Drosi Bikes to host 'uplifting' film evening next month

Drosi Bikes is hosting a film night in Llangollen which it says is more than just for cyclists.

Chasing The Sun is the new documentary film from 2x BAFTA-winning director Michael B.Clifford. 

It explores extraordinary personal stories of ordinary cyclists taking on iconic endurance event Chase The Sun, revealing the power of the humble bicycle to transform lives and help save the planet.

The film features contributions from broadcaster and ITV’s voice of the Tour de France Ned Boulting, author and blogger Jools Walker, Turner Prize-winning artist Sir Richard Long and 4x Mountain Bike World Champion Tracy Moseley.

According to their recent Facebook post, the showing of Chasing the Sun at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday February 3 is for commuters, gravel riders, parents on the school run, people who want to ride more, people who want to be inspired and people who care about their community and the planet.

Drosi describes Chasing The Sun as "an uplifting film" and the evening will include a panel discussion exploring the power of the cycle and of everyday cycling for fun, challenges, travel and well-being.

It will also feature Tracy Moseley and director Michael B Clifford as special guests.

There are limited tickets at £12 available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../chasing-the-sun-film...

Drosi Bikes is a community interest company, and this event is being run on a not-for-profit basis.

Any surplus from ticket sales will be reinvested directly into our local community projects, supporting access to bikes, skills, confidence and sustainable travel here in Llangollen and our wider community in North Wales.

* You can find out more about Drosi at www.drosibikes.org

Bryn Terfel launches hunt for Denbighshire’s hidden heroes

* Sir Bryn Terfel issues a rallying cry.

Opera legend Bryn Terfel has issued a rallying call for entries to find unsung social care heroes in Denbighshire.

The search is now underway for nominations for the 2026 Wales Care Awards which shine a spotlight on the remarkable staff working in care homes and home-care services across the country.

Among the accolades is the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award, celebrating outstanding work in bringing the arts into social care settings.

Sir Bryn, a long-time supporters of the event, is urging colleagues, managers and families to put names forward – not only for the award carrying his name but for every category, recognising excellence across the profession.

Also up for grabs are honours for frontline care practitioners, nurses, chefs, dementia specialists and those championing fulfilled lives, alongside awards for outstanding service in the sector.

This year's glittering event will take place Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 16.

The closing date for all nominations will be January 31 and more information can be found on our website: www.walescareawards.co.uk

None of the finalists will go away empty handed because, a bit like the Olympics, they will win gold, silver or bronze awards.

Sir Bryn said: “Every day, social care staff go above and beyond, often without the recognition that they richly deserve. Supporting the Wales Care Awards is my way of helping to shine a light on their incredible work.

“These people are the backbone of our communities. Families rely on their compassion and skill, and it is only right that we celebrate the difference they make to people’s lives across Wales.

“I’m especially proud that the arts have a dedicated category. Creative activities bring comfort, joy and dignity to those receiving care and it’s wonderful to honour the people who make that happen.

“I’d urge colleagues, relatives and managers to take a moment to think about someone who deserves recognition. A nomination can mean the world to those who give so much.”

The awards were founded by Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, to recognise the “fantastic work” of front line staff and promote excellence in the social care sector.

Mr Kreft said: “The Wales Care Awards are all about saying thank you to the people who keep the social care network going. If you know somebody who consistently goes the extra mile, this is your chance to make sure they get the credit they deserve.

“Whether it’s a brilliant nurse, a dedicated chef or a anybody who never  fails to deliver, please put their names forward. The process is simple and the impact is huge.

“The awards night is a rare opportunity for staff to come together, share ideas and enjoy an evening that’s entirely about them. It’s a celebration of the sector at its very best.

“If we don’t properly value the people who care for others, we cannot hope to provide the high quality care our communities need. Raising the profile of the workforce is essential and these awards play a big part in that.

“We’re looking forward to another uplifting night where the remarkable women and men of social care can enjoy their moment in the spotlight.”

* For more details about the categories and to make a nomination for the 2026 Wales Care Awards go to  https://walescareawards.co.uk/

Llangollen escapes the worst of winter weather chaos

* A snow-free Castle Street this morning (Friday).

Llangollen appears to have escaped the worst of the predicted weather chaos. 

Despite it snowing pretty heavily last night it didn't really stick in town but this morning there is snow on the hills all around, including the slopes up to the castle.

Today both main roads are snow-free and flowing freely, all three schools are open and the buses appear to be running. There's a bit of slush on the pavements but that's disappearing fast. 

Facebook comments show that main roads connecting the town with both Wrexham in one direction and Oswestry in the other area also snow-free and safe to travel.

* Snow on the hills around the town.

Latest SDCP Latest outreach sessions in the area

Latest outreach sessions by South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) for Llangollen and Corwen are:

SDCP is looking for volunteers ...

SP Energy Networks gets ready for the wintry weather ahead

 

SP Energy Networks says it has being making preparations for the stormy weather ahead. In a briefing to local councillors toady (Thursday) it says: What this could mean

As conditions deteriorate, there is an increased risk of power interruptions. High winds can damage equipment, and in colder conditions ice can form on overhead lines. When ice builds up, it adds weight to the network and can cause lines or associated equipment to fail.  We’ve invested heavily over recent years to strengthen the network and reduce these risks — but extreme weather always brings a degree of uncertainty. Our focus now is on being ready, responsive and safe.

What we’ve already done

We’ve taken early action to make sure we’re on the front foot:

Materials and equipment have been moved closer to where they’re most likely to be needed  Generators have been checked and readied  Our 4x4 fleet has been reviewed, ensuring access to sites even in difficult conditions  Extra field staff are on standby, ready to deploy  Our call centre has increased capacity, with additional colleagues available to support customers.

Put simply: we’re prepared.

As the weather unfolds, I’ll continue to share updates, so you have the right, timely information to support your communities, neighbours and families.

Staying informed

For the most up-to-date view of any power interruptions, customers and stakeholders can check our live power cuts map: Power Cuts - SP Energy Networks

Preparedness messages to share

A little preparation goes a long way. Please continue to reinforce these simple but important messages:

Call 105 to report a power cut — it’s free and works no matter who you pay your bill to  Keep a torch handy  Charge power banks so phones and devices stay powered  Have extra blankets nearby, as heating may be affected  Close curtains or blinds to keep warmth in  Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain temperature  Stay clear of fallen power lines — always treat them as live and report immediately by calling 105

If you or someone you care for relies on electricity for medical or life-support equipment, please make sure you’re registered on the Priority Services Register and contact us if you have any concerns: Priority Services Register - SP Energy Networks  For the latest weather updates, the Met Office website has the most current information: http://metoffice.gov.uk

County makes preparations for snow, ice and Storm Goretti

Denbighshire County Council has this afternoon (Thursday) sent out an update on the current weather situation to its councillors, which has been passed on to llanblogger by Llangollen member Karen Edwards.

It says: "The yellow warning of snow and ice that was issued on Sunday covering the period from 12noon on Monday expired at 11am today. 

"However, two further yellow warnings have subsequently since been issued, the first for ice, which is valid between midnight tonight through until 10am on Wednesday. 

"A further warning has been issued, which has been named as Storm Goretti largely for snow, which comes into effect from 18:00hrs on Thursday and remains in place through until 12noon on Friday 9 January.

"The current position is that there will be a brief interlude and respite, whereby temperatures are set to rise during the daytime hours, which will lead to a gradual thaw of any lying snow or ice, although this may not have a significant effect on areas of high ground. Temperatures during the overnight periods are still expected to drop quite widely leading to a further ice risk, which is reflected in the latest weather warning.

"The focus beyond this period will then move towards the incoming Storm Garetti, which could lead to further snowfall and significant accumulations are possible, but there is still a level of uncertainty surrounding the exact storm trajectory and anticipated impacts, which are expected to be confirmed in the next 24/48 hours. 

"There is a likelihood that this warning may be updated from Yellow to Amber once the exact course and associated impacts are known. The wind is also predicted to increase, which may lead to blizzard like conditions, but again this is subject to an updated forecast position once the forecast modelling is confirmed."

The update continues: "The current network is largely open and passible with care with the only exceptions being the A542 Horseshoe pass, School Lane, Eryrys and Gwaenysgor Hill which remain closed due to the ongoing weather conditions. 

"Preparations are now being made in respect of planning and deployment additional resources to ensure a sufficient level of preparedness and resilience ahead of the arrival of Storm Garetti.

 

"In summary, we are aiming to have continuous winter maintenance provision and supervision from 16:00 hrs on Thursday 8 January through until 08:00am on Sunday 10 January, therefore covering the duration of the storm and current yellow weather warning, along with sufficient provision for any subsequent warnings that may still yet be issued. 

"We intend to call upon all available resources, including relief drivers, (subject to their availability). Our teams will also be supported by external agricultural contractors, who will assist in maintaining and keeping open the rural roads network, should this become necessary.

 

"In addition to these preparations, contractors have also been commissioned to replenish salt bins across the county network, with priority being given to the south of the county, which has been more significantly impacted of late. This replenishment work will commence tomorrow and will support the work being carried out by Highways and Streetscene teams, who are currently dealing with adhoc and welfare requests, along with the hand salting of town centres where possible.

 

"All resources will largely be focused on maintaining the primary county road network and further updates will be issued in terms of the position across the county road network."