Town councillor meets the owner of newly-opened Llan business

* Councillor Todd with Joanne of Simply Youthful Aesthetics.

New Llangollen town councillor Lee Todd has met the owner of a new local business and describes his visit here for llanblogger:

"I popped along to the open day for Simply Youthful Aesthetics, now located in Pengwern, Llangollen, to show my support as a town councillor for our local small businesses.

"Joanne’s business has been part of our community before, and it’s fantastic to see her relaunching with fresh energy and some brilliant new treatments on offer. 

"Visitors were welcomed with complimentary skin consultations, goodie bags, and a glass of fizz — it was a lovely afternoon all round!

"Wishing Joanne every success as she takes this exciting next step.

"As a Llangollen town councillor, I’m passionate about seeing small businesses thrive — they’re the backbone of our local economy and a huge part of what makes our town special.

"I’m here to support local people, champion positive change, and be a voice for our residents. Whether it’s helping with community concerns, attending local events, or backing initiatives that bring us together, I’m committed to doing my bit to keep Llangollen a fantastic place to live, work, and visit."

County to start work on major road maintenance programme

Denbighshire County Council will commence a major road maintenance programme this year.

The work across the county - including on the A525 Nany Y Garth pass - will be spread over two years and funded by a Welsh Government Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) to enable the programme to start.

This programme identified schemes for both 2025/26 and 2026/27 based on the total allocation of £4,780,699 for the two-year period from the Welsh Government.

The decision to approve the acceptance of the LGBI funding will allow Denbighshire’s Highways to commence work on the programme straight away which will greatly assist with being able to deliver this extensive programme of works during the optimum time for carriageway surfacing works.

Denbighshire County Council will be targeting this funding at improving the surface condition of carriageways on identified sections of the network during the two-year period of 2025-2027.

A programme of works has been developed to improve the carriageway surface on a number of roads in the County with significant investment planned at A525 Nany Y Garth pass, A547 Abergele Road near Rhuddlan and Ty Newydd Road in Rhyl.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We know the improvement of the county’s road network is a topic that comes up regularly from our residents and we are grateful to have this additional Welsh Government funding to supplement our own funding to help improve our roads.

“Our officers have worked hard to produce a mass programme of full resurfacing of carriageways for this funding.

“The work that will be carried out on our roads over the next two years will really help improve the network and driving experience for both residents and visitors to Denbighshire.”

The council says it will publish more information on when and where road networks in the council will benefit from this programme through our media channels going forward.

Summer fete benefits nine worthy local causes

* The mayor and mayoress, Aled Morris and Sarah Griffiths, with (right) deputy mayor Damon Richards-Gwilliam.

* A dance display at the fete.

Money raised by this year's Llangollen Summer Fete will benefit nine worthy local causes, organisers have announced.

They are: 

• Plas Newydd Historic House & Gardens, which hosts the event each year
• The Parks Committee, who are currently working to update The Pengwern children's playground
• Llangollen Museum which has many needs towards the building maintenance and update
• Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion, in the 80th anniversary year of VE Day
• Matt Jones, fundraiser, from which all funds raised go to Hope House Hospice for children - so two causes via this donation
• Llangollen Tidy Town Team who work tirelessy for the town to be clean and pleasant for all
• The Stoma Support Group 'Back to Front', a new group that serves North Wales
• Llangollen Summer Fete - a portion will begin fundraising for next year's fete.

The Fete committee say they would like to thank everyone who contributed through donations on the day, by entering or donating prizes to the raffle and sponsors. 

They say: "Every penny counts and will a difference. We hope everyone feels proud of their contribution."

* Next year's fete will be held on Saturday June 6. 

The committee added: "Please save this date as we will have more new and wonderful things to grow the value and fun the fete offers to people. This event is for the town by the town and everyone is encouraged to enjoy it."

Acclaimed Welsh actor to narrate Eisteddfod's Hans Zimmer concert

* Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones will narrate the Hans Zimmer concert.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod says it's thrilled to announce that acclaimed film and TV actor Mark Lewis Jones will present a spectacular evening of music dedicated to the legendary film composer Hans Zimmer on Tuesday July 8. 

It is the opening concert of the 2025 Eisteddfod which takes place between July 8 and 13.

Mark Lewis Jones, who hails from Rhosllanerchrugog, is lending his unmistakable voice to what promises to be an unforgettable concert. 

Mark's narration will complement the music of Hans Zimmer, brought to life by Cinematic Sinfonia, an outstanding 70-piece orchestra under the baton of the internationally renowned conductor Anthony Gabriele.

From the sweeping scores of Gladiator and Interstellar to the haunting themes of Inception, Hans Zimmer’s music has defined a generation of cinema and now it will be performed live in Llangollen, with Mark’s evocative voice guiding the audience through the emotional and cinematic journey.

He is one of Wales’ most celebrated actors, known for his powerful performances on both the small and big screen. 

His film work includes appearances in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Good Liar, Phantom of the Open, Munich: The Edge of War, and Rebecca. His television credits include standout roles in Baby Reindeer (Netflix), The Crown (Netflix), Chernobyl (HBO), The Way (ITV), and Stella (Sky), for which he earned a BAFTA nomination.

In 2024, Mark was honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Cymru Siân Phillips Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to film and television in Wales. He previously won Best Actor at BAFTA Cymru for The Passing/Yr Ymadawiad and has been nominated an impressive seven times in the same category.

Mark said: “The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has been part of my life since I was a boy growing up in Rhos. To now play a major role at this incredible celebration of music and culture, just down the road from where it all began for me, is an honour beyond words. 

"I’m especially thrilled to be part of this Hans Zimmer concert, complete with 70-piece orchestra - his music stirs the soul, and to share that experience in Llangollen is something truly special.”

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Mark Lewis Jones to the Eisteddfod stage. Not only is he a local talent, but his voice and presence will elevate this already outstanding concert to another level. 

"To hear Hans Zimmer’s music performed by a full orchestra with Mark’s narration will be an unforgettable experience for everyone. Mark and this concert are the perfect fit and will be an outstanding start to our Eisteddfod."

* Tickets for the Hans Zimmer concert are selling fast. For more information and to book, visit: https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/tuesday-8th-july-2025-hans-zimmer

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/