Garden collection subscription renewal goes live

Denbighshire gardeners who use the garden waste collection service can now renew their subscription.

Renewal for 2026 to 2027 is open from January 12 to make sure there is time for everyone to sign up before the new service period starts from April 1.

The council is encouraging residents who are subscribing for the first time also take advantage of this sign-up period from today (April 1) to take full advantage of the 12-month service.

Residents are encouraged to renew their collection service online using the link below:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/bins-and-recycling/garden-waste.aspx

The two weekly garden waste service offers residents a convenient, cost-effective means of dealing with their garden waste and makes a significant contribution towards meeting statutory recycling targets.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Now is the time to renew or sign up for the 12 months garden waste collection service. I would urge residents to do this at their earliest convenience to account for the delivery time of any new containers and to and to take advantage of the full 12-month service."

Residents can check whether they have a live subscription on the bin collection dates page of the website or find out further information on the service here

Cytun to hold united service next Wednesday

Cytun - Churches Together in Llangollen - are holding "One Body One Spirit," a united service, at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Oak Street on Wednesday January 21, at 10.30am. It is a celebration of Unity Week and all are welcome. 

My unforgettable experience of A&E corridor care

The great NHS nightmare of what's become known as "corridor care," where patients are being treated in hospital passageways and not wards, was in the news again yesterday.

One poor guy hit the national headlines when he posted a video of himself hanging round in the corridor of a hospital in England for four days waiting for treatment and saying of the experience, "It makes you feel inhuman".

Although my own recent taste of corridor care was by no means as terrible as this it's certainly something I won't forget in a hurry and don't wish to repeat.

It began last Sunday when an uncomfortable but not too serious health problem I'd been having for some time got quite a bit worse.

As it was a Sunday and my local GP was not available I followed the conventional advice and rang the NHS Wales 111 advice line. After answering some in-depth questions about the problem I was advised to go along to my local hospital's A&E department. I didn't much fancy that because of the frightening stories I'd heard about huge queues and long waits for treatment often spent in corridors.

* Phil Robinson, llanblogger, gives his account of an afternoon and evening spent waiting to see a doctor at Wrexham Maelor.

But, needs must, along I went with my wife to the Wrexham Maelor. The place, as expected, was extremely busy but the lady on reception - like every other staff member I encountered that day - was polite and very helpful, took my details and told me to take a seat and wait.

I thought my luck was in when I was called into the triage area after only 15 minutes. And things looked even more promising when I was summoned to have my essential tests just a quarter of an hour after that. 

However, things took a turn for the worse when I was then directed into the dreaded corridor  leading from the reception area into the depths of A&E. The place that was to be my base for the next six hours.

I knew it wasn't going to be plain sailing right from the start when the other occupants of the passageway were either in wheelchairs or on trollies. And in some side-rooms were patients lying on beds who appeared to be receiving their longer term care right there rather than on a ward.

During the course of the afternoon and early evening there was a regular turnover of fellow corridor occupants who stayed there for varying periods. Clearly hard-pressed staff made regular checks on them whenever they could, bringing them extra blankets and food plus words of sympathy and cheerful reassurance. 

The most distressing sight was an elderly man in a wheelchair who was clearly in some pain - in fact he said so a few times quite loudly. I was even more upset for him when a staff member who I think was a doctor knelt down beside him to ask as discreetly as possible some intimate details of his condition. The man was still there when I eventually left.

On two occasions during my stay a nurse filled me in on what was happening with my case and advised me that someone would be along to take a further blood sample soon. So, soon afterwards, another member of staff turned up to stick a needle in my arm and draw out some of the red stuff right there in the corridor while my fellow occupants tried not to look. It was quite painless by the way and the only thing that was hurt was my dignity.

I'd arrived at A&E about 1.15pm so at 7.15pm I decided to ask, politely, the very helpful nurse I had spoken to earlier when it was expected I might be able to see a doctor. She checked and told me there were five other patients ahead of me in the queue.

But by this time I'm afraid both my wife and I had had enough and I told the same nurse that I'd like to sign myself out, requesting that the results of my tests, which I was still awaiting, be sent to my own GP and they were duly delivered by next morning. My treatment is therefore continuing locally.

I was very lucky that I wasn't too ill to get up and go home. Many, I realise, are not so fortunate. 

I'm well aware that people have had a much more harrowing brush with corridor care than I did but its causes - obviously lack of beds and shortage of staff to cope with growing patient demand - need to be dealt with as a matter of supreme urgency to prevent people having to undergo this kind of personal and mental trial for very much longer. 

The staff who have to handle it day after day are clearly not happy with it one little bit so let's fervently hope they don't eventually snap under the strain.

Tehmeena Ajmal, Chief Operating Officer at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Our hospitals and primary care services across North Wales are currently very busy, which is what we would typically expect at this time of year.

“Last week, we declared an internal critical incident due to the significant pressure being experienced across our sites, alongside forecasts of severe weather. This reflects the level of pressure facing our services, which is being seen across health boards in Wales. While improvements made towards the end of last week meant we were able to stand this incident down, our services remain extremely busy.

“We are working hard to manage these pressures by improving patient flow through our hospitals, including speeding up timely discharge where it is safe to do so. This is vital to help free up beds and reduce the length of time people may need to wait in our Emergency Departments, where some patients are currently waiting longer than we would like.

“The public can play an important role in helping us during this busy period by choosing the right service for their needs. Community pharmacies can provide advice and treatment for many minor conditions, and Minor Injury Units are available for injuries that do not require emergency care. We would also encourage people to phone NHS 111 in the first instance, so they can be directed to the most appropriate service and get the right care as quickly as possible.

“We are extremely grateful to our staff and partners who continue to work tirelessly to care for patients during this challenging winter period."

Major works to start at Brook Street and Pengwern on Monday

* Work starts here on Monday.

Residents and businesses have been notified of major roadworks which will start in and Brook Street and Pengwern, Llangollen next Monday.

These are said to be essential works which are part of the Active Travel improvements programme taking place in that area.

Work starts at the A5 junction of Brook Street on January 19 and will continue until February 20, according to a notice distributed through doors in the immediate area by Denbighshire County Council, which is overseeing the works, and its contractor Pronin.

Working hours will be between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and on weekends and bank holidays but only if required.

A signed diversion route will be in place throughout the closures. 

Temporary pedestrian management will also be in place. Permanent traffic signals and pedestrian crossings will be switched off during the work to avoid interference with temporary signals. Emergency access will be maintained at all times, says the notice.

It also warns that on-street parking may be restricted near the works to keep everyone safe. People with specific needs are asked to contact the contractors.

* Anyone with any questions or requiring assistance are asked to get in touch with contract manager Neil Farley on 07730 573250.

Strong start for Berwyn Tunnel track renewal works

* Llangollen and Corwen Railway’s Permanent Way Supervisor Dave Shaw is leading the team. 

The first week of essential track renewal works inside the historic Berwyn Tunnel on the Llangollen and Corwen Railway has been completed successfully, with the project making strong early progress and meeting all planned targets. 

The work focuses on replacing sections of life-expired track within the tunnel, including rails, sleepers and associated components, to ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, and fit for continued operation. This is a major piece of infrastructure work and a vital investment in the future of the line.

 

Berwyn Tunnel is one of the most historic and challenging locations on the former Ruabon to Barmouth line. Built between 1864 and 1865 as part of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, the 689-yard curving tunnel lay unused for decades before being brought back into service in the 1990s. 

Its age, length and confined environment mean that renewal work must be carefully planned and tightly controlled.

 

During the current programme the existing track is being carefully removed in sections and taken out of the tunnel using specialist rail vehicles. Usable materials are being recovered and reused where possible, while worn-out components are responsibly removed. 

The track bed is then renewed before new concrete sleepers and modern flat-bottom rail are installed, using mechanical plant to reduce manual handling and improve safety.

 

Dave Shaw, Permanent Way Supervisor and Person in Charge of the Works at the Railway, said: “This has been an excellent first week and a real credit to everyone involved. Replacing track in a tunnel like Berwyn is complex work, but it is absolutely critical to the safe operation of the railway. The team is following the plan carefully and delivering exactly what was needed.”

 

Llangollen Railway Trust’s Engineering Manager Tim Pulford added: “I’m extremely proud of the way the team has approached this project. It’s demanding work in a challenging environment, and the professionalism, teamwork and attention to safety we’ve seen so far has been outstanding. We’d like to thank all the volunteers who have helped so far including our Civils Team, whose help has been invaluable.”

 

The works are being carried out under a controlled engineering possession, with all activity overseen by the Permanent Way Supervisor and supported by employed staff, permanent way volunteers and specialist contractors. The completed track will be fully inspected and signed off before being returned to use.

 

This investment is essential to the long-term operation of the railway, reduce the risk of unplanned disruption and ensure trains can continue to run safely through one of the line’s most important structures.

 

Alongside this work, the team at Llangollen and Corwen Railway is already preparing for the 2026 season. 

Whilst the tunnel track removal is completed, the popular Berwyn Shuttle has been announced for February 14, 15, 18 and 21. 

The 2026 season starts Saturday, February 28 – with the first full line Llangollen to Corwen return after the completion of the works. Other highlights include the Branch Line Gala from April 10 to 12.

 

The renewal work now under way will play a key role in supporting these services and the wider running of the railway.

 

With a successful first week completed, the project will now move into its next stages, maintaining the same high standards of safety, care and delivery.

Dick Whittington comes to town and brilliantly finds his fortune

* The grand finale of Dick Whittington by Llangollen Panto Group.

Once upon a time there was a young lad wanting to make his fortune who moved away from Bala and headed for Llangollen where the streets are paved with gold.

There he meets an interesting group of people - some bad and some good - acquires a cat and a bride and ends up as the town mayor.

If that sounds a bit familiar it's because it's Llangollen Pantomime Group's rather clever and very enjoyable version of the classic Dick Whittington with which they're currently wowing audiences at the Town Hall until Sunday.

A cast of around 40, all buzzing with enthusiasm, plus an equally lively six-strong band, breathe life into another witty tailor-made script by David Lyne who has been masterminding the group's productions for some years now and in this one also appears on stage as the narrator and a drunken pink-clad fairy named The Spirit of the Bells.

Apart from all that he also does a rather splendid job as the director, while Samantha Fletcher is producer of the piece.

Young Austin Forkin takes on the title role, which fits him like glove thanks to his formidable acting and singing abilities.

His love interest, Alice Fitzwarren, daughter of the town mayor who Dick will one day succeed, is played by the talented Elsie Bottomley-Davies. And just to show what a family affair this show always is, Niki Bottomley-Davies takes on the role of her stage mum Beatrice Fitzwarren, with aplomb.

Bringing a rather bon French accent and considerable acting reserve to bear as the dame, Madame Souffle, is Jordan Lane, while Steve Hughes also deploys a useful eastern European accent to create a delicious baddie named Catcha Catta Polski. Another neat baddie and cruel two-timer of Alice is Noah Thomas as Jack Flirter.

Dick's loveable cat, who displays some very nifty dance moves, is played by Orla Rees-Jones.

The script has plenty of references to Llangollen and goes even further by doing homage to one of its foremost firms and panto backers, Bearded Men Adventures, in the form of a large chorus of kids wearing false whiskers. 

The whole thing has plenty of laughs and double entendres along with lots of songs which match the action.

Sets are minimal but brilliant and colourful costumes are a credit to their home-grown makers.

* There's another show tonight (Friday), two tomorrow (Saturday) including a matinee and another matinee on Sunday.

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenpanto

* Those Bearded Men.

* Dick with Spirit of the Bells.

* Alice Fitzwarren.

* Tommy the Cat with Dick.

* Baddie Catcha Catta Polski meets our hero.

* ... and Polksi wth his own love interest Madame Souffle.

Eisteddfod launches search for world's best young singers

* Soprano Shimona Rose, from Singapore, being presented with the Pendine Trophy by Mario Kreft MBE, from sponsors Pendine Park.

A global search has been launched to find a new international singing star.

The prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition will be one of the main highlights of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which gets underway on Tuesday, July 7.

The aim of the competition, which started in 2013, is to advance the careers of the world’s most gifted young singers.

The competition is once again being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which was established to support cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

The winner will be presented with the Pendine Trophy – a solid silver salver - and the £3,000 prize while the runner up will get a cheque for £1,000.

The competition has been given a major boost after Pendine pledged to continue to back it for the next five years.

Applications to compete are now being accepted. The closing date is March 12 and more details of how to enter can be found at https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk

Thanking Mario and his wife, Gill, for their support, the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford said it was a wonderful start to the new year and a great boost to ongoing preparations for this year’s festival.

Talented singers from all over the world who have triumphed in previous competitions have hailed it as an invaluable stepping stone in helping them achieve their musical dreams.

Among them are two past winners, Shimona Rose, of Singapore, and South Walian Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, who will both be returning as stars of this year’s festival in the long-awaited staging of Uniting Nations: One World concert on the opening night.

Shimona and Eirlys will take on the solo performances in One World, composed and conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins.

Also taking part will be a  massed choir of more than 100 singers from WorldChoir and NEW Voices along with the Llangollen International Orchestra.

Dave Danford said: “The outstanding success stories of Shimona and Eirlys epitomise what a difference entering the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition can make to fledgling careers.”

“It has rightly earned a global reputation as one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music.

“Not only do entrants get the chance to perform before a packed audience at one of Europe’s biggest folk festivals, but for many it has proved a launch pad to a successful professional career in opera or classical music.

“The £3,000 first prize is a tremendous help to any young singer starting out. It goes a long way towards financing them through music college, post-graduate training or just furthering their careers.

“We are very excited about what this year’s competition will bring in terms of as yet undiscovered talents.

“We know from past experience that there are some brilliant singers out there just waiting for a chance to step in the spotlight and show the world what they can do – we encourage them to come forward and enter the 2026 competition.

“Whether competitors are from just down the road right here in Wales, or from Europe, Asia or the Americas, we welcome applications from any musicians who dream of the chance of making music their lifetime career.”

Mario Kreft said: “This competition chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park where we’re celebrating our 40^th anniversary.

“The arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike and it can play an incredibly important role in social care more widely.”

Each entrant is required to include an audio or video recording and proof of age with their application.

Competitors must be aged 18 or older on the first day of the competition. They are required to perform a contrasting programme of up to seven minutes in length for their preliminary rounds, and up to ten minutes for the final.

The programmes should include works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, and be sung in their original language.

The competitors will have to navigate the preliminary round and a semi-final, with just two singers expected to be selected for the final big-night sing-off which will be the finale of the Eisteddfod week on Sunday, July 12.

Following the closing date on March 12 a selection panel will consider the entries and choose about 25 singers who will be invited to go on to take part in this year's competition.

Other highlights of this year’s Eisteddfod include appearances by Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé and the Orchestral Qawwali Project.

* For details on how to enter the competition go to https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk and for the full eisteddfod programme and how to buy tickets visit https://llangollen.net