TV crew films at Pavilion about future of the Eisteddfod

* Myron Lloyd is asked about her experiences as an Eisteddfod competitor and volunteer. 

A film crew were at the Pavilion this morning (Thursday) to do a series of interviews on efforts to ensure the Eisteddfod survives and thrives following its financial problems of last summer.

A number of people were involved, including former Eisteddfod chair Dr Rhys Davies who was asked about the importance of the Welsh language to the festival.

Myron Davies of Ruthin spoke of her experiences as a long-time volunteer and former competitor and llanblogger's Phil Robinson answered questions on the relevance of the Eisteddfod to the town.

It is believed that the sequence will be shown on both TV networks before Christmas.    

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson is asked about the importance of the Eisteddfod to Llangollen.  

New science labs for Ysgol Dinas Bran

* One of the new science labs at the school.

Two new science laboratories have recently been installed at Ysgol Dinas Brân secondary school in Llangollen.

Funded by the Welsh Government Capital Grant, work to update many of the facilities including new worktops, chairs, outlets, and whiteboards began in mid-August of this year.

Lessons have now commenced at the new laboratories, with both staff and students benefiting from the new equipment.

Headteacher Mark Hatch is delighted with the new science laboratories and said: "Renovating the science laboratories has been fantastic for the school. A good learning environment is essential and the teachers and pupils enjoy being able to use and learn in the new facilities very much."

Councillor Gill German, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: "The investment in the science laboratories has been fantastic for the school and will give the pupils the opportunity to learn in a high-quality environment with great facilities.”

* The school's other new lab.

Latest local county council roadworks alerts

Latest roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council is: 

JUNC VICARAGE ROAD - JUNC FRON CASTELL FRON BACHE 02/01/2024 26/01/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 OUTSIDE GLANAFON ABBEY ROAD 12/01/2024 12/01/2024 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works NETWORK PLUS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

A542 OUTSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE, PARADE STREET LLANGOLLEN LL20 8RD CO ORDS: PARADE STREET 14/01/2024 14/01/2024 Gwaith ar Dwll Archwilio/ Man Hole Works ALUN GRIFFITHS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE NO.2 BACHE MILL ROAD 06/12/2023 12/12/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DANIEL) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

CHURCH STREET (46700268) LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGHSHIRE CHURCH STREET 09/01/2024 09/01/2024 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

EAST STREET 21/01/2024 04/02/2024 Resurfacing works DCC HIGHWAYS (PETER PARRY LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Llangollen youngsters are winners in MP's Christmas card design competition

* The winning card design by Chloe Williams of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant.  

* Runner-up designs by Taylor Butterton, Lola Penzer, Kacey Williams, Isabella Hardy Clarke and Amelia Dulson.  

Talented Chloe Williams, a 10-year-old pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant, has won the competition to design of the official Christmas card being sent by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes. 

One of the runners-up was Taylor Butterton (four) from Ysgol Bryn Collen. 

After launching the annual contest in September , Mr Baynes received a large number of pictures from primary school pupils across Clwyd South who were excited to showcase their artistic talents. 

He said judging the competition had been very difficult due to the high standard of entries. 

After finalising his choice, he has now congratulated the winner, Chloe Williams from Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant on her excellent design. 

Alongside Chloe, the five runners-up were announced, in age order, as Taylor Butterton (four) from Ysgol Bryn Collen, Lola Penzer (six) from Rhosymedre CP School, Kacey Williams (eight) from Ysgol Penycae, Isabella Hardy Clarke (10) from Froncysyllte CP School and Amelia Dulson (10) from Bronington VA School. 

Chloe will receive a £20 book token and the runners-up will each receive £10 book tokens. 

The winning design will feature on the front of Mr Baynes’s Christmas card which will be sent to the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, and other public figures in government and beyond, with the designs from the runners-up featured on the back of the card. 

Mr Baynes said: “I was delighted to hold my annual Christmas Card Competition again this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Primary School pupils who took part and congratulate the winning entries. 

"The standard of entries was extremely high, and it was very difficult to decide on a winner. I would like to congratulate the winner Chloe Williams on her excellent design as well as runners-up, Taylor Butterton, Lola Penzer, Kacey Williams, Isabella Hardy Clarke and Amelia Dulson on their fantastic entries. I was extremely proud to see the wonderful artistic talent we have here in Clwyd South.” 

New book celebrates picturesque Dee Valley

* Author Jessica Hatcher-Moore reads from the new book at the library launch event.

A fascinating new book, entitled Dee Valley: The Making of Our Picturesque Landscape, has gone on sale locally.

The book, produced by the Our Picturesque Landscape project and written by local author Jessica Hatcher-Moore, takes readers on a visual journey of the inspirational landscapes of the Dee Valley, and includes stories of the influential characters and events which have shaped the area over the last 400 years.

The coffee table-style book features some of the outstanding works of art which have been inspired by the picturesque Dee Valley over the centuries, including those by world-renowned painters such as Richard Wilson, Paul Sandby and J.M.W. Turner, as well as contemporary local artists still finding inspiration in the Dee Valley today. 

A series of historic postcards and photographs of the area are a welcome addition, alongside some of the beautiful written descriptions and poems that have been composed about the Dee Valley throughout the years.

The book will be available to purchase at local venues including Plas Newydd Historic House, Llangollen Tourist Information Centre and Loggerheads Country Park among others, and with a limited print run, those interested are advised to buy their copy early to avoid disappointment.

During the launch event at Llangollen Library yesterday (Tuesday) evening guests heard from the project team and author Jessica Hatcher-Moore about the inspiration and creative process behind the book, as well as picking up their own copies.  

The book has been produced through the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project, said: “The Dee Valley has played such an historically significant role in both the Picturesque art movement and the Industrial Revolution, and with this book we are delighted to be able to share the stories of how these very different aspects have combined to shape the Dee Valley of today. 

"We are really proud of this book, which beautifully depicts the changing landscapes of the Dee Valley, and are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the funding which has made our project, and this book, possible.”

Rotary to host carol singing extravaganza in town this Saturday

* Vale of Llangollen Rotary members tune-up for their carol singing on Saturday.

Members of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club #valeofllangollenrotary have invited the community to join them in singing carols in the town's Centenary Square this Saturday afternoon.

From 2pm passers-by will be asked to help spread seasonal joy and raise money for three good causes.

The afternoon's celebration will continue at The Cornmill restaurant and pub at 3.30pm. At 4.15pm the carol singers will move to The Three Eagles and festivities will conclude at The Hand.

Throughout the occasion club members will have buckets to collect donations for their three nominated charities - Llangollen Food Share, Welsh Air Ambulance, and the international disaster relief and first response organisation Shelterbox. 

For more information on these go to https://www.valeofllangollenrotary.com/projects-6

"We're thrilled to bring the community together for an afternoon of joy and goodwill," said a club spokesperson.

"This event not only allows us to celebrate the festive season but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those less fortunate. 

"We encourage everyone to join us in spreading holiday cheer and contributing to our fundraising efforts."

* For more information about the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club contact Kurly at: secretary.llangollenrotary@gmail.com 

Inner Wheel's Christmas Cheer charity event this Saturday

In aid of local charities, The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen will be hosting a charity evening of  “Christmas Cheer” in Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday December 16, starting at 7pm. 

Arranged with the help of local musician Owen Roberts, the evening will feature festive music and the talents of local soloists, including Phillip Robinson, Debbie Whitfield and Emma Williams.

In addition there will be a piano solo performance by Anna Romanenko, who originates from the Ukraine but now lives in Llangollen. 

There will be a glass of punch on arrival and a festive two-course supper at the interval for attendees.  

The evening’s celebrations will come to a close with some rousing community carol singing, led by Gethin Davies. 

Tickets cost £15 and include a glass of punch and festive supper. 

Money raised by the event will go towards helping to support local charities. In the past year, the organisations helped by the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen have included: Llangollen Food Share, Pentredwr Hub, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Wales Air Ambulance.

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has been in existence for 60 years and is part of a worldwide organisation with the aim of promoting friendship and providing service to the community. 

* To obtain tickets call 01691 828395 or 0781 6286436.