New jobs and training hub launched in Llangollen with £500,000 grant

* South Denbighshire Community Partnership celebrating at Llangollen after clinching £500,000 in Lottery Funding, From left, are Gwion Tomos Jones, SDCP, Liz Grieve, Denbighshire County Council, Julian Sampson, SDCP Chair, Sally Lloyd Davies, SDCP Project Manager, and Ken Skates, Senedd Member for Clwyd South. Picture by Mandy Jones Photography.

A £500,000 lottery grant will fund a new community hub in Llangollen to help people in the Dee Valley find work, skills and training.

Social enterprise South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) will take over the town library one day a week to launch a new Development and Learning Hub in partnership with Working Denbighshire, the county council’s employment and skills arm.

The project aims to give local people easier access to job opportunities, course and support – and make sure rural communities aren’t left behind.

The plan was unveiled by SDCP Project Manager Sally Lloyd Davies at events in Llangollen and Corwen to celebrate the award of the Big Lottery Fund grant from the People and Places fund to expand its services for the next four years.

As well as managing two community centres, Canolfan Ni in Corwen and Pengwern Community Hub in Llangollen, SDCP provides a raft of services designed to “improve the health and wellbeing” of mainly older and vulnerable people in the area.

According to Sally Davies, the new funding was a “huge vote of confidence” in the work of SDCP.

She said: “It tells us that people wanted us to carry on the work we have been doing since 2010 and to continue to expand the services we offer in the Dee Valley.

“The new Development and Learning Hub will increase access to employment and training in a collaboration with Working Denbighshire to take advantage of their specialist and targeted services.

“There is a real need for this service in the Dee Valley and basing it in Llangollen will enable us to more easily link in with organisations like Coleg Cambria to provide a long-term solution to the challenge of providing upskilling and employment opportunities in the Dee Valley.

“In our work in the community we have found that the Welsh language, local heritage and culture are massively popular and we are also listening and reacting to that and seeking to expand our services.

“We have a really good working relationship with Denbighshire Council and are looking to develop services by using Llangollen library as a hub on the days when the library is closed and that alongside our base at Pengwern Community Hub gives us a strong presence in the town.

“We can back that up with our transport services to help people from Corwen and Edeyrnion travel to Llangollen.

“That is helped by the renewed funding for our transport programme and now with this grant we have the staff, the centres and the contacts to help and support the people of our communities.

“People want to work with us at SDCP because they know we can get the people in – not just Denbighshire Council but many other providers and working with them brings huge benefits to our area.”

The award has been welcomed by Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Minister for North Wales, Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s local Regional Member of the Senedd, and by Liz Grieve, Head of Housing and Community Service at Denbighshire County Council.

Ken Skates said: “SDCP has done phenomenal work in securing this significant grant by putting together such a strong and compelling bid and we are already seeing the benefits of it in this community.

“It’s a perfect example of how community funding can reach into every part of the UK and bring about beneficial change in how people interact with each other and offer them a range of services and opportunities that are life-enhancing.

“What they are doing is not just benefiting the physical health of the people of the Dee Valley but also benefits them mentally and spiritually.”

Llyr Gruffydd attended the event in Corwen and said: “It was great to join SDCP and local residents to celebrate this huge vote of confidence in the power of community enterprise.

“When the public and private sectors withdraw services it’s often the local community that steps in to fill the void. SDCP has not only done that, but it has also gone further in empowering local people and communities to do even more.

“This is the start of a new and exciting chapter for communities across south Denbighshire, and I look forward to supporting SDCP and its great work for years to come.”

Liz Grieve added: “One of the reasons SDCP is so successful is that they do what it says on the tin and it’s all about South Denbighshire, its communities and partnership working.

“SDCP are great at maximising what they can get for their communities and they work with everyone and support everyone in a way that makes this part of the county thrive.

“From our point of view it’s a great partnership and SDCP have done a great job in getting this funding and will do a great job in carrying out their work.”

Llangollen residents Beryl Pugh Jones and Anne Davies attended the Llangollen launch event and Beryl said: “SDCP provide an excellent service, especially for those of us who couldn’t get out because there was no transport.

“But now they have given us a new lease of life with their transport and shopping services and their staff are marvellous, considerate, passionate and kind.

“It’s really good they have got this new funding because there’s something for everyone, no-one is left out.”

Anne added: “SDCP have started to develop services and now with the new funding they can do even more and they’re full of ideas – their community transport is a godsend.

“It’s really exciting for Llangollen and because we’re close to Wrexham its important that we’re not forgotten by Denbighshire and SDCP gives us a voice in the county because there are huge needs here as well.”

SDCP, founded in 2010 with a remit to combat rural poverty, has helped local people claim millions in unpaid benefits, forged strong partnerships with Denbighshire County Council, the Citizens Advice service and banking services, introduced community transport schemes along the Dee Valley, run a meals on wheels service and lunch clubs and even pioneered hydro-electric power schemes.

The events in Corwen and Llangollen showcased some of the services currently being provided by SDCP and its partners including health and social care, financial advice and support, transport, including bus and electric car services and hire, and health and fitness activities, story-telling, craft work and art classes.

* For more about South Denbighshire Community Partnership and about their work in the community go to www.canolfan-ni.org or https://www.facebook.com/SouthDenbighshireCommunityPartnership or call 01490 266004.

Mother tells her own story to Leader for Baby Loss Awareness week

 

* Last night Castell Dinas Bran was specially lit up for an hour to mark the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week by Orb Sound and Lighting.

For Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9-15), a brave Llangollen mother has shared her story with Leaderlive to raise vital awareness for others.

* To see the full story, go to: Llangollen mother determined to raise baby loss awareness | The Leader

Council plans to be build car park near cemetery, says story

A story in North Wales Live says a council is planning to build a car park at a cemetery in Llangollen after residents complained about traffic issues. 

It adds that Andrew Ford of Denbighshire County Council has applied to the council’s planning department, seeking approval for the proposals on Vicarage Road.

* For the full story, go to: New car park for Denbighshire cemetery after complaints from residents | North Wales Live

Details given of former town clerk Ian Parry's funeral

* Ian Parry and his wife Cerys.

Details of the funeral of Llangollen's former town clerk, Ian Parry, have been given by his family.

Ian passed away peacefully on October 2.

His funeral will take place at St Collen's Church in Llangollen at 1.30pm on Wednesday October 29, followed by a wake at the nearby Hand Hotel. Meanwhile, there will be a service of committal for the family at Wrexham Crematorium

Ian grew up in around the Cefn Mawr and Acrefair area and started in local government from almost day one of his working life, taking a job with Wrexham Council.

After a period in local government London he and his family moved back to Wrexham in 1997 and, for a short time, Manchester before he was appointed as Llangollen's town clerk.   

Outside work, Ian took on voluntary roles with the town's Christmas and food festivals.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2010 he recognised the need for a local group where people could come together for advice and companionship, and with the late Mike Law set up the Llangollen Prostate Support Group. This is still running today, currently has a membership of 40 and would love to welcome more to it.

Ian is survived by his wife Cerys and his two sons, Ross and Ryan, along with his grandchildren Jay, Aaron and Sophie.

Llangollen lads cycling to Thailand head into bear territory

* The lads paid a visit to a Bulgarian barber shop for some much-needed haircuts.

It was time for a haircut, battling through heavy rain and trepidation about entering bear territory as the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand ventured deeper into eastern Europe on the latest leg over their epic road trip.

Known collectively as The Westheads, 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 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. 

Day 66 of their video log shows a shot of Louis' pedal dropping off as they entered Bulgaria.

Next day there was a visit to the local barbers for some much-needed haircuts before they were back in the saddles and completing another 60 kms.

Day 68 saw the lads enduring what one of them described as "biblical" weather which left them with sodden shoes and, later, some further bike trouble. They were also contemplating finally parting ways with the mighty Danube river which they have been following for the past five weeks. 

Day 70 marked 10 weeks since they left Llangollen, a stop-over at a Bulgarian town named Veliko Tarnovo and their arrival at the foot of some steep hills known to be inhabited by bears, which they decided to tackle in daylight rather than as darkness was falling.

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

Llangollen riverside pub goes up for lease

A waterfront pub in Llangollen is now up for lease as its current owners look to retire, says a story in Leaderlive. 

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell the lease for Benson's Hotel for £90,000.

* For the full story, go to: Llangollen's Benson's Hotel looking for new owners | The Leader

Local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

Junction of Chapel Street and Regent Street, until 25/10/2025, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works GTC, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Jct Heol Esgob MILL STREET, 27/10/2025, Gwaith Torri Coed / Tree Cutting Works

A539 Brook Street, Llangollen 03/11/2025 - 27/03/2026, Active Travel Improvements from the A5 up Brook Street, towards Ysgol Bryn Collen / Y Gwernant, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Jct Grange Road BACHE MILL ROAD until 26/10/2025, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works GTC

(carriageway)O/s 12 To 16 Maesmawr Road, Llangollen

MAESMAWR ROAD 10/10/2025 Change MH Cover Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has busy start to its 62nd year

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has had a busy start to its 62nd year.

At the first meeting, Mike Adams from Chapel St Coffee gave the members an interesting talk on all aspects of coffee growing and brewing.

Pat Evans, the Club Treasurer, presented the end of year financial report – the Club had donated a total of over £1,200 to five international charities, 13 UK charities and 10 local charities, including Llangollen Food share, St Collen’s Roof fund and Llangollen Pantomime.

The first charity event of the new year, the annual MacMillan Coffee Morning, was a great success.

On Sunday October 19 the 62nd Charter will be celebrated with a lunch at the Hand Hotel, when the speaker will be Becky Gittens MP. Friends and guests are welcome.

In November, the Club will be involved in Orange the World, a special worldwide initiative that focuses on ending violence against women and girls. It is hoped that other organisations in the town will want to join members in this initiative.

Inner Wheel is a worldwide organisation for women who enjoy fun and friendship, whilst supporting good causes. In Llangollen members enjoy working together to raise money with a series of small events within the busy Llangollen social calendar.

The Llangollen Club meets monthly and the committee have arranged an interesting programme of speakers and entertainment. New members are always welcome, if you think you would be interested, phone or text 07816 286436 for more details.

Kia Picanto is small but perfectly formed

Kia Picanto drive by Steve Rogers

It might be small but there is a big personality under the skin of the Kia Picanto.

This tiddler is the least expensive car I have driven in I don’t know how long, yet it had everything I needed, well I wouldn’t have minded heated seats but for less than £17k I can forgo that small pleasure.

Kia which, by the way, has just had its best ever September sales and is now the UK’s third most popular brand, is one of the few companies still building small cars, there is not enough profit in them, so they deserve a cheer for carrying on.

And make no mistake, Picanto is seriously good value for money even if you buy this basic model. Actually, basic is a bit of an insult because Kia has laid just about everything on a plate for Picanto 2 (the UK doesn’t get number 1, it is just for the home market).

Auto dipping headlights, air conditioning, all round electric windows, navigation, parking sensors and a crystal clear rear camera are all standard, not to mention a good handful of driver safety aids.

The spec is so good I thought I had been given a middle grade model, the only giveaway was the manual air conditioning which brings me to another satisfying chapter in the Picanto story.

Modern cars are generally complicated, some a nightmare. They have so much technology you spend an age working out how everything works before daring to drive away, and then you have to remember everything. Well relax, Picanto is like being on a stress free holiday.

Everything is nice and simple. Okay there is no keyless entry or start button, and there is a handbrake (rare these days) but this is part of the joy of Picanto. Slip it into gear and off to go. I even liked the chunky heating dials, one with five clearly marked options and the other with blue or red for temperature. You can have digital, but that is up a level.

Even the touchscreen is a doddle to master, helped by a row of quick keys for radio, navigation etc. The menus are clearly marked and the response razor sharp. My only gripe was the frequent loss of DAB radio signal.

Picanto is into its third generation and the latest update has brought it in line with Kia’s bold new design, the slimline vertical headlights and end to end light strip at the rear are a strong statement.

It also has a new digital driver display and again everything is clear with a steering wheel button to select additional information on the state of play with the car.

The range has been slimmed down, the 1.2 litre petrol dropped so it is just the 3-cylinder one litre option. If interested then get in now because the price is going up £630 for the 2026 model.

The one litre is not the quickest off the mark and would be trailing rivals like its Hyundai i10 cousin, which is turbo charged, and the Toyota Aygo X but it never bothered me and I was impressed with the engine’s flexibility, easily pulling from low revs. It is a five speed box and there is an automatic option. The good news is mid fifties to the gallon.

Space in a car this size is only ever going to be adequate so a tall passenger will be scrunched up in the back seat. For me Picanto is ideal for a couple wanting to downsize and whose children have flown the nest or as a second car for a young family.

The suspension is on the firm side so it is a bit of fun on twisty roads but back seat passengers will feel the bumps more than in the front because they are sitting over 14 inch wheels.

Another small car drawback is road noise - small wheels, short wheelbase, so you will need to pump up the radio volume when cruising.

But what is not to like about a car that is great value, very well equipped with low running costs, especially insurance. For those craving more creature comforts then go up the range, the most you will spend is 20 grand.

Picanto is small, but perfectly formed. I loved it.

Fast facts

Picanto 2

£16,065

1-litre petrol; 63bhp

0-62mph 15.4secs; 90mph

54.3mpg combined

116g/km. 1st tax £440

Insurance group 4

Boot: 255-1010 litres

Fron choir present lovespoons to Pavarotti's daughter in Modena

* David Jones, chairman of Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir (left), presents Welsh lovespoons to Alice Pavarotti, daughter of Luciano Pavarotti and his wife, Nicoletta, and  Massimo Mezzetti, Mayor of Modena. Also pictured is Leigh Mason, the choir’s Musical Director. Pictures by Stephen Cain.

A North Wales choir presented a Welsh lovespoon to the daughter of the late great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti before singing in his home city to mark what would have been his 90^th birthday.

The legendary singer always said he was inspired to pursue a singing career by his 1955 visit to Llangollen where the choir he and his father, Fernando, were members of, Chorus Rossini, won the choral competition at the 1955 Royal International Eisteddfod.

The 36 members of the Froncysyllte Choir flew back from Italy to Manchester early after a hectic weekend culminated in their singing several pieces to a packed house at the concert on Sunday evening.

Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta, had been instrumental in the issue of an invitation two months ago to the Fron choir to take part in the concert at the Teatro Communale Pavarotti-Freni in Modena.

The trip was made possible thanks to the backing of Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, owners of the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which supports cultural and community initiatives.

The arts loving couple are also long-term supporters of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and in July they accompanied Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, when she arrived at this year’s event by train from Corwen to Llangollen.

* Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir singing in Luciano Pavarotti’s home city of Modena on what would have been the opera superstar’s 90^th birthday.

Simon Atkinson, originally from Gresford but now living in Welshpool, a tenor in the choir and its press officer, said: “It’s been a hectic weekend but it’s been absolutely amazing.

“We flew out from Manchester on Friday, spent Saturday and Sunday in rehearsals and then flew home this morning after the concert.

“It’s been hard work but absolutely amazing and we did find time to visit Pavarotti’s home which is now a museum where there is so much memorabilia of his career but it really does feel like a home – there is even a half-written letter on his desk.

“There are costumes and photographs from his career and in pride of place on one wall is that 1955 success at Llangollen and when he came back to Llangollen in 1995 he said he was sorry it had taken him 40 years to return.

“We met one of the choristers who had come over to sing with Pavarotti in 1995 and it was all very emotional – I think a few of the choir had to take a moment to compose themselves.

“It has been a really emotional couple of days and we want to send our absolute, most sincere thanks to Mario and Gill Kreft because it’s been fantastic. This has been an incredibly memorable, once in a lifetime trip. It’s made lots of memories for people."

The Fron choir and musical director Leigh Mason were able to take a break from rehearsals on Saturday to go for a meal in Pavarotti’s favourite restaurant which is right alongside his former home – he had actually bought it and had his own entrance to the building.

The concert saw the choir sing three pieces in Italian in the first half of the concert and then three more in the second half, two in Welsh, the hymn Gwahoddiad and the lullaby Si Hei Lwli, and one in French, Bonjour Mon Coeur – Hello My Love.

Simon said: “At the end we joined in with their mixed choir and sang two pieces, finishing with Brindisi, which brought the house down. There was a 15 minute ovation at the end.

“Then we headed for our hotel, stopping off at a restaurant where we were joined by their orchestra and musica director and we presented them with our choir lapel badges before we boarded the coach and sang all the way to the airport.”

Choir chairman David P Jones, a bass from Rhosllanerchrugog, said: “The welcome we’ve had in Modena was wonderful and the programme they’ve provided for us it’s hard to believe we were only there for a couple of days.

“To stand on that stage in the theatre and look up at those boxes – it was so moving – it has been designed for people to sing without microphones and is very intimate.

“There were well-known artists on stage with us and to sing an operatic song with them was amazing and to have our own spot to perform is something we’ll never do again and it will go down in the Fron choir’s history.”

Vice-chairman Steve Winn, a tenor from Froncysyllte, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. I’ve been liaising with the Pavarotti Foundation and their planning has been absolutely spot on.

“Last night coincided with Modena’s celebration of World Heritage status and it’s been a fantastic weekend.

“To mark it we presented Welsh lovespoons to Pavarotti’s daughter, Alice  and to the Mayor of Modena.

“It’s always special when you sing together on stage but to be in that theatre where Pavarotti performed so many times was just wonderful.”

Mario Kreft said it was fitting that Pendine should help celebrate the enduring link between North Wales and one of the world’s greatest voices.

“Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most cherished tenors of all time, and it’s wonderful to think that his journey to greatness began in Llangollen,” he said.

“As we mark Pendine’s 40th anniversary, we’re proud to support the Froncysyllte Choir in joining Chorus Rossini in Modena for this magical performance.

“Music and the arts are the golden thread running through everything we do, so this felt like a perfect way to honour that connection.”

David Hennigan, from  Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Fron Choir’s trip to Modena has been such an incredible success and a truly inspiring experience.

“The special link between Pavarotti, this remarkable choir, the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Maria and Gill Kreft, and the Pendine Arts and Community Trust was strengthened this summer when we welcomed Nicoletta Mantovani to Llangollen to mark the 70th anniversary of Pavarotti’s historic concert at the Eisteddfod.

 

“Plans for the visit were even hatched on the Llangollen Railway as we all travelled through the beautiful Dee Valley to Llangollen.

“To see that connection celebrated in Pavarotti’s home city, on what would have been his 90th birthday, was truly special. We are so proud that the Fron Choir represented not just Wales, but also the Eisteddfod, on this international stage — sharing the very spirit of Llangollen with the world.”

Headliners announced for Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026

* Special guest: Marti Pellow.

Dance music pioneer Pete Tong and global music icon Billy Ocean, together with very special guest Marti Pellow, are bringing unmissable headline shows to Llangollen Pavilion next summer.

Pete and his world-renowned Ibiza Classics show – featuring The Essential Orchestra – will play TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday June 25.

On Saturday June 27 – Billy Ocean, the chart-topping legend behind such classic hits as Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) and Red Light Spells Danger, will headline the iconic Welsh venue with special guest and former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday via llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk  

* Music icon: Billy Ocean. 

From the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza to the world’s biggest stages, Pete Tong has redefined live dance music. Earlier this year, he celebrated the 10th anniversary of Ibiza Classics with four sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall alongside The Essential Orchestra and such greats as Becky Hill, Barbara Tucker, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, and Seth Troxler.

Throughout his remarkable 30-plus year career, Pete has championed dance music on a global scale, constantly pushing boundaries and supporting new talent. His contributions were formally recognised with the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) in 2021, honouring his outstanding impact on music and broadcasting.

Billy Ocean is one of the UK’s most enduring and successful artists. He has sold more than 30 million records worldwide, received GRAMMY and Ivor Novello Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award and an MBE for services to music.

* Dance music pioneer: Pete Tong.

Billy’s breakthrough came with Love Really Hurts Without You in 1976, followed by a string of global hits including Red Light Spells Danger, When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going, Loverboy, Suddenly, Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car, and the GRAMMY Award-winning Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) attracting millions of streams worldwide.

With more than 15 million albums sold, multiple Number One singles, and iconic hits like Sweet Little Mystery, Goodnight Girl, Love Is All Around, and Angel Eyes, Marti Pellow is one of the UK’s most loved and versatile vocalists.

Alongside a successful solo career – spanning pop, jazz, and soul – he’s also earned acclaim on the musical theatre stage, starring in Chicago (West End and Broadway), Evita, Jekyll & Hyde, Blood Brothers, and Chess.

Billy Ocean and Pete Tong join David Gray among the first headline announcements for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We’ve welcomed some legendary artists to Llangollen over the last two summers, and next year’s proving to be no exception.

“We’re particularly proud of the range of different genres this time around — there really is something for everyone at Llangollen Pavilion next summer! The Pavilion’s stunning setting, surrounded by the beautiful Welsh hills and the River Dee, makes it a truly special place to experience live music.

“The two shows we’re announcing today promise to be nothing short of spectacular: the soulful sounds of Billy Ocean with very special guest Marti Pellow, and the euphoric energy of Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics. Two incredible nights of world-class live music from some of the biggest names in the business."

* For more information go to llangollen.net