Local MP votes for government's benefits bill

* How the BBC showed how each MP voted on the bill.

The government has won a vote on its benefits bill by 75 votes, but only after offering last-minute concessions to Labour rebels.

Clwyd East Labour MP Becky Gittins was amongst those who voted for the bill, according to the BBC.

Ministers had already watered down their plans once by reversing some cuts to universal credit and protecting current claimants of personal independence payment (Pip) from stricter eligibility rules.

* For the full story on BBC News, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly8877x3z2o

Eisteddfod will hear how Wales could become world peace champion

* Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.

At a time of unprecedented global tensions, Wales has a unique opportunity to champion the cause of international peace.

That is the powerful message Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, will have for an audience on the second day of this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

He will deliver the Academi Heddwch Peace Lecture taking place on Wednesday July 9 at 1.15pm in the famous Pavilion.

The special event coincides with two major milestones - the 10th anniversary of Wales’s Well-being of Future Generations Act and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Mr Walker will explore the role that Cymru (Wales) has played — and can continue to play — in promoting peace, sustainability, and international cooperation.

He will stress that at a time when conflict, inequality, and climate instability dominate headlines, there has never been a more important moment to reflect on and renew our commitment to peace.

And he will share his thoughts on how we can build on the ambitious vision of Wales’s seven well-being goals to become a global beacon for peace, ensuring a fairer and more sustainable world for generations to come.

Mr Walker said: “Wales was the first country in the world to legislate for the well-being of future generations, setting out a bold vision of a fairer, greener, and more peaceful world. As we mark this important anniversary, I look forward to reflecting on how Cymru can lead by example — championing peace not just in our communities, but internationally, for generations to come.”

Professor Chris Adams, Eisteddfod Trustee with responsibility for heritage and peace, said: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod was founded in the at the end of World War II as an event where ordinary people from round the world could meet and get to know each other better, to understand each other's cultures, as a contribution to promoting better international relations. 

"Hosting this conversation with Derek Walker not only honours our founding values, but challenges us to look forward - to help Wales become an exemplar of a society where peace, culture, and collaboration flourish together.”

The lecture is part of a festival that will welcome thousands of performers and competitors from across the globe, uniting in a shared spirit of music, culture and goodwill.

The annual lecture is expected to be a powerful highlight of this year’s programme - offering a timely and inspiring vision of how Wales can continue to contribute to a more peaceful world.

This talk is also part of a wider programme of events including a Peace Tent throughout the week. 

The Peace Tent is a welcoming space for dialogue, reflection, and activism, bringing together voices from around the world to explore what peace means today. From workshops to panel discussions, it celebrates the Eisteddfod’s founding ethos of international understanding through culture and conversation.

Railway gets ready for its Classic Transport Weekend

* Last year's Classic Transport Weekend seen from the air. 

Around 380 cars, bikes, buses, tractors, lorries, military and commercial vehicles will be on display on Glyndyfrdwy Station when Llangollen & Corwen Railway stages its Classic Transport Weekend next Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6.

Vehicles taking part are expected from cross 10 decades providing something for people of all ages to see and enjoy.

Entry at the rally is free to event ticket holders or £5 per person (under 18’s free), with free parking available nearby in Glyndyfrdwy and the event signposted off the A5. 

The rally will also be served by an intensive timetable of steam, diesel and railcar trains, centred around the idyllic village station. 

* The action continues at Llangollen Station.

Visitors can argue over the finer points of their favourite vehicles over tea, coffee or cake at Glyndyfrdwy Station tearoom or enjoy a pint or two in Porter’s Bar, with its new terrace overlooking the platform. 

There is also a small public playground and picnic field next to the station for families to enjoy. A free vintage bus service operates approximately every half hour between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy between 10am and 5pm on both days.

The event has been organised for several years by LR Volunteers Tim Hines and George Walker, who are both under 30 years old. 

Tim said: "George and I love making this event happen. We put a lot of hours in, but it’s more than worth it to see so many vehicles and their owners having a great time, along with our visitors. 

"As well as volunteering at the railway, George and I are also both owners of vintage buses, which we’ve restored and take to shows. 

"We have over 300 vehicles booked to attend the rally at Glyndyfrdwy station across the weekend and have to use three of our neighbouring farmer’s fields to fit them all in and provide a car park. 

* Glyndyfrdwy Station with its tearoom and Porter’s Bar.

"Our neighbour has always been extremely supportive of the event – especially the vintage tractor display! We are really looking forward to putting on our biggest event yet in a special year, which celebrates both the Llangollen Railway’s 50th anniversary of preservation and the 200th year of passenger carrying railways."

Husband-and-wife stationmaster team at Glyndyfrdwy Paul and Wendy Bailey said: "A small team of dedicated volunteers have looked after Glyndyfrdwy Station for many years. We love Classic Transport Weekend as it transforms the place from a quiet village station into a bustling centre of operations. 

"Our tearoom, Porters station bar, small museum and new seating area overlooking the platform will be open all weekend to refresh both exhibitors and visitors. It’s a great opportunity to see our beautifully restored country station at its busiest, with a wonderful parade of classic cars, motorbikes and buses all making their away across the traditional, gated level crossing between the station and signal box. 

"There’s also a lovely public picnic field and playground right next to the station where you can watch the cars, trains and wildlife. 

"You can also see the remains of the old loading wharf, where slates produced at the Deeside Slab and Moelfferna quarries up in the Berwyn mountains above the village were brought down on a narrow gauge railway and trans-shipped into standard gauge wagons for onward transport around the world."

At Llangollen, visitors can also purchase a guided tour of the railway’s Motive Power Depot or try their hand at driving popular Yorkshire Engine Co shunting locomotive “Pilkington” for £15 a time on a short stretch of track in Llangollen Yard, under the full supervision of a qualified driver. 

* Tickets for the event are available in advance from the railway’s website or on the day from station ticket offices. Parking for visitors at Glyndyfrdwy is free, with entry to the rally priced at £5 adults, children are free. To find out more and book tickets visit https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/classic-transport-weekend/

Honda CR-V presses my buttons ... eventually

Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid drive by Steve Rogers

This is an embarrassing admission having reviewed cars for 44 years but I couldn’t work out how to move off in the Honda CR-V.

It is not as if I haven’t come across buttons instead of a gear lever before, but the Honda is a bit complicated. At the top of a pad between the seats is a button marked R, which is obviously reverse, and normally a flick back on this switch engages neutral, then drive and off to go. No dice.

I kept looking and had to ask the delivery driver who pointed to the button marked D/B. We didn’t know what it stands for but it engages the gear. My blushes were only saved when later my normally car savvy wife failed the test as well. At least you only need to be told once.

This is the sixth generation of the CR-V which back in 1997 was a real game changer with driving characteristics more akin to a car than the cumbersome 4x4s of the day, so in effect the first SUV and look what’s happened since.

Apart from the boxy original, the CR-V has more or less maintained the same curvy silhouette although this one has some edgy body creases, new style grille, and headlight signature. It is also a smidge longer so the boot, which is the envy of its rivals, is even bigger and leads the space race for a plug-in hybrid.

Power comes from a 2-litre petrol mated to a two stage CVT gearbox and is offered as an all wheel drive hybrid or front wheel drive plug-in which has a potential electric range of 50 miles, more than the Toyota Rav4.

Once spent the system generates a small amount of electric power on the move dipping between power sources but it is petrol power for the majority until the battery is recharged. It is a smooth sophisticated system and the driver barely notices any change.

With the combination of engine and electric motor 181bhp acceleration is acceptable if down on some rivals, but devoid of the screeching at high revs which is often the case with a CVT gearbox.

In fact the whole driving experience is often eerily quiet with very little road noise. Honda has done a really good job on this CR-V.

The seats are superbly comfortable and supportive and you will have no trouble finding the perfect driving position with powered seat adjustment.

Unlike the eye-catching interiors of some rivals the dashboard layout is conventional with some attractive features in particular the full width mesh grille housing the heating vents. A standard digital driver's display offers plenty of information using steering wheel roller switches backed up by a central touchscreen with familiar Honda graphics.

Hats off to Honda for sticking with user friendly chunky switches for the heating along with switches for the heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outer seats are also heated.

It is compliments not complaints about space which is vast. Rear seat legroom is exceptional and the seats slide for greater flexibility and with wide opening rear doors fitting child seats is a doddle. The same can be said for the boot which has a wide aperture and low sill for easy loading. All that is missing are levers in the side walls to drop the back seats.

Honda has always been at the forefront of safety so it is no surprise that CR-V is packed with safety aids. It will emergency stop the car going forward or reversing and features a new 360deg all round camera system eliminating blind spots with an extra nearside camera which is invaluable for negotiating tight entrances or exits.

Right from the start diesel CR-V became a firm favourite with caravanners because of its 2000kg towing capacity, enough to pull a big twin axle outfit, along with its huge boot. But things changed once Honda ditched diesel for petrol hybrid power. Now the CR-V is limited to 1500kg which is a two-berth, or lightweight four berth. I hitched my four-berth to CR-V without a lot of enthusiasm but was pleasantly surprised. It pulled strongly, and quietly for the most part, and managed just over 27mpg, a lot closer to a diesel than I expected.

CR-V is a terrific all rounder and so it should be with prices starting just shy of 50 grand but it is packed with equipment even at entry level while the top of the range Advance Tech wants for nothing.

Fast facts

CR-V Advance Tech Plug-in hybrid

£53,995

2-litre petrol+electric motor

17kWh battery

Full charge: 2hr30min

0-60mph 8 secs; 116mph

42.2-353.1mpg

18g/km. 1st road tax £110

Boot: 587 litres

Insurance group 37

Towing capacity: 1500g/km

 

Latest local roadworks round-up from the county council

Latest local roadworks round-up from Denbighshire County Council is: 

A542 Wharf Hill / Castle Street ABBEY ROAD until 13/07/2025 Eisteddfod BIG PARKING LTD, Stopio Mynd/Stop Go 

Wrth / Nr 1 VICARAGE ROAD WEST 17/07/2025 22/07/2025 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works OCU GROUP (DCC), Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

Eisteddfod celebrates prestigious Welsh language recognition

* Pedair bring their beautiful harmonies and rich Welsh folk sound to the Globe Stage at Llangollen International Eisteddfod on Thursday July 10.

* Jane Edwards from the Welsh Language Commissioner's Office has been working for 18 months with Dr Rhys Davies and the Eisteddfod team on their Welsh Development Plan.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod has received formal recognition under the Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) scheme from the Welsh Language Commissioner. 

This accolade reflects the festival's long-standing commitment to promoting the Welsh language as a central pillar of its internationally-renowned cultural status.

The Eisteddfod takes place from July 8-13 and features amazing artists like Sir Bryn Terfel, Sir Karl Jenkins and Il Divo as well as a special Welsh language event on Thursday  July 10 when it hosts an early-evening showcase on the Globe Stage, entitled Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno/Rhys Mwyn Presents. Led by BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn, it features three standout Welsh Language artists Pedair, Mared, and Buddug before the evening concert with KT Tunstall.

Dr Rhys Davies, Board Member of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and Chair of its Welsh Language Working Group, expressed his pride in receiving the recognition: “We are absolutely delighted to receive formal Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner. 

"It is a major milestone for our organisation and a strong endorsement of our commitment to the language of Wales. I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the Commissioner and her office for their guidance and support throughout this process. In particular, I’d like to pay tribute to Jane Edwards, who has worked closely with us over the past 18 months and has been instrumental in helping us achieve this.”

The Cynnig Cymraeg recognition is valid for three years and signals to the public that Welsh services are available and valued. 

It is an opportunity to transform engagement with the public by showing how proud the Llangollen Eisteddod is to offer services in Welsh in a meaniful, measurable and ambitious way. The festival encourages all volunteers to use the Welsh they know - however little - and “rhoi Croeso” when welcoming visitors 

With over 4,000 competitors from across the world preparing to descend on Llangollen in just a few weeks for the 2025 Eisteddfod, organisers are eager to showcase Welsh culture and language on the global stage. 

They are actively encouraging volunteers to take up courses in basic Welsh, and working closely with like-minded organisations to promote the Welsh language, contributing to the Welsh Government’s ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

Dr Davies added: “The Eisteddfod has always celebrated the best of international culture, but we are equally passionate about ensuring the language of Wales is front and centre. Welcoming thousands of performers and visitors to Llangollen gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that – and we are proud to be promoting Welsh in such a positive and vibrant way.”

Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones commended the Eisteddfod’s approach,

“The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has an important role to play in Welsh cultural life and it allows for the Welsh language to be seen on an international stage. The development plan which the Eisteddfod has put forward is ambitious yet practical and measurable.

”Awarding the Cynnig Cymraeg is a recognition of the Eisteddfod’s dedication to embedding the Welsh language across its services and communications. In congratulating them on their achievement, I would also like to wish them well with this year’s Eisteddfod and for many years to come.”  

* For more information about the 2025 Eisteddfod, visit www.llangollen.net

Pavilion crowd lifts the roof for Manchester greats James

* James were real crowd pleasers. Pictures: Desh Kapur Photography/CUFFE & TAYLOR

Indie heroes James delighted a capacity crowd with a near two-hour masterclass at TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Sunday). 

The roar and chorus of the audience said it all as Tim Booth and pals were unstoppable. 

Opening with Johnny Yen from their 1986 album Stutter, the band powered through a dynamic set featuring fan favourites like Seven, Come Home, Just Like Fred Astaire, and She’s A Star.

 

The reaction to Shadow of a Giant from last year’s Yummy – the band’s first-ever number one album – proved why these Manchester legends are as relevant today as they were more than 30 years ago.

 

The final run – Sit Down, Tomorrow and Sometimes – became a mass singalong, with 6,000 voices lifting the roof off of the Pavilion. A euphoric encore of Sound and Laid brought the night to a powerful close.

 

Supporting James were rising indie stars The K’s and singer/guitarist Tom A Smith.

 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Thursday with headliner The Script.

* Fans chant along with the band.

* Strong support - the K's.

* Singer/guitarist Tom A Smith.

* A young fan in full bloom.

* A fab evening was the verdict.

* James light up the Pavilion stage.