Young snappers encouraged to capture meadow moments

Young photographers are being encouraged to capture life around Denbighshire’s many wildflower meadows.

Denbighshire County Council has launched a Schools Wildflower Meadow Photography Competition as wildflowers across the region begin to bloom.

In 2019 the council declared a climate and nature emergency with the aim to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

One of its first actions was to start managing some of our grassland for wildflower meadow creation across the county. The aim of the project is to restore and increase the amount of habitat available throughout the county for pollinators and wildlife.

This project also brings many benefits or ‘ecosystem services’ to residents in the county, such as reduced flooding, improved air quality, and air cooling.

Budding young nature and photography enthusiasts are encouraged to take a photograph of one of our wildflower meadows, a school meadow or community nature reserve site.

Photos can be of the whole site or of a tiny part such as an insect, flower or grass species, it’s up to the photographer to pick their favoured subject to make the best photograph. Each entrant needs to write something about their photo or find a quote that compliments the photo.

The winning entries will be printed up to A2 size and put on the walls outside the council chamber in County Hall, Ruthin. All the winners will be invited to attend a council meeting to receive their prizes and see their pictures on the wall.

Winners will receive a selection of environmental books for their school and a smaller version of the image will be available for the winner to put up at home or school.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Pupils across Denbighshire have a really good understanding of how climate change is impacting on their lives. They have great ideas and carry out a lot of good work themselves, many have supported us in creating wildflower meadows across Denbighshire.

“We want to open the floor to them through this competition to really see what our meadows mean to them through the lens they will see them through. I look forward to seeing the entries from our fantastic youngsters across the county.”

* For more information on how to enter the competition please visit this link - www.denbighshire.gov.uk/wildflower-meadow-photography-competition

 

Jobs fair planned for St Collen’s Community Hall

Working Denbighshire, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Careers Wales, will be holding a Jobs Fair next Wednesday, May 21, at St Collen’s Community Hall.

The event, which will run from 11am to 3pm, offers an opportunity for job seekers to meet with a wide range of local and regional employers across multiple industries.

Whether you're searching for your first job, looking to return to work, or ready for a career change, the Jobs Fair is open to all and completely free to attend.

Attendees will be able to explore job vacancies, chat directly with hiring managers, and discover pathways into training and employment. There will also be staff from Working Denbighshire on hand to offer advice and guidance around job searching, CVs, and interview prep.

Following the success of our first event earlier this year in Rhyl, we’re proud to host our second Jobs Fair in Llangollen, and the event is expected to be popular with both employers and residents.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “Bringing this event to Llangollen opens even more opportunity for people in the Dee Valley to meet employers, explore training options and take their next steps into work.

"We’re proud to support events like this, which have a real impact on our communities and help local businesses connect with great candidates.”

Ruth Hanson, Principal Manager at Working Denbighshire said: “Our Jobs Fairs are designed to be a welcoming and accessible space where people can come and speak to employers face-to-face, find out about live vacancies, and gain confidence in their job search.

“After the success of our job fair in Rhyl, we’re really pleased to bring this event to Llangollen and look forward to helping residents connect with new opportunities.”

To ensure the event is accessible and welcoming for everyone, quiet spaces will be available on the day for individuals who may benefit from a calmer environment. These are bookable by using this link: Microsoft Forms

Employers who would like to get involved in the Jobs Fair are encouraged to get in touch via: employmentcoordinators@denbighshire.gov.uk.

There is also further information on our website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/training-and-events/jobs-fair.aspx

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

For updates and further information, follow Working Denbighshire on social media or visit our website.

 

Board member Dave tells Tory leader Kemi about this year's Eisteddfod

* Dave Hennigan with Kemi Badenoch at the Pavilion.

Eisteddfod board member Dave Hennigan took the opportunity to brief Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on this year's festival earlier today (Friday).

The two met up outside the International Pavilion where the Welsh Conservatives have been holding their conference this weekend. 

Dave was part of the team making sure things ran smoothly for one of the largest events to be held at the Pavilion since its running was taken over by the Eisteddfod from Denbighshire Leisure last month.

He said: "I met Kemi Badenoch just outside and took the chance to tell her about all the fantastic things that will be happening at Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025 and also at the Pavilion.

"She took one of our Eisteddfod flyers and wished us well."

Later, Dave evened things up politically when he met Ken Skates, Welsh Labour's Clwyd South Senedd Member and Welsh transport minister, in the town.

"It's always great to catch up with Ken and I updated him on plans for Eisteddfod 2025.

"He's a massive supporter and always ensures that our voice is heard in the Senedd."  

 * Dave Hennigan with Ken Skates MS and Eisteddfod chairman John Gambles.

A5 traffic lights go as sewer repair work ends

The traffic lights put up for the roadworks at the junction of Regent Street and Hill Street have been removed today (Friady) as work on a collapsed sewer is now complete .

You can help bring history to life at Plas Newydd

* Plas Newydd in the heart of Llangollen.

Denbighshire's Countryside Team are calling on the public to help bring the story of Plas Newydd  to life by sharing their hidden treasures. 

Plas Newydd is famous for its connection to the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, whose remarkable story of friendship and defiance captured the imagination of visitors from across the world.

 

Over the years the house has welcomed poets, celebrities and curious travellers, becoming a treasured part of Llangollen’s cultural and historical landscape. 

Today, the council says it wants to celebrate not just the grand stories but also the everyday memories that continue to shape Plas Newydd’s legacy.

 

Do you have a hidden piece of history waiting to be rediscovered? Whether it’s a photograph tucked away in a family album, or a souvenir forgotten in an attic, your contributions could become part of an exciting project to showcase the unseen artefacts and personal memories that make up Plas Newydd’s rich history.

 

If you have any old photographs, postcards, memorabilia, or even historic artefacts related to the Ladies of Llangollen or Plas Newydd from any era, the Countryside Team would love to hear from you. No item or memory is too small, they say.

* The famous Ladies of Llangollen.

 

Jillian Howe, National Landscape Community Engagement Officer, said: "Plas Newydd holds so many untold stories, and we’re excited to work with the community to uncover them. Every photo, postcard, and memory helps bring the history of this special place to life."

 

Councillor Alan James, Local Development and Planning, said: “This is an exciting project that our residents can be a part of to bring to life the rich history of Plas Newydd. We’re very lucky to have such an historic site on our doorstep here in Denbighshire, and I would encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of visiting Plas Newydd”.

 

* If you have any old photographs, postcards, memorabilia, or even historic artefacts related to the Ladies of Llangollen or Plas Newydd from any era, get in touch. To submit a photo and its story email plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Llangollen Round Challenge urgently needs your baking skills

Can you bake a cake for Cancer Research UK?

That's the question organisers of the latest Llangollen Round Challenge are asking.

Around 700 walkers will be taking part in the largest-ever Challenge on May 31/June 1, all raising funds for Cancer Research UK. 

Judy and the Team behind the event say: "We have to feed them on five checkpoints and in the school restaurant at the end. 

"Traybakes are easiest for us but all cakes are more than welcome. 

"Cakes can be delivered to our campervan in East Street Car Park, recognisable by its flag, on Wednesday May 28, from 10am to 7pm. If you can't get there on that day, give us a ring  on 07905 330788 to arrange an alternative. Very very many thanks."

BBC Radio Cymru to present three outstanding Welsh acts at Eisteddfod

* Pedair will perform at the Eisteddfod on July 10. 

Llangollen International Eisteddfod has announced a special event hosted by BBC Radio Cymru's Rhys Mwyn showcasing three extraordinary Welsh music acts in thrilling live performances.

The outdoor event will happen before BRIT Award-winning and Grammy-nominated KT Tunstall takes to the pavilion stage to perform her iconic debut album Eye to the Telescope in its entirety, with orchestra, for the first time ever.

Taking place on Thursday July 10, from 4.30-7pm, “Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno / Cwill feature Pedair, Mared, and Buddug – three standout names in contemporary Welsh music.

* Mared.

* Buddug.

*  Host: Radio Cymru's Rhys Mwyn.

Pedair draws on the talents of four of Wales' most prominent and award-winning folk artists and blends traditional Welsh influences with modern sounds, creating a fusion that resonates with both younger and older audiences. 

Mared, known for her powerful vocals and emotional depth, is making waves with her intricate storytelling, often reflecting the Welsh landscape and culture in her lyrics. 

Buddug, with her distinct voice and innovative approach, effortlessly bridges the gap between folk, pop, and electronic music, becoming a pioneering force in Welsh-language music. 

Together, these artists are pushing boundaries and elevating Welsh music to new heights, earning recognition both in Wales and internationally.

Rhys Mwyn, renowned for his pioneering role in Welsh-language music and his popular Monday evening show on BBC Radio Cymru, has long championed Welsh artists.

He said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to present such incredible Welsh talent for this event. Pedair, Mared, Buddug are pushing boundaries and bringing fresh energy to the Welsh music scene, and it’s truly inspiring to see how far they’ve come. 

"It’s a real privilege to be able to link up with the Llangollen Eisteddfod, a festival that has long been a cornerstone of our cultural celebration. I’m excited to be part of this. I can’t wait to present these three outstanding artists on what is expected to be one of the busiest days at the Llangollen Eisteddfod."

Morgan Thomas, a trustee of the International Eisteddfod, said: "We are delighted to partner with Rhys Mwyn and BBC Radio Cymru for this event. Rhys's deep-rooted passion for Welsh music and his unwavering support for emerging artists make him an invaluable ally in our mission to celebrate and promote our culture to the world. 

"This collaboration enriches our festival, bringing a fresh perspective and broadening our reach to audiences both locally and beyond.

"This bilingual event invites audiences in a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, language, and musical creativity."

Entry is £5, with free admission for KT Tunstall ticket holders. A full bar and food will be available, which organisers say makes it the perfect pre-show celebration before the main evening concert featuring the legendary KT Tunstall with the Absolute Orchestra.

 Event Details:

• What: Rhys Mwyn Presents – Pedair, Mared, Buddug
• When: Thursday July 10, 4.30–7pm
• Where: Llangollen International Eisteddfod site
• Tickets: £5 / Free with KT Tunstall concert ticket
• Website: www.llangollen.net

Supported by BBC Radio Cymru, the Arts Council of Wales, and Visit Wales, this event promises an unforgettable evening of music and atmosphere in the heart of one of Wales' most iconic festivals.

* For tickets and more information, visit https://boxoffice.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ChooseSeats/74421