Latest from the big dig at Castell Dinas Bran

* An area cordoned off for the dig around the castle.

Here's the latest on the archeological dig being carried out at Castell Dinas Bran in partnership with Heneb, the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley team and supported by Cadw.

llanblogger caught up on the excavations with Sue Evans and Sam Thomson from Llangollen Museum to hear how the first days of this year’s dig are unfolding.

Sue Evans said: “It was a very, very blustery start on Day 1 – the weather was against us, but spirits stayed high! Our focus this year is the medieval gatehouse, building on what we uncovered in 2023. 

"But what’s really exciting is that, for the first time, we’re putting a trench on the Iron Age ramparts. That’s completely new ground for us, and the team – including fantastic local volunteers – couldn’t wait to get started. We managed to strip turf on both trenches despite the wind, which felt like a real achievement.”

* A trench dug by experts to look further into the ground.

Sam Thomson: “By Day 2 things had calmed down a bit, at least on the eastern side. At the gatehouse trench we started to see later Victorian pottery coming up – probably linked to the old café that once stood on the castle site. Over at the ramparts, my trench exposed bedrock quite quickly on the slope, while colleagues working in the ditch unearthed medieval pottery – actually more than we found at the castle itself. It’s a reminder of just how complex the story at Dinas Bran is.”

Sue Evans again: “This is such an amazing opportunity for us, and we hope to be able to get some dating evidence during the dig which will enable us to consolidate what we think we know about the site. We will be sharing updates regularly, but if anyone is passing by, we’d love people to come along, ask questions, and see the progress for themselves. Our ultimate aim will be to have a display in the museum of the findings – watch this space!”

Dig background

The latest previous excavations at Dinas Bran shed new light on the medieval gatehouse. Archaeologists were able to confirm the layout of the defensive structures, including the portcullis, main gate door jamb, draw-bar holes, and the base of an elaborately carved wall pillar. 

Evidence also suggests there are still well-preserved sections of high-status masonry buried on site, which could help determine whether the princes of Powys employed Welsh or Marcher masons during construction.

The team also confirmed the location of the doorway into the southern turret guardroom and uncovered surviving medieval floor levels within the gate passageway. Although the original floor in the southern turret could not be reached due to deep backfill, it almost certainly remains intact.

While artefacts were limited, two decorated shards of 13th-century pottery were found at the eastern entrance. Most importantly, the excavation has shown that extensive medieval deposits still survive beneath layers of rubble and landscaping debris. This means there is strong potential for further discoveries and more precise dating evidence in future investigations.

Next Tourism Forum to be held at The Wild Pheasant

Tourism businesses and organisations are being invited to the next Denbighshire Tourism Forum, taking place on Wednesday, October 15 at The Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen (10.30am–1.30pm).

The Forum offers a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the sector, connect with like-minded businesses, and share experiences, say organisers.

This year’s programme includes a range of expert guest speakers:

• Gail Swan, Chair of the Taste North East Wales Food and Drink Group
• Lucy von Weber, Head of Marketing, Visit Wales
• Head of Service for Tourism, Denbighshire County Council

Delegates will have the chance to browse a variety of information stands from organisations including Coleg Cambria, Development Bank of Wales, Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Woodland Skills Centre, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen & Corwen Railway and Denbighshire Tourism.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Tourism plays such a vital role in Denbighshire’s economy and culture, and the Forum is a fantastic way for us to come together, share ideas and support one another. Whether you’re a small business, community organisation or part of a larger attraction, I’d encourage you to come along and be part of the conversation.”

Registration opens at 10.00am, with the Forum beginning at 10.30am, followed by a buffet lunch and networking at 1.30pm.

* Places are free, but booking is essential. Reserve your spot today: Eventbrite Booking Form.

MP welcomes new 'Hillsborough Law' as it starts its Parliamentary passage

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins (pictured) has welcomed the long-awaited "Hillsborough Law" which the Government has been introduced into Parliament today.

Known officially as the Public Office (Accountabilty) Bil, it has been called for by the families of those who died during that tragedy.

It aims to introduce a new legal duty of candour on all public officials and authorities to prevent the kind of cover-ups seen after the Hillsborough disaster as well as in the Horizon Post Office and infected blood scandals and the Grefell Tower fire.

Public officials will have to act with honesty and integrity at all times and could face criminal prosecution if they failed to do so. The bill will introduce a new offence of misleading the public.

Becky Gittins said: “This law is for the 97 who lost their lives and for every family who had to fight for decades for the truth when the state let them down.

“I am proud that this Bill has been introduced and I will be supporting it in Parliament. It delivers the commitment I was elected to make and ensures that truth can never again be concealed by those in power.”

Thailand cyclists have a rest in Vienna and a soggy ride for Budapest

* Battling through the rain and wind on the way to Budapest.

A couple of days' well-earned rest was on the itinerary for the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand as they hit Vienna on day 35 of their epic journey,

Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out a few weeks go on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

* The route taken by the lads to Vienna.

After storming across Europe they arrived in the Austrian capital to be overawed by its sheer scale and architectural beauty.

There was no cycling on the agenda for a day or two as they relaxed and did their washing. There was also a time for a little fun as they visited one of the big amusement parks.

Back on the road their next major objective was Budapest and they were soon battling through high winds and driving rain.

The final video bulletin of the week saw them looking forward to meeting Louis's mum and dad in the Hungarian capital city on the Saturday.  

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Temporary traffic order made for Barbers Hill, Vivod

 

Denbighshire County Council has made a temporary traffic order prohibiting vehicles using Barbers Hill, Vivod, Llangollen effective from September 11, extending westward from its junction with Willow Street for a distance of approximately 520 metres.

The council says the closure is necessary to facilitate installation of ducting and a new carriageway chamber by Dave Group Ltd on behalf of Openreach.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the period of closure.

The signposted alternative route will be via Willow Street, Hall Street, A5 junction opposite Ystrad Hall on A5 to Tyn y Celyn Farm, and Foel to Vivod Bridge.

The works are expected to last approximately until September 25.

High wind fells tree which blocks the canal and touches nearby house

* The fallen tree blocks the canal, the towpath and has gone across the hedge to touch the house on the other side.

This morning's high winds blew down a large tree on the canal, completely blocking the waterway and the hampering walkers on the towpath.  

Its upper branches were also left touching the side of a house on the other side of the nearby hedge.

The fallen tree forced Llangollen Wharf to cancel the day's horse-drawn boat trips towards the Chain Bridge, which its manager Neil Tuffton reckons will have cost him between £300-£500 in lost revenue and cancellations.

* Some towpath walkers were able to negotiate the branches. Others were not.

He said: "The tree came down near the entrance to the marina sometime between nine and nine-thirty this morning and had been standing on the bank opposite.  

"As it had completely blocked the canal there was no alternative but to cancel the day's trips towards the Chain Bridge, which is four in all.

"I've spent the rest of the day phoning people who had booked to explain that we'd unfortunately had to cancel.

"I estimate that this will have cost us somewhere between £300 and £500 but it's just one of those things."

There was no-one available at the house on which the top section of the tree was lying.

More hardy walkers were able to duck under the tree to negotiate the towpath while others were seen to walk away in the opposite direction. 

* Today's horse-drawn boats towards the Chain Bridge had to be cancelled.

Around 2pm a spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust which controls the waterway said: "I’ve spoken to our teams in the area, and they’ve confirmed that contractors should be on site, if not arriving soon, and will be also attending another large branch that’s blocking the towpath further downstream."  

Family celebrate the life of the late Daphne Stallard

* Daphne Stallard.

Family members have set up a special website to celebrate the life Daphne Stallard who was killed in a road collision in Llandudno earlier this month.  

Mrs 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.

On the website, the family says: "This site is a tribute to Daphne Stallard who passed away tragically and unexpectedly in Llandudno on Monday, 1st September 2025, aged 89 years. Of St Mary’s Road, Llandudno Daphne was an active Christian and volunteered in many roles, she also loved her garden, walking and letter writing. 

"Daphne was the loving wife of the late Reverend Charles, a proud Mum to Andy, Mary and John and a much loved Mam-gu to Harry, George, Jo and Carys. She was close to all her family especially Fiona and Andrew her daughter in law and son in law and all her relatives. Daphne will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her." 

Daphne's funeral service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno followed by a private family committal at Colwyn Bay Crematorium, on Monday September 22 at 12 noon.

The family add: "Family flowers only please. We are nominating just the two charities detailed here only, any contributions to these would be so gratefully received." 

Donations in memory of Daphne will be gratefully received towards Christian Aid, Gaza Appeal and/or Marie Curie Nurses, from this page or via the donations box at the funeral.

* To see the website, go to: Tribute to Daphne Stallard, 1935 - 2025