Llangollen Museum re-opening soon after getting its new roof

 

* Llangollen Museum in Parade Street with its watertight new roof.

Here is the latest news from Llangollen Museum:

Hello everyone. 

The builders, Team Roundhouse, have now finished the work on the new roof and so we are watertight again, with a very slightly different looking building on the outside and a much improved Museum on the inside.

We have had grants from a number of different funders to help with the work, allowing us to improve the Museum and keep our local heritage accessible to everyone. 

Funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund, the Community Ownership Fund, the Denbighshire Key Fund, the Clocaenog Wind Farm Fund and the Welsh Government Collection Management Capital Improvement programme have helped us to not only replace the roof, but also to increase our artefact storage, along with a new environmental monitoring system, install a stairlift, improve signage, create new displays and improve our website, as well as purchasing the Museum building off Denbighshire County Council.

We will be spending February cleaning, moving the collection back into the Museum, setting up the displays and cabinets and getting ready to open again on Saturday 8th March. 

On that day, we will be having a Museum re-opening launch day event to which everyone will be welcome. The daytime on the 8th will see our first Finds Day of 2025 in the Museum. Dr Susie White, from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, will again be with us to identify objects that you have found, helping to unlock more of the secrets of the past, so please do bring along all of your finds for identification. Details will be posted on Eventbrite and on our Facebook events page.

In the evening, we will have the official re-opening event. Doors will open at 6.00pm and everyone is invited. The Llangollen Silver Band will be playing in the background as people arrive, look around and help themselves to food and drink. 6.30pm will see the official opening. Dave Crane from the Museum will say a few words about the programme and thank people. Our MP, Becky Gittins, who has been very supportive of the project, will then officially re-open the Museum, followed by a few pieces played by the Silver Band. 

Following the Silver Band, we will show the Animated Dee Valley heritage video, produced by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site. This short film shows some of the important changes that have happened around Llangollen in the last 2,700 years, but packs it all into 7 minutes. It reminds us why keeping places like Llangollen Museum alive in our community is so important, so that future generations can find out about their past.

Then people can mingle, have some more food and drink, and look at the displays, including our re-opening display of some of the paintings and prints that are usually kept in the archive stores.

Our first talk of the year will be on March 26th, at 7.00pm, in the Museum. Graham Edwards will follow up on his fascinating talk about the Welsh in Patagonia with 'The unique friendly relationship between the Welsh settlers and the native Tehuelches tribe in Patagonia'. Without a doubt, the settlers would not have survived without the friendship of the natives, who traded with them and taught them how to hunt. The amazing thing is not one drop of blood was spilled in their relationship and the Tehuelches referred to the Welsh as "Los Amigos".

April 30th will see Dr Jack Hunter give a presentation on 'The Paranormal Ecology of the Tanat Valley'. Watch our Facebook page for the details of this talk.

Although there have been a few delays, the setting up the Llangollen Museum Young Archaeologists’ group is ongoing. we are hoping to have a full programme for 2025 in place very soon. YAC members take part in all sorts of exciting, hands-on activities, such as excavation, working with artefacts, visiting historical sites and undertaking experimental archaeology. Anyone wanting to join our mailing list for updates please email cdv.yac@gmail.com.

For all of the latest information about what is happening at the Museum, do keep an eye on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Llangollen-Museum-100057657969751/. If you want to be more involved with the history of the area, and become a volunteer at the Museum, please contact our manager Gill Smith at gilliansmith2@hotmail.co.uk or on 07516 023524.

* The new museum roof from the inside.

Have your say on future of region's transport system

A public consultation has been launched giving residents, businesses and visitors the chance to shape the future of travel in the region.

And its organisers want to hear the views of people in Llangollen.

Ambition North Wales, which has responsibility for regional transport planning, strategic land use planning and enhancing economic well-being, is inviting feedback on the draft Regional Transport Plan for North Wales. 

The document sets out strategic policies and interventions for the next five years, covering all modes of transport, including rail, road, bus, walking, and cycling, and aims to provide better travel options, improve digital connectivity, and reduce environmental impacts.

The consultation represents the collective efforts and expertise of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, its Transport Sub-Committee and partners, including local authorities, Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government.

Councillor Goronwy Edwards, Chair of the Transport Sub-Committee, said: “This is an opportunity for people to tell us what’s important to them and how we can improve transport links across the region. Effective transport systems connect people to essential services, link businesses to employees and customers, and support a thriving economy. I urge residents to get involved and have their say.”

Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas, Committee Vice-chair, added: “Good transport links are vital for our communities. They reduce isolation in rural areas, improve access to services like healthcare and education, and boost local economies by attracting visitors and supporting small businesses. This is why we are keen to get as much input as possible so we can work together to create a transport network that works for everyone across the region.”

The plan aims to shape transport policy and investment up to 2030, replacing local transport plans and aligning with national priorities. It is seen as essential to ensure that North Wales meets future economic challenges, supports sustainable travel, and contributes to climate goals. 

The consultation runs until  April 14 and North Wales residents are urged not to miss the opportunity to influence the future of transport in the region by visiting: northwalesregionaltransportplan.virtual-engage.com

Council’s digital officer can help with your internet problems

Residents and businesses in Denbighshire can benefit from free advice and assistance from the Council’s Digital Officer who can find the best solution for internet issues they may be experiencing due to a slow connection. 

With an increasing number of residents using technology to work from home, and with many services, such as banking and utilities now online, it is essential that people can access a reliable service to meet their daily needs.

 

 Philip Burrows, Denbighshire’s Digital Officer. said: “Some residents have slow or unreliable internet connections, and that’s where I come in. I can help by diagnosing the problem and then work with residents to fix it, with the aim of improving the quality of their internet connection.

 

“We find that people experience a range of issues, for example, some may be fairly straightforward problems that require a tweak to their home network. However, others may have more complex issues which will need to be resolved with a third party. I can be the go-between to hopefully take the stress out of sorting these types of problems. 

"I can also advise on how to source funding to set up fibre community partnerships if there are specific communities who are all experiencing similar problems. I’m happy to advise any resident or business in Denbighshire on any topic related to their internet connection.”

 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “Ensuring better digital networks is essential and supporting communities to achieve this is a key priority in the Council’s Corporate Plan. 

"Denbighshire is committed to helping residents to understand the options and solutions for improved internet connectivity – crucial for the digital age we live in today. I encourage anyone who is experiencing difficulties with their internet to contact Philip who will be able to advise on the best course of action.”

 

* If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or have trouble connecting to the internet in your home, contact the Council’s Digital Officer on communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk

Pengwern February timetable and bus trips

 

Ysgol Dinas Bran wins award for its international work

* Becky Gittins with Andy Wallis from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Ysgol Dinas Bran in Denbighshire has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the award, which celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education. 

Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

At the recent 2025 award ceremony local MP Becky Gittins met Andy Wallis from Ysgol Dinas Bran to congratulate him on the school’s achievement.

She said: “Huge congratulations to Ysgol Dinas Bran for everything they have done to earn this prestigious award.

“The International School Award encourages and support schools to embed an international ethos and a whole school approach to international work. It also encourages collaboration with several partner schools on curriculum-based work and year round international activity, as well as providing a real focus on involving the local community.

“It was a pleasure to learn more about what the school has been doing to bring a real international dimension to its children’s education.”

Put your best foot forward to explore Dee Valley delights

* Snowdrops at St Tysilio’s Church. 

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape Countryside Rangers are leading a series of guided walks in the Dee Valley.

Crossing parts of south Denbighshire, the Dee Valley is an iconic area of truly outstanding scenic and visual quality, featuring a diverse landscape of heather moorland, limestone crags, ancient woodlands and windswept hilltops, all cut by the sweeping River Dee.

The scenic landscapes, dramatic summits and historic towns and villages have inspired folklore, literature, painting and music over many centuries.

National Landscape rangers with support from Nature for Health and also Denbighshire Housing put on regular Dee Valley guided walks, showing the work they are doing to protect and conserve the area, and guiding people to embrace the landscape and heritage which makes it so special, all while enjoying the added benefits of being outdoors.

The next guided walk be discovering the snowdrops at St Tysilio’s Church on Thursday February 6 from 1pm until 3pm. 

The meeting point will be at Llantysilio Green. Overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, St Tysilio’s is famed for its carpet of Snowdrops, thought to date from the thirteen century.

On Tuesday March 11, from 1pm until 3pm, rangers will lead a guided walk around Wenffrd Nature Reserve and Llangollen Canal. 

The reserve winds through a variety of habitats and offers beautiful views across the River Dee. The meeting place is Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Getting outdoors is so beneficial for boosting physical and mental health and I would encourage anyone to join these fantastic, guided walks by the rangers to learn about the management and history of the Dee Valley area."

* For further details and to book on to the walks please email chloe.webster@denbighshire.gov.uk

Newbridge Road repairs due to be completed in May, says report

North Wales Live is reporting that repairs to a section of Newbridge Road wrecked by a landslide four years ago are on course to be completed in May. 

Its closure and the diversions through Llangollen which it caused have brought misery to local residents and businesses since 2021.

* For the full story, see: End in sight for North Wales landslip road after years-long closure for repairs - North Wales Live