Archives-inspired jigsaws now available at local libraries

* Piecing together the past with the help of jigsaws. 

A unique and engaging way to explore local history has arrived at local libraries in Denbighshire.

Thanks to a Welsh Government funded initiative, library users can now enjoy solving jigsaw puzzles based on historical archives.

 

Two designs are available in two different sizes. Each puzzle showcases a different piece of local history. 

The 48-piece design features a page from a book of heraldic shields from “The Painted Book” which has been reproduced with the kind permission of The Williams Wynn family. For the more avid puzzler the 1000-piece design features historic views of Denbighshire including picturesque Llangollen and Rhyl’s Victorian promenade.

 

Deborah Owen, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire, said: "Since we introduced our jigsaw library three years ago, they have been really popular with our library readers.

 

“We’ve got a selection of jigsaws for adults ranging from 35 to 1000 pieces and they are great for relaxation and relieving stress. They can also help with manual dexterity.

 

"We are very excited to have worked with North East Wales Archives to add some locally inspired jigsaws to our collection."

 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said:

“Archives and jigsaw puzzles are very similar - when putting the pieces together, hold the key to a greater picture.

 

“Children and adults find them engaging and fun, appreciating the challenge of working out how the pieces fit together.

 

“Completing a jigsaw puzzle can also give children and adults a sense of accomplishment and a boost to their confidence having successfully completed it.

 

“Why not take your child or grandchild to the nearest library and complete one of the puzzles together?”

Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: “These innovative jigsaws brilliantly combine a cosy activity with education, bringing Denbighshire's rich heritage directly into people's homes. By transforming our historical archives into engaging puzzles, we're making Welsh history more accessible and interactive. This typifies our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage whilst finding creative ways for communities to connect with their local history."

  

The archive-inspired jigsaws are available to borrow from all eight branch libraries starting this month. Each puzzle is accompanied by a brief historical context to enhance the learning experience and encourage discussion. With sizes and difficulty levels varying, there is something for everyone—from beginners to puzzle enthusiasts.

 

* To find your nearest library and opening hours visit their website at https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/your-local-library.aspx

 

Volunteers help improve biodiversity at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve

* Volunteers working at Wenffrwd.

The Dee Valley Rangers and Nature for Health team alongside volunteers have been helping biodiversity bloom by planting wildflower plugs at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

The site in Llangollen has recently undergone a number of improvements including the introduction of a new path that links directly to the canal tow path.

 

Nature for Health is a collaborative project funded by the UK Government, that engages with individuals and communities to promote the role access to nature can play in improving health and wellbeing.

 

The programme welcomes people of all abilities to get involved with conservation and healthy outdoor lifestyle activities on your doorstep.

 

What was once a site for tipping household, commercial and industrial waste for Llangollen residents, the area is now a flourishing nature reserve for the public to enjoy.

 

The wildflower meadows provide food for pollinators and yellow meadow ants which make the anthills that you will see, and the thick bramble offers a safe area for birds and mammals, as well as many delicious blackberries.

 

The beech and pine woodland were also planted on an older section of landfill which provides excellent roosting opportunities for bats and homes for solitary bees.

 

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and biodiversity champion said: 

“The transformation of a former waste site to what is now a thriving nature reserve is a true testament to the hard work undertaken by our rangers and volunteers. I’d like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved for their hard work in revitalising this site and playing their part in enhancing biodiversity in the county."

 

* If you’d like to join a volunteer session, they are open to people of all abilities over the age of 18. For more information contact Christina Sheehan christina.sheehan@denbighshire.gov.uk or Hannah Taylor hannah.taylor@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Police monitor speeds along Queen Street, Llangollen

* The police pictures of Queen Street posted on Facebook.

North Wales Police have messaged on Facebook this morning (Friday) that they have been monitoring speeds on Queen Street, Llangollen, where the 20mph begins and ends.

The post, in the name of Conwy and Denbigh Rural, says: "Over the past few days, speed checks have been conducted along Queen Street in Llangollen due to complaints from local residents.

"Our visibility appears to have had the desired effect with motorists taking note of our presence.

"We will be monitoring this area on a regular basis, please continue to stick to the speed limits. Thank you."

Young people help with organising this year's summer fete

Llangollen Summer Fete is involving young people more than ever in the big annual event.   

The committee decided to invite a pupil from Ysgol Dinas Bran to become a junior member of the organising team for this year and Faye Roe-Rothwell, who is in her final year with exams underway, was chosen.  

The committee has also already run a competition for junior pupils to design the fete’s official flyer that will be delivered to houses across town. 

The winner was 11-year-old Bronagh Cooke from Ysgol Y Gwernant and because the calibre of entries was so high it was decided that the others should be posted regularly on social media and also form the Treasure Hunt around the fete on the day. 

A spokesperson for the fete committee said: “Faye has contributed so much value already, representing her age group particularly well, and at a time when most pupils face a lot of pressure with upcoming exams she has handled the additional role with grace. 

“She has been welcomed by the committee and settled in to give many great suggestions, help with finding raffle prizes as well as running a proportion of the social media for the 2025 fete. We are very pleased with what she has brought to the table. 

“Llangollen Summer Fete is for local people by local people. We already have local businesses, charities and groups taking part. 

“The committee and volunteers are community-minded local people. And now they are really proud do say that the young people of Llangollen town are also a part of making the fete happen. 

“We hope to see you all at the event spending time with your friends and neighbours, reconnecting with people and enjoying the entertainment, stalls, activities, crafts as well as the food and drink..

“The event is entirely funded by sponsorships and donations. Part of this is done through the raffle with local prizes.”

* You can buy raffle tickets at Plas Newydd daily or at their stall in town outside the Town Hall on Saturdays from 12-2pm.

Llangollen Repair Cafe moving to new home

* A volunteer repairer at work in the repair cafe's early days.

As it celebrates a successful first year Llangollen Repair Cafe has announced that it is moving to a new home.

Founder Michael Jepson said: The repair cafe has its first anniversary this month. Thank you to our visitors and the trustees of St Collen's Community Centre for helping us at the start.  

"The cafe has proved popular, with many visitors bringing a wide variety of items to be fixed, and leaving happy.

"We are now moving  to a new location at Llangollen Memorial Hall in Market Street, LL20 8PS, and with a new opening time of 10am-12noon. 

"We have fixed electrical items, toys, bags, clothing, sharpened tools, gardening equipment and much more. We also PAT test items too.  

"Items are fixed for free but the wonderful donations have helped us pay our rent, and excess will be used for volunteer training. We are a not for profit project run entirely by local volunteers and are not funded by the council."

He added: "Some visitors make use of our cafe, having a drink and homemade cake, enjoying meeting old friends and making new ones.

"It's always a vibrant welcoming space where people can watch things being repaired and learn new skills.

"We welcome new volunteers to help us, people who can fix things, or people who can welcome visitors, serve tea, help people with forms, and the  other things that need doing. We all help each other and have a good time. 

"If you want to learn new skills, gain experience or share your skills with others, come and have a chat with Michael and see how it works. 

"The next repair cafe is on Saturday May 17. See you there."

Tonight's Legion service marks VE Day 80th anniversary

* The British Legion service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the square.

Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion hosted a service of commemoration for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Centenary Square this evening just before sunset.

Prayers were said by Father Lee Taylor from St Collen's Church and there were readings from Legion branch chairman Mike Adams and member Tug Wilson.

Flags were lowered by a standard party and the traditional minute's silence was observed. The service ended with the sounding of Last Post.

Immediately afterwards on the library steps a civic party led by the Town Mayor, Cllr Aled Morris, and town crier Chem read proclamations signifying the end of the Second World War in Europe 80 years ago.

The Town Hall frontage was then floodlit in patriotic red, white and blue.   

* Proclamations are made from the library steps.

* The Town Hall frontage floodlit in red, white and blue.   

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Llangollen Road, Acrefair closed due to collision

 ⚠️  ROAD CLOSED ⚠️ 

Llangollen Road in Acrefair, Wrexham is currently closed due to a Road Traffic Collision. Officers are currently on scene. Please avoid the area and consider alternative routes on your travels.