Eisteddfod launches appeal to keep iconic bridge flags flying year-round.

* Eisteddfod volunteers David Hennigan, left, and Phil Robinson under the flags on the bridge. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has launched an International Flag Appeal to help keep the flags of many different countries flying from the town’s famous bridge all year round.

Every summer, the ancient bridge across the River Dee is lined with the flags of multiple nations, welcoming performers and visitors to one of Wales’s most celebrated cultural events. 

This year’s Eisteddfod saw over 4,000 competitors from across the globe bring music, dance and friendship to the Dee Valley.

Since its founding in 1947, the Eisteddfod has stood as a symbol of peace and reconciliation through music and dance. Created in the aftermath of war, it continues to unite nations, cultures and communities in a spirit of friendship that is as vital today as it was then.

At present, the international flags are only displayed during July and August due to the cost of replacements and upkeep. 

But the Eisteddfod’s organisers say they would love to see the bridge dressed in flags from around world throughout the year as a permanent message of welcome to the world.

David Hennigan, a Board Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “In a time when flags are such a hot topic of conversation across the UK, Llangollen’s story is different. In a world where flags can sometimes divide, our international flags are a symbol of unity. They represent peace, friendship and the spirit of Wales as a country of sanctuary. If people want to celebrate flags, why not fly flags for unity?”

The Eisteddfod is inviting people across Wales and beyond to support its International Flag Appeal and help keep the town’s message of welcome flying high.

Update

Following multiple messages of support - the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has set up a Crowdfunder.

It is hoped to raise £5000 towards the purchase of new flags and the upkeep on Llangollen Bridge:

The crowdfunder can be accessed here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/llangolleninternationalflagappeal

Operatic and friends will remember Sarah Marshall at special show

Members of Llangollen Operatic Society are joining forces with their Young ‘Uns junior section and others to present a special show dedicated to their late choreographer Sarah Marshall.

Fresh from the success of their last big production, Into the Woods, the performers will remember Sarah, who died last October, with a spectacular evening of song and dance, entitled Something for Sarah, at Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday October 25.

The star-studded event aims to raise money for two of Sarah's chosen charities as suggested by her daughter Elin - Nightingale House Hospice and Friends of the Earth.

* Remembering Sarah Marshall.

The evening will feature a programme including group choral numbers and the Operatic contingent will present hits from their past shows.

The Young ‘Uns will contribute ensemble numbers representing Sarah's time working with them. 

There will also be fun dance performances by Julie Thomas and her Zumba Ladies and Panto Flashbacks which will see Llangollen Pantomime Group members revisiting some of the fun numbers which were choreographed for them by Sarah.

Her friends and family members will be guest speakers along with a representative of Nightingale House, which is strongly supporting the show.  

Tickets are priced at £10 and there will be a bar and raffle on the evening. Doors open at 6.15pm.  

* For more information, contact the Operatic Society’s Tracey Kempster Jones on 07875 639533.

Ysgol Dinas Bran records some 'excellent' GCSE results

 

Once again, Ysgol Dinas Brân was filled with happiness as the Year 11 students received their exam results. 

Many students were delighted, having achieved some excellent grades and feeling excited about their future and subsequent educational pursuits.

Headteacher, Mr Mark Hatch said: "I am very proud of all the students who worked so diligently and earned outstanding grades. I want to thank everyone for their hard work, and I wish all of our students the very best in their next endeavours, whether that be in our sixth form or college. Congratulations to all!"

Trading Standards issue warning after upsurge in rogue trader reports

Following increased reports of rogue traders, Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team are warning residents about the dangers of doorstep crime.

Rogue traders can affect anyone, but often elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by those offering home improvement services.

Callers may offer services such as window/gutter cleaning, path and driveway repairs, roofing or building work, gardening and tree maintenance or roof moss removal and can come across as being likeable pleasant individuals but can quickly become forceful and very persuasive once they start their sales pitch.

Scare tactics about leaking gutters causing damp and roots of trees damaging foundations are often used and it can be very easy to be taken in by these individuals.

Traders have also been known to attend at houses selling household products, claiming to recently being released from prison and that their work is a part of a rehabilitation scheme. This scam is often used to find out where elderly and vulnerable people live, and the traders will then pass this information on.

The council’s Trading Standards Team are warning residents to be extra vigilant when opening the door to cold callers, and to never agree to have work done or buy goods or services because of a doorstep call.

Residents are also encouraged to look out for vulnerable neighbours who may be at greater risk from being scammed and report any concerns to the police and Trading Standards.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Rogue traders and doorstep crime pose a risk, particularly to elderly and vulnerable residents in Denbighshire and so it’s important that people know what to do if they suspect that a trader who has visited their home is trading improperly.

“It is important that residents don’t fall for the scare tactics, pressure sales or price reductions, genuine callers will not mind waiting or returning after you have had time to check their information.

“We strongly encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the Council’s guidance on rogue traders and doorstep crime by visiting our designated webpage.”

* To report rogue traders to Trading Standards, call the Citizens Advice Citizen Service helpline on 0808 223 1133. To contact a Welsh speaking adviser 0808 223 1144.  In an emergency dial 999. Or for more information on how to avoid rogue traders visit the website.

Llangollen named among the best towns in UK

* Picture of Llangollen by llanblogger

Llangollen - highlighted for its "freewheeling, independent spirit" has been named among the best in the UK by consumer watchdog Which?

* For the full story in Leaderlive, go to: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25402254.llangollen-among-uks-best-towns-villages/

Bilingual student to take next steps on her academic journey

Nimue Thomas, 18, a former pupil at Ysgol Dinas Brân, has received an offer to study Classical Civilisation at Durham University after completing A Levels in English Literature, History, Classical Civilisation, and the Level 3 Welsh Baccalaureate.

Reflecting on her time at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham, Nimue, from Llangollen, said: “These past two years have been absolutely brilliant.

“From my very first day, I felt welcomed and supported, the teachers are fantastic, and their passion for their subjects made learning enjoyable and inspiring. I’ve loved every minute and would do it all again if I could.”

A proud Welsh speaker, Nimue was also grateful for the opportunity to continue her language studies.

“I really appreciated being able to complete the Welsh Baccalaureate through the medium of Welsh and having access to Welsh-language papers in exams and mocks. It was also great to be part of the college’s Welsh-speaking community.”

Outside of her studies, Nimue joined the college’s book club, led by tutor Carys Roberts, which she described as a highlight of her time at Cambria.

She now hopes to pursue a career in education or research within the field of Classical Civilisation.

Gareth Jones, Assistant Principal and Head of Yale Sixth Form at Coleg Cambria, praised her attitude and achievements: “Nimue is an outstanding student whose passion for learning and commitment to her subjects has been clear from the start.

“Her offer from Durham University is richly deserved, and we’re incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished. We wish her all the very best for the future and know she will go on to do great things.”

Don't make up your mind too quickly about this big Toyota hybrid

Toyota Hilux hybrid drive by Steve Rogers

Toyota has plenty to shout about with the latest version of the legendary Hilux pick up.

It has hybrid technology for the first time and it won the Dakar rally for the fourth time. And it came second as well so not bad for the CV.

Hilux has a worldwide following, 27 million have been shipped out of Japan since it was launched in 1968, setting a benchmark for those that followed. Not that it gets a free ride with strong competition from Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and the KGM (used to be SsangYong) Musso.

The only party pooper is the Government which has put the kibosh on rock bottom commercial tax rates enjoyed by company car drivers who chose double cab pick ups for the lucrative tax break. The double cab is now classed as a car closing the tax loophole.

Trendy lifestylers carrying jet skis and the like to the beach are good for the image but Hilux is still an off road giant, whether it is wading through water, traversing rocky slopes or tackling seemingly impossible descents. Toyota has stuck with the ladder frame chassis for its strength and rigidity and provided all the tech tools to tackle any off road challenge.

I have not been off roading but have been towing my caravan on a 150 mile trek to Pembrokeshire. Lots of hills, lots of twisting roads and lots of poor road surfaces but knowing the Hilux has the capacity to pull nearly three times the weight of my van is a feel good factor and the automatic gearbox takes the drudgery out of what would have been constant gearchanging. It also has trailer sway control, very reassuring with a 23ft caravan in tow.

The headline news is the mild hybrid system, only available with the 2.8 litre engine, which is an electric motor powered by a 48V hybrid battery. This will not give you miles of electric-only driving but should give a nudge to acceleration and improve economy.

It has done very little for performance but the engine is smoother while cruising. Compared to my last Hilux review a few years ago, economy while towing is unchanged although I did a bit better than the official average driving solo. The most noticeable improvement is the stop start which is instant now that it does not operate via the starter motor.

For those needing Hilux for heavy duty work there is a huge amount of grunt from the turbo diesel, hardly surprising given its 500Nm or torque. You can’t get away from the agricultural din under acceleration but cruising is acceptably smooth.

On the other side of the coin Hilux is a family proposition although you would want to go up the range for the normal SUV creature comforts. This Invincible X tops 40 grand and comfortably seats five adults with a pick up deck that will take a mountain of luggage and can be covered to the roofline. It is also perfect for hauling a fifth wheeler holiday trailer.

Don’t expect a magic carpet ride, after all this is primarily a go anywhere working pick up.

The slightest road blemish will send a body moving shudder through the chassis, but these are not jarring, so the updates to the suspension have clearly worked.

For this money you get auto dipping LED headlights, all round one touch powered windows, 360 degree view camera, ambient cabin lighting, leather upholstery, windscreen wiper de-icer and on board navigation as part of an extensive spec list. The eight inch touchscreen is small by today’s standards and the camera definition would benefit from a larger unit.

Another strong point are the steering wheel controls for the driver’s display. Everything is logical and easy to fathom and there is a simple button to turn off the lane assist. Why can’t all car manufacturers do that instead of burying it in the touch screen menu?

The Jack of all trades Hilux comes with multiple variations - single cab, extra with occasional rear seats, or a four door double which is the most popular.

The big question is whether switching from an SUV is the best solution when you are paying for a lot of off road technology that might never be used. A family get together around the dining table weighing the pros and cons might be better than a snap decision.

Fast facts

Hilux Invincible X hybrid

£41,525

2.8litre turbo diesel; 201bhp

6-speed automatic

0-62mph 10.7secs; 109mph

27.9-30.1mpg combined

242g/km

3500kg towing capacity

1085kg payload

Insurance group 43