Volunteering inspires Corinne to brighten up her Llangollen neighbourhood

* The colourful car park inspired by Corinne's work at Plas Newydd.

A volunteering opportunity has helped inspire a gardener to brighten up her neighbourhood.

Corinne Barber of Llangollen has been taking part in volunteer gardening sessions led by staff at Plas Newydd and backed by Nature for Health.

Nature for Health is a collaborative project that works together with individuals and communities to highlight the role access to nature can have in improving health and wellbeing.

Plas Newydd has launched volunteering opportunities for keen gardeners who are also interested in preserving a piece of the town’s history.

The home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby contains around 10 acres of grounds from rose gardens to woodland and dell areas, complemented by a stream flowing through.

Corinne explained it had been an "inspiration" to volunteer at the historic site as one of the gardeners.

She said: “I live in a flat with no garden just a car park. I love gardening and a friend suggested I volunteer with you. I have a dog who is now old and not very able so taking him up there meant he could sit in the fresh air whilst I gardened.

“After a few months I felt inspired to try to make our car park more attractive not just for myself but the neighbours too. I painted the fences and potted loads of shrubs and plants. My sister made me a plant stand from a pallet and a neighbour painted ‘The Grapes Community Garden’ on it.

“Neighbours have all come together, some gave plants, some gave money and some gave gratitude and moral support. I have found by doing this the neighbours have come together. We have somewhere pleasant to sit and I added solar lights to give a nice ambience in the evenings.

“A few of us come together and sit outside for a chat and even people walking up and down the hill pop in for a chat to discuss the plants. I cannot believe the difference it has made to our little community and it is all because of my volunteering at Plas Newydd, it gave me the inspiration and confidence to create our own little oasis

Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “Volunteering to help with the garden at Plas Newydd is great opportunity for residents interested in gardening to boost their wellbeing by spending time helping in this wonderful outdoor area.

“It’s great to hear that Corianne has enjoyed this experience and used it to create a fantastic community garden area for her and her neighbours to enjoy and experience the benefit of the outdoors right on their own doorsteps.”

Eisteddfod brings 160 Railway Children to the festival

 

* The Railway Children give a cheer as they arrive at Llangollen station from Corwen.

* The Railway Children's train arrives at Llangollen.

* Town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais was on the station to officially welcome the children to Llangollen.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod teamed up with the town’s heritage railway to turn back time by more than 60 years for scores of eager schoolchildren.

On Tuesday, the first day of this year’s Eisteddfod, 160 pupils from three schools in the Dee Valley boarded a train to transport them in style between Corwen and Llangollen railway stations to enjoy Children’s Day which is traditionally held on the first day of the core festival.

And that’s something that’s not happened since the summer of 1963 when the last ‘Eisteddfod special’ left Corwen before the line was closed as part of the infamous Beeching rail cuts the following year.

Since then dedicated railway volunteers have gradually re-opened the whole of the 10-mile-long line, with the final link being completed last summer when the new £1.25 million Corwen station was officially opened by Lord Hendy, chairman of Network Rail.

This enabled a party of youngsters plus their teachers to travel into Llangollen station on Tuesday July 2 to enjoy a fun-packed day at the Eisteddfod along with their counterparts from schools across north Wales.

The three lucky Dee Valley schools involved in the time-shifting travel experience were Ysgol Bro Dyfyrdwy in Cynwyd, Ysgol Caer Drewyn in Corwen and Ysgol Carrog.

They were welcomed on Llangollen station by town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais.

Ian Lebbon, chairman of the Eisteddfod’s marketing committee who organised the special excursion, said: “Llangollen and Corwen Railway agreed to run the special service for pupils to attend our children day instead of travelling by coach. Not only was this good for our environment but added to the children’s excitement.

"The last children to use this exact route would have been pupils from Llangollen’s Ysgol Dinas Bran travelling from Corwen in 1963, which means it has taken over 60 years to return such a service.

"We did do our best to recreate the Eisteddfod special pre-pandemic in 2019 but that was before Corwen opened and we had to board the children at Carrog, the station further along the line.

“The first train direct from Corwen to Llangollen was a great success and we had five carriages filled with very happy children who just couldn’t wait to be taken up to the Eisteddfod field.

“I’d like to thank everyone who made this very special event so successful.”

Once on the Eisteddfod field the happy train travellers were treated to a special performance in the Pavilion featuring an interactive bilingual performance by an orchestra and storyteller plus the highlight of the annual Peace Message written by Elen Mair Robert and delivered by pupils from schools in Garth, Pentre and Froncysyllte.

One of the Railway Children was 10year-old Tomos from Ysgol Bro Dyfyrdwy in Cynwyd. He said: “I really enjoyed the train journey and am looking forward to seeing the Eisteddfod where I’ve never been before. I want to see all the things on the field and hear the Peace Message.”

And 11-year-old Jayla from Ysgol Caer Drewyn in Corwen said: “This is my first time visiting the Eisteddfod and it was great to come in on the train. I’m looking for forward to seeing everything and I’ll be coming back on July 12 to see the concert by Jess Glynne at the Pavilion.”

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has teamed up with Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor for this year’s festival. Bryan Adams, Simple Minds and Paloma Faith are just some of the names who have already performed on the iconic stage at Llangollen Pavilion.

A spokesperson for Llangollen and Corwen Railway said: “The railway is very proud to have been involved in the International Eisteddfod again after a long absence of running trains to bring schoolchildren and other guests to this historic and prestigious event.

"Our beautiful station at Llangollen has welcomed many visitors to the town since it first opened, some 162 years ago. We hope all those who travel with us over the next few weeks thoroughly enjoy their time at the Eisteddfod and take away extra special memories of travelling to the event by train.”

The Core Eisteddfod started on Tuesday – as thousands enjoyed a Children’s Day Concert in the Pavilion and a variety of performances throughout the day, on the vibrant outside stages.

Tom Jones made his Llangollen debut on Tuesday evening as the Eisteddfod embarked on its biggest and most ambitious festival yet.

Thousands watch colourful Eisteddfod parade go through town

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s celebrated Parade of Nations took place in the town this afternoon (Wednesday).

Thousands of spectators watched the colourful cavalcade start from the Eisteddfod and process through the town centre.

They were thrilled to see competitors and performers from as far away as Burundi, Canada, China, Ghana, India, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, USA and Zimbabwe alongside dozens of groups from the UK. 

The parade was to be followed by a huge party on the Eisteddfod field, where visitors will be able to get onto the "ground for a pound". 

Later in the evening Welsh folk heroes Calan will headline the Wales Welcomes the World concert in the Pavilion, also starring Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Johns’ Boys Chorus and Royal Harpist Alis Huws, alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra. 

Hundreds of young people hear Eisteddfod’s Peace Message

* Pupils from Garth, Pentre and Froncysyllte deliver the annual Peace Message from the Pavilion stage.

* The Pathway Group of Zimbabwe performed a routine for the youngsters who packed into the Pavilion for Children’s Day.

Hundreds of excited youngsters from schools across north Wales packed into the Pavilion yesterday (Tuesday) to hear Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s iconic Peace Message delivered from the main stage.

The message represents the true ethos of the Eisteddfod, which was founded in 1947 to foster peace and reconciliation through music in the aftermath of World War Two, and is a highlight of Children’s Day on the festival’s first day.

Written this year by Eisteddfod volunteer Elen Mair Roberts, the Peace Message was thoughtfully delivered by the pupils of three schools in the area – Ysgol Pentre, Froncysyllte County Primary and Garth Primary.

It began with the poignant words: “Peace is like a calm river that flows gently through our lives, bringing harmony and happiness. It means treating each other with kindness, respect and understanding,”

And it finished with powerful sentiment: “Even small acts of kindness, like helping a friend or sharing a smile, can make a big difference. We should embrace diversity and celebrate our differences. Each person is unique, and that’s what makes our world so beautiful.”

The message ended with the song, by Patsy Ford Simms and arranged for the Eisteddfod by Elen Mair Roberts and orchestrated by Eisteddfod Artistic Director Dave Danford, “We Are the Future of Tomorrow”.

Earlier the young crowd had been treated to special performances by Indian martial arts group Paallam Arts CIC, which the children cheered loudly as they went through a hectic fighting routine with sticks.

This was followed by a lively song-and-dance routine from the Pathway Group of Zimbabwe and an inter-active bilingual performance by award-winning storyteller Tamar Eluned Williams, accompanied by a four-piece ensemble of musicians from Sinfonia Cymru on harp, violin, percussion and guitar.

This told a tale from deep in the woods of long, long ago and had the children in the audience joining in loudly – in English and Welsh – whenever promoted from the stage.

The same performances and the Peace Message were repeated for an equally large group of children later in the day.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “The annual Peace Message is a wonderful tradition going back to the very beginning of the festival which embodies the true ethos of the Eisteddfod, that of peace and understanding through music and dance.

“This year it was beautifully and thoughtfully delivered by young people themselves to two very large and appreciative audiences.”

Tom Jones wows packed Pavilion crowd to open Eisteddfod week

* Tom Jones received a standing ovation - before he even sang. All pictures: Desh Kapur CUFF & TAYLOR.

* Australian indie pop band opened the show.

Tom Jones kicked off this year's Core Eisteddfod Week with his sell-out Ages and Stages tour at Llangollen Pavilion last night.

The Welsh superstar, renowned as one of the most accomplished musicians of all time, proved his legendary status when the entire audience gave him a standing ovation as he walked onto the stage - before he's even sung a note.

 

The sold-out crowd were treated to hit after hit as the international and multi-award-winning icon delivered an unforgettable performance, including massive hits It’s Not Unusual, What’s New Pussy Cat, Sex Bomb, Green Green Grass Of Home, Delilah, Leave Your Hat On and more.

 

Much to the crowd's delight, the legend showed no signs of slowing down: “We’ve travelled the world many times and we plan on travelling it many more times. We’ve had a ball up here tonight and we hope you have too…nos da duw bendithia…good night and God bless you all!”

 

Lead Programmer and Production Manager at the Llangollen Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “From the moment we announced our line-up at the end of last year, Tom Jones has been the talk of the town. Tonight has been the most amazing evening to kick off our Core Eisteddfod Week, and to have an artist of Tom’s quality and profile really does show how far our festival has come. This show will be remembered in Llangollen for a very long time.”

 

Opening the night was Australian sibling trio Germein.

 

The headline shows are part of a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

 

The series continues Friday (July 5) with Gregory Porter continuing the iconic Core Week of the International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

County chief says waste collection will improve in next week or so

* Graham Boase, chief executive of Denbighshire County Council.

Denbighshire County Council underestimated the resources needed in the early stages of rolling out its controversial new waste recycling system.

That is the admission from the authority’s chief executive Graham Boase in an email to llanblogger.

But he predicts that the number of missed collections will “significantly reduce” over the next week or so.

The new system – based on stackable Trolibocs rather than the old-style wheelie bins – was brought in for 43,000 properties across the county on June 3.

But it has led to a huge number of complaints from people – many from Llangollen - whose weekly collections have been missed.

Llanblogger’s Phil Robinson, who recently reported the issue to the public services Ombudsman for Wales, also wrote personally to the chief executive to ask for his observations on what has rapidly become a crisis of confidence in the organisation he heads.

Mr Boase responded: “You will have seen that both myself and the Leader of the Council have issued apologies for the issues associated with the roll out of our new waste and recycling service.  We have also said we acknowledge that apologies are not going to get the bins emptied.

“This is a major change involving a new collection regime across the whole of the County i.e. some 43,000 properties.

“It is clear we have underestimated the resources required in the initial phase of the roll out.

“This has resulted in a larger number of missed collections than we had anticipated, meaning that the planned mitigation for ‘mopping up’ those missed collections is currently insufficient to cope with the demand.

“This is despite careful planning, consulting with other authorities using the same system and receiving advice from WRAP (a climate change NGO – Non Government Organisation).

“We have identified temporary additional resources that will allow us to catch up, relook at some of routes etc to ensure no more missed collections.

“This will not happen immediately, but the number of missed collections will significantly reduce over the next week or so.

“Our new waste/recycling service allows for an increased emphasis on recycling, where quality kerb side separated material can be sold, as opposed to paying for the comingled material to be taken for separation, after which the quality of the material is often inferior. This is a model employed by the majority of Council’s in Wales so it works, but we accept we could and should have done better with our roll out.

“As I’m sure you can appreciate, I am receiving lots of correspondence at the moment due to the numerous issues we have encountered in the roll out of our new waste and recycling system. It is therefore difficult to respond to detailed questions as we don’t currently have the time, as we are trying to address the issues.”

Isuzu's go-anywhere 4x4 with something for everyone

Isuzu D-Max drive by Steve Rogers

With the best will in the world a mud-squelching field is not the place for this glitzy pick-up.

Well, you wouldn’t want to get that nice paint job dirty. No, towing a speed boat, carting surf boards to the beach, or adventuring off road is more the thing for the new breed of pick up. Forget big SUVs, the young trendsetters have been seduced by these customised trucks.

Take the D-Max. Only a third of its sales go to the heavy duty utility market, the rest are blinged-up lifestyle models that will set you back up to 40 grand and more. Isuzu even has a specialised centre that will do pretty much anything to make your pick-up stand out from the crowd.

During the pick-up exodus in 2021, Mitsubishi and Nissan the two biggest names to leave the field, smaller manufacturers like Isuzu and KGM Ssangyong grabbed the bull by the horns and took advantage of the big hole in the market.

Isuzu really went to town with D-Max offering a keenly priced single cab workhorse, extended cab (five seater with two doors) and a four-door double cab. They have a one-tonne payload and apart from the base single cab can haul three-and-a-half tonnes with every gizmo needed for serious off-road driving. Load-bed lengths range from 2330mm for the single cab to 1495mm for the double.

Stats from Isuzu show how the pick-up market has been turned on its head. Back in 2012 the all-purpose utility dominated the market, now that is down to a third with adventure and business models the big sellers.

Why choose a rough-riding pick-up over a comfy SUV? It is all down to tax breaks for company car drivers. Go for a pick up and the Benefit in Kind rate is lower than a car, regardless of the CO2 emissions even though they are pretty high on pick-up engines.

Isuzu is convinced its best selling D-Max will be the top of the range automatic V-Cross and here’s why. You can’t help but be sucked in with the smart paint finishes, 18in black alloys, and it does not stop there. Get behind the wheel and be pleasantly surprised by the layout and quality. There are hard plastic finishes but plenty of leather as well.

Equipment level is reasonably high with keyless entry, leather heated seats, all round electric windows, powered driver’s seat, six-speed automatic gearbox, if you prefer that over the manual, air con, auto dipping Bi LED headlights, camera and all-round parking sensors the stand out goodies.

Safety has not been forgotten either with an extensive list including cross traffic alert, my favourite because it is so helpful when reversing from a parking space, particularly with a vehicle this length.

The driver’s binnacle has a mound of selectable information while the central 9in touchscreen deals with the radio and bluetooth. Navigation is not an option but there are smartphone connections for Google maps and the like. Heating, thank goodness, is selected by physical switches in the centre console so there is no scrolling through menus and dabbing the touchscreen just to get the fan going.

The double cab is a good five- seater with ample width for bulky adults along the back seat which drops down to provide a solid flat surface for in-cab storage.

Bearing in mind the nature of the beast economy is reasonable averaging 33mpg, better than the official figure, with a best of 35mpg on a 120-mile round trip.

If a pick-up is on the shopping list then remember to have an open mind. D-Max is a tough off roader even wearing swanky V-Cross clothes, so expect a roughish ride on anything other than silky smooth tarmac surfaces. Piling some weight into the load bay will calm things down a bit.

The engine has an agricultural rap and is pretty noisy until it reaches cruising speed after 50mph. D-Max is the least powerful against its main rivals which won’t bother a farmer or tradesman who want plenty of torque for hauling loads and towing, but acceleration is way off the more powerful engines in the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hi-Lux - something Isuzu should consider if it is to keep pace with the growing demand for classy pick-ups.

For now everything is moving in the right direction. D-Max has been picking up awards left right and centre, and between the entry sub 30 grand utility and up-market V-Cross is a go anywhere 4x4 with something for everyone.

Fast Facts

D-Max V-Cross

£44,323 (starts £29,923)

1.9 litre diesel; 161bhp

0-62mph 13secs; 112mph

30.7mpg combined

241g/km

Insurance group 50

Towing: 3500kg

Payload 1090kg