

llanblogger's story on Llangollen Farm, Virginia, told how five million acres of prime land in the state were granted to the Fairfax family by the kings of England in the 17th century, 600 of which ended up with the Powells who built an impressive mansion which passed from one blue blood owner to another.

They included the Whitneys who founded the Llangollen Race Meeting, a steeplechase that attracted 20,000 spectators, and built ancillary buildings on the property, including the now-famous “horseshoe stables” for their show-ponies. They added a polo field, nine houses for guests, a race track, a training track, and, most impressive of all, a hyper-sophisticated water system that remains to this day. 

Civic Service celebrates community of Llangollen

* The Mayor and Mayoress follow the Deputy Mayor into church.

* Llangollen Silver Band plays during the service.

* Civic heads from neighbourhood local authorities.

* The  Community Candle was lit at the front of the church.

Llangollen Town Council arranged a Civic Service at St Collen's Church this morning (Saturday).

Led by Father Lee Taylor, it was attended by the Town Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Aled Morris and Sarah Griffiths, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, and a number of town councillors. Llangollen Silver Band provided the music.

Also present was the area's MP, Becky Gittins, civic heads from neighbouring local authorities and representatives of local organisations and businesses including Llangollen Railway, Llangollen Wharf, Llangollen FoodShare, the Royal British Legion's local branch, Llangollen Inner Wheel, Llangollen Museum and Cytun (Churches Together) Llangollen.

In his address, Father Lee spoke about the importance of community and the Mayor lit a symbolic Community Candle at the front of the church as a sign of the town's shared responsibility and hope for every part of life in Llangollen. Smaller candles were lit by the representatives of organisations and businesses. 

Later, there was a reception at the Town Hall for all those who attended. 

Bingo night planned for Nightingale House

 

Twenty Club has another cunning Blackadder plan

Rehearsals have started in earnest for the Twenty Club's November production of Blackadder Goes Forth. 

The last in the series of four, it is set in World War One and has a host of well-loved characters, spearheaded by Blackadder and his ever-loyal servant Baldrick.  

With a very talented, dedicated and hardworking cast, some roles are being reprised by the same people as in previous productions but there are plenty of new faces to welcome, too.

Life in the trenches is hard, it's dangerous and Blackadder is busy devising ways of finding himself a safe job well away from the front line, going so far as to attempt to join the Royal Flying Corps.

Another attempt to dodge the bullets has Blackadder volunteering to organise and oversee a proposed concert in London., roping in Lieutenant George as the star turn - with dire consequences. 

The final episode of four, Goodbyee, touches on the stark reality of war, a poignant end to a truly memorable run of Blackadder.

Early bird tickets are on sale throughout September for the bargain price of £10.

The production team is hard at work on all aspects of staging this ambitious play, spearheaded by new director Naomi Riley.

As an accomplished set designer and builder, Naomi says she is relishing the challenge of bringing all these colourful characters to life.

Tickets are available online or from Courtyard Books and The Oggie Shop.   

The show runs feast from November 12-15, including a matinee on the 15th.