Berwyn u3a learns about building the Manchester Ship Canal

* The Manchester Ship Canal, subject of the talk heard by Berwyn u3a group.

Seeing huge ships apparently sailing over the green fields of Cheshire prompted the young Peter Scott to investigate a bit further. 

Of course, he was seeing ships sailing through the Manchester Ship Canal, but the water was the bit he couldn't see.

He came to Canalfon Ni, Corwen, to talk to the u3a about the planning and construction of the canal, and the to-ing and fro-ing between Manchester and Liverpool corporations as to whether it should be built at all.

Enlivened by modern images and old newsreels, Peter, who used to sail out of Eastham Locks,  took members through the fascinating journey of the planning, building and running of the canal.

Berwyn u3a covers Llangollen, Bala and Corwen, and has a meeting open to everyone on the third Monday of every month at Canalfon Ni in Corwen.

Thailand-bound cycling lads reach Istanbul and take a break

* Bussing it into Istanbul.

It was time to contemplate meeting visitors from home and explain why they call themselves the Westheads as the three lads cycling to Thailand enjoyed a few days' rest in Istanbul last week.

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 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. 

After spending the night of day 78 of their mammoth journey in a hotel thanks to well-wisher Dan Griffiths of Rhosddu Carpets, the trio were back in the saddle for the last push to the Turkish capital.

Rather than cycling into the big, busy city they chose to go in by bus and then marvel at the sheer scale of the place.

* The Blue Mosque - off limits if you're wearing shorts and t-shirts like the lads.

On their few days of rest from the trail they did a question and answer session with their followers on Instagram, answering queries like what they missed about home - the Sunday carvery at the Abbey Grange - and why they call themselves the Westheads - "because it sums up someone who is a bit odd and crazy." 

On their daily video log there was then a shot of Louis saying how much he was looking forward to a visit from his dad, step mum and girlfriend, while the other two lads tried to have a look inside the famous Blue Mosque but were told that wasn't possible because their shoulders and knees weren't covered as they were wearing just t-shirts and shorts.  

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

Singing legend Michael Ball returning to headline at Eisteddfod

World-renowned musical theatre star and multi-platinum-selling artist Michael Ball will headline at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Saturday July 11.

The double Olivier Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated performer will make his highly anticipated return to the iconic Llangollen Pavilion for the first time in more than 20 years, having last performed there in 2004. 

Audiences can expect a spectacular, fully seated show celebrating the entertainer’s remarkable career, as part of the traditional Eisteddfod week.

Friends of Llangollen International Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am on Tuesday via llangollen.net and tickets go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday.

In a video message speaking about his return to Llangollen, Michael Ball said: "I cannot wait to be coming back to Llangollen for the Eisteddfod - me singing, talking, you providing a welcome in the hillside. I love performing in the Eisteddfod and I’m so honoured to be invited back. I hope you can come and see me there, we’ll have a fabulous night."

It has already been revealed that global music icon Emeli Sandé will headline the festival on Friday July 10 with a spectacular bespoke concert, reimagining her greatest hits and fan favourites in brand-new symphonic arrangements performed live with The Absolute Orchestra. Tickets for that show are on sale now.

Following a record-breaking 2025, organisers anticipate 2026 to be the Eisteddfod’s biggest and most exciting year yet. For the first time, the iconic Choir of the World final will take place on the Sunday evening, bringing the historic festival to a close— a spectacular climax to the week’s performances and competitions.

Ahead of the closing night, Michael Ball will light up the Pavilion on Saturday evening. A performer who has been at the forefront of musical theatre for more than four decades, Michael Ball is a beloved household star. He originated the roles of Marius in Les Misérables and Edna Turnblad in Hairspray on the West End — the latter earning him the first of two Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical. 

His illustrious career spans many of the most iconic shows of all time, including The Phantom of the Opera, Chess, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and his second Olivier Award-winning turn in the title role of Sweeney Todd.

His extraordinary career extends far beyond the stage, spanning radio, television, and the recording studio. In 2024, Michael became the latest presenter of Love Songs on BBC Radio 2, bringing his signature warmth and charm to the long-running Sunday morning favourite. On screen, he’s a familiar and much-loved presence — from The Michael Ball Show on ITV1 to his travelogue series Wonderful Wales on Channel 5, and a special Easter Sunday programme for the BBC earlier this year.

Alongside his stage and screen success, Michael has also enjoyed a chart-topping recording career, selling millions of albums and performing to sold-out arenas around the world. In 2007, he made history as the first musical theatre star to headline a solo concert at the BBC Proms with An Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall.

His long-standing collaboration with close friend Alfie Boe has become a phenomenon in its own right. Together, they’ve released six hit albums — including four UK No.1s — and sold more than 1.6 million records, earning two Classic BRIT Awards and fronting three ITV specials. Michael is also a bestselling author, with his debut novel The Empire and follow-up A Backstage Betrayal both hitting the Sunday Times charts, alongside his memoir Different Aspects.

 

Fans in Llangollen can expect an unforgettable night featuring songs from Michael’s best-loved roles, timeless show tunes, and career highlights that have made him one of the UK’s most cherished entertainers.

 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Dave Danford said: “We can’t wait to welcome Michael Ball back to the Eisteddfod next summer. Since he last performed here more than 20 years ago, he’s continued performing at the highest level. He is rightly regarded as Britain’s leading musical theatre star, with a succession of major awards to his name. I’ve no doubt this will be a night to remember.”

 

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net

VIDEO HERE

 

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Mark's shoestring garden reaps awards hat-trick

* Award-winning gardener Mark Jones. Picture by Mandy Jones 

A gardener has scooped a hat-trick of awards after transforming his once-neglected courtyard into a stunning Italian-inspired haven – on a shoestring budget.

Mark Jones, 42, who works as deputy head gardener at the Pendine Park care organisation, spent six years creating the Mediterranean-style retreat at his Pontcysyllte home, using reclaimed materials, bargain finds and even free plants.

The dad-of-one, helped throughout by his daughter Lilly, 11, was crowned the overall winner of the Llangollen Rural Communities Best Kept Garden Awards, also taking home titles for Best Containers and Best Courtyard Garden.

* The Mediterranean-style garden which landed him the awards. 

Mark, who joined Pendine Park four years ago after working in factories, says turning his lifelong passion into a career has been a “dream come true”.

He now oversees a team caring for the outdoor spaces across Pendine Park’s nine care homes and is studying for an NVQ to further his skills.

Mark said: “To make gardening my career is amazing. I love being creative and can picture how I want something to look and can find a way to make it happen.

“I didn’t see how I could make it my job and ended up working in various factory roles, but I built up my skills and knowledge which improved my confidence and I started looking for gardening work and I have never looked back. I am very lucky to do my hobby for a job.

“Being outdoors makes me happy and it is what I have always loved doing. Growing up I remember my dad didn’t enjoy gardening but I was always digging around in soil and my love for gardening work grew from there.

“Working at Pendine is very rewarding, especially when you see residents enjoying the outdoor spaces we have created.

* Mark's award certificates from Llangollen Rural Community Council.

“Being outdoors in nice surroundings is one of the best things for your mental health and I feel very proud to be responsible for keeping their outdoor spaces nice and tidy.”

Mark’s wife Naomi entered him into the competition for the garden he describes as his “pride and joy”.

He said: “ I was completely shocked to win. I didn’t even know my wife had entered the competition for me so I really wasn’t expecting it. I was absolutely lost for words when they said my name.”

Mark’s inspiration for his Tuscan style garden came trips to visit family in Italy which led to hours and hours of web-based research to make his vision a reality.

The six-year labour of love saw Mark trawl the internet on the hunt for bargains and free items.

He said: “It should have cost thousands to do but I have managed to get it all done for just a few pounds except the shed and the table and chairs. The plants are all from cuttings so they have all been free.

“My daughter Lilly has been a huge help. She was only little when I bought the house so she has learned so much with me doing various jobs. Now she helps out with things like pruning and cutting and she loves it as much as I do.

Sarah Edwards, Pendine’s artist-in-residence, said: “Mark is a wonderful gardener and we are all so proud of him for winning these awards.

“He is a very humble man so it is lovely he has got this recognition for his talents. We are so fortunate to have Mark and our team of gardeners on board here at Pendine. Their work makes a huge difference to our wellbeing and helps to enrich the lives of our residents through having access to green spaces and nature.

“The outdoor spaces in our care homes mean so much to residents, family and staff, and they bring a lot of joy for us all. All of the homes are surrounded by gorgeous gardens which is a big part of what we do to improve the quality of life for our residents and staff alike.

“As well as ensuring the arts are part of everyday life, creating a beautiful environment is a golden thread that runs through everything we do at Pendine.”

Stage groups come up with something marvellous for Sarah

* A lively Abba routine was the fitting end to a marvellous night of entertainment.

Many of the people she helped put on a show came together to celebrate the life and talent of Sarah Marshall in fine style at the Town Hall last night (Saturday).

Performers from Llangollen Operatic Society, their junior section the Young 'Uns and Llangollen Pantomime Group, ably assisted by the Julie Thomas dancers, presented a lavish programme of entertainment marking how well Sarah choreographed a cavalcade of their productions in the years before her untimely death exactly 12 months ago.

And the resulting concert, "Something for Sarah" was rewarded with a full-house audience who lapped up every minute of the the programme of song and dance, which included brief tastes of their previous musicals and pantos plus a fun quiz and a prize raffle which brought the house down.

Providing the first-rate musical accompaniment was the Elen Mair Roberts band. 

The night also raised funds for two of the charities closest to Sarah's heart - Nightingale House Hospice, whose care she received in her final days, and Friends of the Earth.  

As one of the evening's comperes Chrissie Ashworth said: "Sarah worked tirelessly, weaving her magic into everything she did, the results of which were bright, inspired and managed to make the least confident look confident and polished, such was her talent."

The show was stylishly produced by Tracey Kempster-Jones. 

* The opening numbers from the Operatic ladies.

* The show was in memory of Sarah Marshall.

* More Operatic Society magic.

*An all-action zumba sequence from Julie's Thomas's group.

* Recreated scenes from the Young 'Uns smash-hit version of Oliver (above and below).

 

* Part of compere Robin Crowley's nautical presentation.  

* In the Navy with a Village People routine from the Operatic and the Panto Group.

* Echoes of a past panto, Old King Cole.

* Compere Chrissie Ashworth.

* Nightingale House trustee Chris Burgoyne explains the work of the hospice.

* More from the Operatic ladies.

* Julie Thomas, up on stage, teaches some line dance steps to willing audience members.

* Masterminding the stand-up quiz from the stage.

Why did A5 temporary lights stay long after work ended?

* The traffic build-up on Regent Street on Friday afternoon.

Llangollen people are asking why they have had to put up with traffic congestion caused by roadworks with no work taking place.

Gas works at the junction of Regent Street, Hill Street and Chapel Street began on October 6  - except they didn't as, despite barriers being erected and lights being switched on, no ground appeared to have been broken on the blocked-off pavement or carriageway until a few days later.

Three trenches were eventually dug in the road. But these were filled in and the road surface restored by last Thursday.

Although the works were due to continue until Saturday, there was a hope that they might be removed on Friday, before the usual weekend traffic build-up began.

But they remained firmly in place causing queues backing up well past Birch Hill by mid-afternoon. And it was virtually the same story in the opposite direction.

* Unnecessary congestion on Regent Street on Friday.

It is understood that the lights will now be removed later today (Saturday), with the usual lights at the Castle Street junction being restored.

People are now asking why this situation was allowed to occur on a key trunk route with all its attendant pollution and frustration for local drivers and through-traffic alike.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards described the situation as "unacceptable" and said she was raising the matter with Denbighshire officers.

* A perfectly clear road the other side of the traffic lights as queues formed at either end.

Denbighshire appoints new chief executive

* New chief executive Helen White

Denbighshire County Council has today (Friday, 24 October) announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive.

Helen White, who joins Denbighshire from Taff Housing Association, has been appointed to the role.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council said: “This is an excellent appointment for Denbighshire and I would like to congratulate and welcome Helen to this new role on behalf of our staff, elected members and residents throughout the county.

“The selection process has been very rigorous and we had a number of strong contenders in the running who all performed to an extremely high standard.

“As a top performing council in Wales which was praised as ‘well-run’ in its Panel Performance Assessment at the end of 2024, Denbighshire has a strong senior team in place and we are now looking forward to working with our.new Chief Executive to.lead this.team and to continue that success into the.future."

A Welsh speaker who was raised in Henllan, Helen has been Chief Executive Officer with Taff Housing since 2019.  Having started her career in housing and community development, Helen has over 20 years’ experience working across the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Following her appointment, Helen said, "I'm honoured to be taking on the role of Chief Executive. I know it is a challenging time for so many in our communities, I am looking forward to working alongside dedicated colleagues to help make a positive impact in the county I was born and raised in.

"I want to thank the Leader of the Council and all of the other Elected Members for putting their faith in me as a new Chief Executive."