Funeral of Owen Roberts to take place on December 16

 

His family has announced that the funeral of well-known and respected local musician Owen Roberts will be held at 1pm on Tuesday December 16 at St Collen's Church.

In a Facebook post they say: "We will be holding a celebration of Owen's life on the same day (from around 2.30pm) at the Pavilion which is very fitting as the Eisteddfod was very special to Owen. He was a great supporter of it and was involved for many years on the music side of things.

"We would love people to join us as we celebrate and remember Owen. Please feel free to share with those who knew him."

Eight-year-old kayaker goes viral after stunning performance

A short video of eight-year-old kayaker Seren Jones performing a technically demanding hand-roll has gone viral across multiple platforms, becoming a source of inspiration for youngsters everywhere.

Shared initially for the enjoyment of the wider water sports community, the clip - filmed during a Llangollen Canoe Club session at Plas Madoc pool - has now approached 3 million views on the centre’s Facebook page alone.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, go to: Eight-year-old kayaker goes viral after stunning performance | Denbighshire Free Press

St Collen's Christmas fair is packed with seasonal cheer

 

People have been flocking this morning to the annual St Collen's Christmas fair.

It features numerous stalls with festive treats, tombola and a grand raffle. Bacon butties with tea or coffee are also on sale.

The event, in the Community Hall next to the church, continues until 2pm.

Nominations open for High Sheriff of Clwyd awards

Nominations are now open for the High Sheriff of Clwyd's Community Awards 2026.

The awards, established in 2013, recognise individuals and community groups with charitable aims that have made outstanding contributions in their communities. 

Over the years countless volunteers and groups have been recognised for their extraordinary efforts.

There are three awards given for each of the counties that form the preserved County of Clwyd: Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham:

• Two awards for outstanding contribution by an individual
• One award for outstanding contribution by a voluntary or community group with charitable aims

The nomination forms and guidance notes can be downloaded on FLVC website here: https://www.flvc.org.uk/high-sheriff-of-clwyd-community-awards-2026/

The closing date for the submission of signed nominations is 5pm on Sunday January 11 2026.

All nominations regardless of county of origin should be sent to Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) at info@flvc.org.uk.

The winners will be presented with their awards at a special recognition ceremony to be held on March 14 2026. 

St Collen's Christmas fair is today

Latest Tan y Ddôl seasonal tableaux have been unveiled

It's a sure sign that Christmas has really arrived in Llangollen when another of the brilliant seasonal tableaux appears outside Tan y Ddôl off Abbey Road. 

And the latest ingenious offerings created by the talented residents have the novel theme of the Poles - North and South. 

The one on the right of the gatepost depicts a well wrapped-up fisherman, the obvious resident of the nearby igloo, casting his line into a hole in the ice while a gang of polar bears hang around hoping to share anything he catches.

The tableau on the other side, which is equally clever and well-executed, is a ski-ing scene with lots of penguins and other cuddly toys blasting down the piste - and a couple taking a tumble along the way.

Why not take a look for yourself and be filled with the Christmas spirit!   

Railway invites travellers to tuck into its Mince Pie Specials

* The railway is steaming into a new season of Mince Pie Specials. 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is set to delight passengers once again with its popular Mince Pie Specials, running on December 27, 28 and 30. 

These steam-hauled journeys through the stunning Dee Valley have become a firm favourite for families and visitors, combining seasonal charm with the timeless appeal of heritage travel. 

This year, the railway is going even further by actively championing four outstanding local food venues situated along the route. Passengers are encouraged to step off the train and enjoy a relaxed post-Christmas lunch at one of these hand-picked establishments before continuing their scenic journey.

 

At Berwyn Railway Station, the riverside Chainbridge Hotel offers its Christmas Menu in one of Wales’s most spectacular settings. 

A short stroll from Glyndyfrdwy Station, the Berwyn Arms promises hearty seasonal dishes and a warm welcome. 

Further along the line at Carrog Railway Station, The Grouse invites visitors to enjoy its renowned home-style cooking in a traditional country inn. 

* The railway is championing four food venues along the line.

Those travelling through to Corwen can experience the hospitality of the historic Owain Glyndŵr Hotel, a much-loved favourite with both locals and tourists.

 

By promoting these venues, the railway says it is creating a complete day out that blends festive flavours with the beauty of winter in the Dee Valley. Passengers can enjoy lunch, re-join the train later in the day and make the most of a flexible timetable that includes return trips from both ends of the line.

 

Carriages on the Mince Pie Specials will continue to be decorated for the season. Adults receive a mince pie and festive tipple, while children enjoy their own treat and drink, ensuring a family friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

 

James Veal, Events Administrator at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “Our Santa Specials are virtually sold out this year, but they are not the end of the Christmas season at the railway. 

"Many families tell us they look forward just as much to our Mince Pie Specials, which offer a chance to unwind, enjoy the scenery and soak up the warmth of the festive season in a unique and memorable way. We are delighted to be championing some fantastic local food venues along the line this year, and we cannot wait to welcome passengers on board.”

 

Timings and fares:

 

Departures from Llangollen: 10:00, 12:20 and 15:15
Returns from Corwen: 11:05, 13:45 and 16:20

 

Ticket prices:

Adults (16 plus): £26
Children (3 to 15): £12
Infants (2 and under): free
Dogs (up to two): £3

 

The Mince Pie Specials offer comfort, charm and the joy of steam travel, with the added benefit of four excellent local pubs and hotels ready to welcome passengers along the line.

 

Ticket booking:

 

Book online at https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/mince-pie-specials/ or call 01978 860 979.

 

To book lunch during your visit, please contact:

 

Chainbridge Hotel
Nearest station: Berwyn Railway Station
01978 860 215

 

The Berwyn Arms
Nearest station: Glyndyfrdwy Railway Station
01490 430210

 

The Grouse
Nearest station: Carrog Railway Station
01490 430272

 

Owain Glyndŵr Hotel
Nearest station: Corwen Railway Station
01490 412115