Congestion caused by roadworks with no work going on

 

* Traffic congestion on Regent Street caused by the roadworks outside the fish and chip shop.

llanblogger has been trying to find out why two set of traffic lights on a trunk road through Llangollen, which have been causing major traffic congestion throughout the day, have been installed around roadworks left unattended for hours.

A utility company, believed to be Wales & West, set up the excavation, which consists of a small trench extending into the carriageway from the pavement, outside the chip shop on Regent Street (A5) yesterday (Thursday).

But after some initial work on it then and earlier today (Friday) the roadworks were left unattended from mid-afternoon.

But because sets of temporary traffic lights have been installed either side of the roadworks there has been considerable congestion in both directions - especially severe as it's another busy weekend on the regular tourist route.

Earlier this afternoon llanblogger sent an email to Wales & West, to verify they are their roadworks and to question the timing of the work. Apart from an automatic acknowledgement of the email there has so far been no response. 

* The unattended roadworks on the A5.

Eisteddfod celebrates major grant to facelift the Pavilion

* Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Grant Calton, left, and John Gambles have thanked Arts Council of Wales for sharing their vision of an all-year round arts hub in the town.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is celebrating success after being awarded a major grant from Arts Council of Wales to deliver a transformative upgrade to the Pavilion at the site.

After careful consideration, the Arts Council of Wales has confirmed a grant of up to £166,500 as a contribution towards upgrading the Pavilion’s sound and lighting systems. 

This investment will make a significant contribution to the Eisteddfod's drive to transform the building into a modern, energy-efficient, year-round arts venue at the heart of the community.

Now in its 78th year, the world-famous festival has long been a beacon of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange through music and dance. 

Thanks to this investment, the Pavilion will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that enhances the experience for performers and audiences, while securing its future as a vibrant cultural space for both international visitors and local groups.

* Carolyn Thomas MS, pictured with her son Harry, says she was proud to back the bid that will make a huge difference to Llangollen.

The improvements will deliver a wide range of benefits:

• For audiences – a richer and more immersive experience with professional-quality sound and lighting.
• For performers, partners and event organisers – a technically advanced venue capable of hosting everything from local talent showcases to international touring productions.
• For the community – greater access to high-quality cultural events and a flexible space for creativity all year round.
• For the environment – reduced carbon emissions and lower running costs thanks to energy-efficient technology.

Work will begin in autumn 2025 and is scheduled for completion by January 2026. The project will be managed by the Eisteddfod’s leadership team, supported by professional contractors and volunteers.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said:

“This funding represents a significant step forward for the Eisteddfod and for the wider community. It will enhance the experience for performers and audiences and help to the Pavilion continue to be at the heart of Llangollen’s cultural life throughout the year. At the same time, it will assist greatly in our drive to reducing our carbon footprint. We are deeply grateful to Arts Council of Wales for their support in helping us realise this vision.”

Carolyn Thomas MS, who supported the bid, said: “I was very pleased to back this bid from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is one of Wales’ cultural treasures, attracting visitors and performers from across the world while bringing immense pride to our community. 

"I am delighted that Arts Council of Wales has recognised the importance of investing in the Pavilion’s future. These upgrades will not only improve the experience for all who attend but will also help ensure the Eisteddfod continues to thrive as a world-class event and as a hub for local arts all year round.”

Our Llangollen – Our Future: a public consultation event

* St Collen's Community Hall where the event will be held on September 26 and 27.

Llangollen residents, community groups, businesses and other local organisations will have the opportunity to have their voices heard on a range of local issues at a free-to-attend public consultation event taking place in the town at the end of September.

Severn Wye Energy Agency, a third sector charitable organisation, is currently delivering a new National Lottery funded community engagement and development project in Llangollen, part of a project looking at the challenges rural communities face across Wales.

The consultation event, entitled Our Llangollen – Our Future, will be held at St Collen’s Community Hall on Friday September 26, from noon-7pm, and Saturday September 27, from noon-5pm.

The event will also include numerous stands showcasing local community related organisations, as well as a number of guest speakers to talk about subjects of local interest.

Organisers promise more details will be available nearer the dates.

Mark Ellis, Place Coordinator, Llangollen Energised Communities Project, Severn Wye Energy Agency, said: “This is your opportunity to identify future projects, and potential funding, that will enhance Llangollen’s future and that of its residents." 

#OurLlangollenOurFuture and #EinLlangollenEinDyfodol'

Eisteddfod launches monthly.lottery

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has launched a brand-new Monthly Lottery, giving supporters the chance to win big prizes while helping secure the future of one of Wales’ most iconic festivals.

For just £5 a month, players will be entered into a monthly draw, with proceeds directly supporting the Eisteddfod’s work. Every ticket sold helps boost the prize pot and provides vital funds to sustain and develop the world-famous celebration of music and culture. If 200 people join, the first prize would be £100, second prize £50, and third prize £25 – and the more people who take part, the higher the prizes will be.

The first draw will take place on the first Wednesday of the following month, overseen by staff, board members, and volunteers to ensure fairness and transparency. Supporters can join easily online at international-eisteddfod.co.uk/support-us/monthly-lottery or by calling the Box Office on 01978 862000. The first draw will be done on Wednesday, October 1st.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “This is a great initiative that will really benefit the Eisteddfod. Not only does it give our supporters a fun way to get involved, but it also provides important funds that will help us continue to bring people together through music, culture, and community. You don’t need to be a volunteer to take part – anyone can join in and support us while having the chance to win some great cash prizes.”

The Llangollen Eisteddfod has been a highlight of Wales’ cultural calendar since 1947, drawing performers and visitors from across the globe. The new Monthly Lottery is the latest way supporters can play their part in safeguarding its future

Programme of special events will mark railway's 50th birthday

Llangollen Railway is planning a series of special events to celebrate its 50th Birthday Weekend on September 11-13.

This commemorates half a century since the very first open day at Llangollen Station held by members of the Flint & Deeside Railway Preservation Society.

This came not long after they took on the lease of the derelict station and trackbed towards Berwyn from Clwyd - later Denbighshire - County Council. 

* A derelict Llangollen Station as it was in June 1975 just before its restoration began. 

From this modest start the dedicated team of volunteers - and later paid staff - would go on to give provide a treasured 10-mile heritage railway that would receive international acclaim and become one of North Wales’s leading tourist attractions.   

Over the years they have faced many challenges the latest of which came only last week when Austin 1, the railway's very first steam locomotive and planned star of the anniversary weekend, had to be taken out of service for boiler repairs. 

But the show will go with, most likely, the GWR Pannier Tank No 7754 - itself with a proud history - taking Austin1’s place. 

On Friday September 12 the timetable will reflect the development of the railway from 1975 - with special services starting in Llangollen station (1975) and then running onwards in stages to Goods Junction (1981), Pentrefelin (1982), Berwyn (1985/6), Deeside (1990), Glyndyfrdwy (1993), Carrog (1996) and finally Corwen (2014-2023), where we finally completed the founders' vision in opening a permanent and purpose-built new station in 2023. 

Railway press officer Terry Pickthall said: "We will also recreate our original opening ceremony for the first train in Llangollen station, with Bob Heddon, who is our Honorary Trust President, former Trust Chairman and longstanding LR Volunteer and supporter, cutting a ceremonial ribbon. 

 

"On Saturday September 13 we will operate a busy timetable using our steam, diesel and railcar fleet, which we have proudly built up, restored and maintained over the last 50 years. 

"From 6pm we are holding a 50^th birthday party and extend a warm invitation to both visitors and the local community to come and celebrate with us. All are welcome and it's free entry. 

"Our new station bar will be open and a food stall will be on site. The evening will have a 70’s and 80’s theme that reflects our early preservation with a DJ and live band Electric Reflex to entertain us. There will also be a food van available and the bar is open until 10.30pm.

 

"On the Sunday we are having a Dydd Cymru/Welsh Day, where we will celebrate the Welsh language, hope to welcome a Welsh choir and celebrate the pending Owain Glyndŵr day, given his links to the Dee Valley and Corwen.

 

"There will also be a miniature railway at Llangollen Station on Saturday along with talks and demonstrations from our volunteers, photo displays and tours of our engine shed throughout the weekend.

 

"We look forward to celebrating our special occasion with everyone."

* Austin 1 surrounded by volunteers in 1981.

* An open weekend at the railway after its revival began on September 13 1975.

* Another picture from the archives taken in 1976.

 * Glyndyfrdwy Station in its pre-restored state in 1990.

* ... and how it is today.

Family pay tribute to Daphne Stallard who died in a road collision on Monday

* Mrs Daphne Stallard.

Family tributes have been paid to the mother of a leading Welsh churchwoman who once lived in Llangollen and was killed in a road collision in Llandudno on Monday morning.  

Daphne Stallard, 89, was the widow of the Rev Charles Stallard with whom she lived in Llangollen for 10 years at the time her son-in-law, the Rev Andrew Sully, was vicar of St Collen's.

She was the mother of the Rt Rev Mary Stallard, Andrew's wife, who has been Bishop of Llandaff in Cardiff since 2023.

Earlier today (Wednesday) Mr Stallard's family issued the following tribute via North Wales Police in the name of Mary, Andrew and John Stallard. Daphne’s children.

They say: "Our Mum, Daphne was a bright shining light of love at the centre of our family. She was a caring Mam-gu who was always full of concern and pride for her children and her grown-up grandchildren. A woman of faith who gave so much of her time to looking after others, she has always been an active volunteer at church.

"Daphne was a member of many community groups and spent much time visiting and writing to anyone she thought might appreciate support. She cared for people of all ages and especially enjoyed helping with small children at the church Sunday school, and visiting 'the elderly' who often included those younger than herself!

"She was incredibly hard-working, her children remember her juggling being a full-time mother, helping at church and teaching by correspondence-course late into the night when they were small. She always had a very strong work ethic and this attitude continued even into her retirement.

"By training Daphne was a scientist. She studied at Cambridge and taught in a number of high schools throughout her working life. She was head of chemistry at a prestigious girls’ school in Birmingham.

"Daphne was always devoted to her husband the Rev Charles Stallard who sadly died five years ago. They were both very fit and celebrated Daphne‘s 80th birthday by climbing Snowdon together. Daphne kept active in her later years and even recently was often out walking around town as well as attending Tai Chi classes.

"She would have celebrated her 90th birthday this month. Her sudden loss has come as such a shock to us all. It is a comfort to us that we believe that she is re-united now with her beloved Charles, and both are safe in God’s care."

North Wales Police said in a statement today: "The investigation to establish the cause of the collision is underway, and anybody who may have been in the vicinity of Brookes Street around the time of the collision and who may have information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact officers at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000723615.

"The man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has since been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue."

County council responds to Met Office's severe weather warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow/warning for thunderstorms across Wales tomorrow (September 4), affecting North Wales.

You can expect “heavy showers and thunderstorms” which “may cause some localised flooding,” it says.

The warning is in place from 2am until 5pm and affects Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham and Flintshire as well as other areas of Wales.

Denbighshire County Council says it has resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any weather-related incidents should they arise.

 

It adds that further updates will be provided if deemed necessary.

 

Please report any issues to our Customer Service Team between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday, by:

1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

2) telephone 01824 706000

3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.

4) use an online web form, available on Denbighshire’s website:

www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/online-forms/online-forms.aspx

In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5:00pm and 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068.