Items from the past found under church floor

* Items found under the floor including glass, lead, nails and a 1919 coin.

Genesis Project Manager Sue Evans along with engineers, an archaeologist, and the church’s architect Duncan Sanderson recently visited St Collen's to closely inspect the void beneath the timber platform holding the pews as part of the on-going re-ordering.

Chris Williams, from Heneb, Clwyd-Powys Archaeology https://www.facebook.com/cpatarchaeology said: “The visit was necessary to develop a design specification for the proposed heating system, the removal of some of the pews and relocation of the font.

“Seven trial holes were opened in the oak flooring of the platform to test different areas.

“The findings from the day show that the base below the platform throughout the church consisted of a compacted lime mortar-rich soil with a combination of mortared stone debris and wood shavings, likely from the construction and subsequent modifications to the timber platform.”

Sue was later able to show members of the congregation some of the items found under the flooring, which included Victorian glass and lead from the windows, Victorian nails and tiles and a coin dating from 1919.

* Expert inspection under the pew area.

The results from the day will enable the project to design a new heating system for the church.

This is just a small part of the much larger project to create a community space within the building, the money for which has been provided by the Heritage Fund and will include the provision of a toilet and kitchen in the church.

Sue added: “We will soon be undertaking some community events which will enable us to research the rich history of the building. So if you would like to be involved with these events then please do get in touch with us.”

Big tent now fully ready for Eisteddfod action

Eisteddfod volunteer Issy Richards was at the International Pavilion yesterday (Monday) to capture the dramatic scenes as the heavy machinery went into action to put up the rear section of the iconic "big tent".

In just a couple of months time it will provide the extra audience requirements for the world-class entertainers such as Sir Tom Jones and Katherine Jenkins who are lined up to appear within it along with a host of talented competitors from across the globe. 

Tractor run raises £2,100 Teenage Cancer Trust

Members of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club and Llangollen Young Farmers' Club got together to mark the second donation made possible by their very successful Illuminated Tractor Run last December. 

A total of £2,100 is being sent to assist the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust which works across the UK  supporting young people who are making their way through some difficult times in their lives and their families too.

Both organisations would like to thank everyone locally who helped and supported making these donations possible.

Full hybrid new Suzuki makes for some Swift handling

New Suzuki Swift drive by Steve Rogers

Suzuki could not have picked a better time to launch its new Swift.

Why? Because the supermini cake is getting smaller. Ford shocked the motoring world when it ditched the huge selling Fiesta, add other big hitters like Nissan Micra and Kia Rio and the list of rivals is shrinking.

Not that it is going to be plain sailing, there is still good opposition around yet new Swift has a strong story to tell: A starting price under £19k, class leading economy and a more than impressive spec list.

There are just two grades, Motion and Ultra, and the obvious pick is Motion. Suzuki has packed the entry model with all the essentials so expect LED headlights, heated front seats, rear camera and sensors, navigation with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections, adaptive cruise control and a generous list of other safety aids including blind spot monitor, cross traffic alert, and warning beeps if you stray off line.

Swift made its debut in 1985 but it was the 2004 model that made people sit up and take notice. The eye catching shape has stood the test of time although the new model has a redesigned front and is all the better for it.

There have been significant changes inside as well. The outdated dashboard has a more modern look with a lot of new tech in a prominent 9.2inch touchscreen along with an updated driver's binnacle.

It is still covered with hard plastics - the Japanese prefer it because it is easier to clean - yet it has a quality look about it helped by a two-tone finish.

Swift is one of the smallest superminis so don't expect masses of room. It can cope with four adults but the boot is compact and will struggle to take anything more than three carry on bags.

The other big change is a new 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine. It is a self charging 12V mild hybrid so the benefit from the motor is restricted to a small increase in acceleration, lower emissions and smoother stop/start system.

Three-pot engines sound a bit gruff under hard acceleration but have good low down pick up and are generally frugal on fuel. The Swift is exceptional with a class leading 64mpg from the five speed manual. Performance is only adequate and you will need to drop down gears on hills where it runs out of puff.

The car would benefit from a full hybrid set up like the new MG3 which is way faster but with the extra weight of a battery pack will drink more fuel and cost more.

Suzuki is offering a CVT automatic linked to its highly efficient AllGrip all wheel drive system and for the first time AllGrip will be available with the five-speed manual.

A big part of the Swift's charm is its sporty handling. It is a fun car to dart through twists and turns, body movement is under control and the steering quick and precise. No understeer, no drama just an easy, rewarding drive.

Will there be another Sport model? Who knows because UK Director Dale Wyatt gave nothing more than a considered 'may be' when I posed the question. But he did reveal that Suzuki will launch its first battery electric car next year.

If you lived in India your car would probably be a Suzuki where the company rules the roost with almost half the car market. It has never been very easy in the UK in spite of an enviable reliability record, but they have smoothed over a few rough edges and with its competitive price and outstanding economy this could be the time to go for glory.

Fast facts

Swift Ultra mild hybrid

£20,549 (starts £18,699)

1.2 litre petrol; 82bhp

0-62mph 12.5secs; 103mph

64.2mpg combined

99g/km. 1st year tax £165

Boot: 265-589 litres

Insurance group 27

Operatic's Bad Girls musical now ready for release

* The irritable inmates.

Llangollen Operatic Society are in the last few rehearsals for their forthcoming show, Bad Girls. 

It's billed as a fast-paced, funny, raunchy look at prison life for a bunch of inmates having to deal with less-than-wholesome prison staff. 

“Sprits are high and there's masses of enthusiasm," reports artistic director Chrissie Ashworth.

"And there's absolutely nothing being left to chance, we've got this nailed!"

Bad Girls runs at Llangollen Town Hall from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 May, including a Saturday matinee. 

Producers say that due to the adult nature of some scenes it is not suitable for under-16s. 

* Tickets are available from: Llangollen Tourist Office, Llangollen Oggie Shop, or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

* The severe staff.

EE warns of possible service disruption

9.21pm update: EE says the problem has now been fixed. 

EE has issued a warning about possible loss of its service in the Llangollen area, presumably as a result of this evening's thunderstorm.

It says: "MyPlace update: Just to let you know, we have a problem near Llangollen which may be affecting service in the area.

"Everything should be back to normal within 15 hours. We will continue to keep you updated. 

"To keep connected simply use WIFI calling, to get started click here ee.co.uk/wifi-calling."

Change of opening hours for county's libraries

From June 1 the opening hours of Denbighshire’s libraries and One Stop Shops will be changing.

The new hours have been informed and tweaked by library staff, library users and the numerous responses to the public consultation to fit each individual libraries' needs on a case-by-case basis.

The full array of library services are being maintained, and a full programme of activities will be available to users throughout Denbighshire, says the county council. 

The popular Bookstart rhymetime sessions are continuing, and people will still be able to drop into their local Talking Point to find out what help and support is available in their local area, but there may be some changes to specific times.

The Digital Library offering will continue to be available 24/7, giving library members free access to eBooks, audiobooks and ePress via the Borrowbox app, and digital magazines via the Libby app.

* The changes which apply to Llangollen library are:

Wednesday - 2.5pm; Thursday - 10am-1pm and 2-5pm; Friday - 10am-1pm and 2-5pm; Saturday - 9.30am-12.30pm.