Fundraising ceilidh will help meet church repair costs

* One of Llangollen's most famous riverside landmarks, the Methodist Church, is in desperate need of help.

What's claimed to be Llangollen's first pop-up zero alcohol bar is set to open for business later this month.

It will take pride of place at the Town Hall where Llangollen Methodist Church is hosting a ceilidh evening to help pay for an urgent repair programme to its historic riverside building, on which 122 years of rain, frost and ice have taken a heavy toll.

A church spokesperson said: "It’s one of Llangollen’s best-known landmarks but right now, this much-loved building desperately needs our help.

"Water is getting through cracks in the stonework, damaging the walls, plaster and woodwork inside. Essential repairs to the parapets, spire, guttering, eaves and fascias are urgently needed and because of the height of the building, the church will need to be surrounded by scaffolding just to carry out the work safely.

"We need to raise around £20,000 and we need our community behind us."

The ceilidh at the Town Hall is planned for the evening of Friday September 18 and, according to the spokesperson, the zero alcohol bar will be a first for Llangollen.

"We’re planning a great selection of zero-alcohol beers, lagers and ales, 0% spirits and mixers, sparkling 'Nosecco', soft drinks and more, with favourites such as Guinness 0.0 hopefully making an appearance.

"Whether you’re alcohol-free, driving, doing a challenge, cutting down, or simply fancy trying something different, come and see what the zero-alcohol buzz is all about.

"We’ve got the fantastic Five Speed Box providing the music, so bring your friends, bring the family and get ready for a great night of dancing, laughter and community spirit. Refreshments and snacks will also be available to purchase.

"Every penny we raise will help save our church building. We genuinely need the support of Llangollen and the surrounding community to make these essential repairs possible. This beautiful building has been part of our town for more than 120 years, and we want to make sure it remains here, safe and welcoming, for generations to come."

On the night, doors open at 6.30pm and dancing takes place between 7pm and 10pm and all ages are welcome.

* Tickets - cash only - are £10 for adults and £5 for school-age children. They are available from Porters Delicatessen in Market Street, or on the door, card or cash.

MP and her dog aiming for top spot in competition

* Becky Gittins MP with her dog Mabel are looking for support in the competition.

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins and her rescue dog Mabel are hoping to be named top dog in Westminster Dog of the Year 2026, which is taking place on September 10 at Victoria Tower Gardens in London.

Mabel came agonisingly close to getting her paws on the coveted trophy last year, finishing in second place. This year, Becky and Mabel are hoping to go one better by taking top spot.

Organised by Dogs Trust and The Royal Kennel Club, the event has been running since 1992 and is open to all dog-loving MPs and their four-legged friends of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes.

This year will see 16 other MPs and their dogs competing for the top prize.

For 2026 Westminster Dog of the Year celebrates 'A Good Life Together and A Lifetime Commitment', recognising the special bond between dogs and their owners and the lifelong commitment that helps dogs thrive. 

The event shines a spotlight on the importance of responsible breeding and puppy buying, positive training and socialisation, and responsible dog ownership - all of which play a vital role in giving every dog the opportunity to enjoy a happy, healthy life.

The pair are also hoping for public support in the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote, in which the MPs and their canine companions seek votes from their local constituents. The award is named in memory of the late Conservative MP, who was a dedicated advocate for the competition and campaigned tirelessly to improve and protect dog welfare throughout his life.

Becky Gittins said: “Mabel had a difficult start in life, abandoned in a park as a young pup before we rescued her nearly seven years ago. Since then, she’s become a huge part of our family – teaching us plenty about compassion, responsibility and never judging a book by its cover… as well as the importance of never leaving snacks unattended!

"Now around eight years old, and a little more arthritic than she once was, she still approaches everything with the same enthusiasm – whether that’s a woodland walk, an adventure, a cuddle on the sofa or patiently queuing beneath her baby sister’s high chair at dinner time."

* For more details of all the MPs and dogs entered for Westminster Dog of the Year, and to vote for Becky and Mabel in the Pawblic Vote, visit the Westminster Dog of the Year website at: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/events-and-activities/events/westminster-dog-of-the-year/

Suzuki S-Cross - a car that families still want

Suzuki S-Cross drive by Steve Rogers

There are cars that make you feel good gliding down the high street. Cars that have the neighbours gawping with envy.

The S-Cross is neither of those which suggests this family SUV has passed its sell-by date. Perish the thought because beneath its slightly anonymous styling lies a car that does what most families want: It starts every morning, gets you to work, or the kids to school and doesn’t bankrupt you with garage bills.

All of which proves the point that the S-Cross is rather good at its job. Erm, but what about the business with the disappearing digital speedo that sparked a right old debate with my wife?

This is positioned in a box between the rev counter and analogue speedometer but mixed up with 10 other bits of car info like average fuel economy, power distribution, you get the picture. It’s a rolling system and if you overshoot you have to go through it all over again which, admittedly is annoying, and prompted an indignant Mrs Rogers to ask ‘why don’t car companies scrap the outdated dials and just have a digital speedometer like most of the Chinese brands?

I put the case that it is tradition and where would we be without a rev counter? In the end we agreed to disagree and decided the dials are there to feed the male ego.

Phew, let's get back to the merits of the car and a way of saving money without losing out too much. S-Cross is a nice simple two model range: Motion and Ultra and my advice is to save a chunk of money and buy the entry Motion. It has a generous kit list, including heated front seats, navigation, auto dipping LED headlights, keyless entry and start, reversing camera, I could go on. Opt for a manual and that is another £1,350 saving.

What are you missing out on? Polished alloys (take them or leave them), 360 deg camera ( I would like that), leather seats (fabric trim is more comfortable) front centre speaker (who cares), pan sunroof (the cabin is quieter without it).

S-Cross has probably gone as far as it can go without being replaced by a new model which is unlikely with the emphasis switching to electric. Inside owners will be pleased that everything is sensibly laid out. There are buttons you can find (like knocking off lane assist) without consulting the owner’s manual, and physical switches that do not send you swiping through menus just to control the heating.

Something that does show its age is a handbrake which has pretty much gone out of fashion and feels out of place when mated with an automatic. It is six speed with steering wheel paddles and is a little lumpy going through the motions. It is also lacking a gate between drive and manual so it is too easy to accidentally flick it into manual when setting off.

The tried and trusted 1.4 litre Boosterjet engine does not have to prove anything to anyone. It is no flyer but does the job and comes up with the goods for safe overtaking. It is also consistently economic, proven by my 52.3mpg return over 674 miles and easily beating the official average.

On top of the really good spec lift S-Cross is well off for driver safety aids including my favourite cross traffic alert which is reassuring when reversing out of supermarket or side parking spaces.

In an age when car companies are hell bent on making everything bigger, faster and more complicated, the S-Cross is refreshingly uncomplicated and doesn’t appear to have a serious flaw.

Yes, it is looking dated yet it is thoroughly competent, practical, comfortable, easy to live with a decent amount of space for family motoring, and that is why it works. Carry on servicing the car at a Suzuki dealer and the warranty will be extended to 10 years.

Fast facts

Motion automatic

£25,599

1.4 litre petrol; 107mph

0-62mph 10.1secs; 111mph

48.7mpg combined

132g/km. 1st VED £560

Insurance group 20

Boot: 430 litres

Mates give account of Dyfan's crash with lorry in China

* Louis gives details of his friend's crash with a lorry.

Two young lads have given a gripping account of the horrific crash with a lorry which left their friend in a Chinese hospital suffering a catalogue of serious injuries early last month - and explain the hopeful conclusion.

Dyfan Hughes from Llangollen, Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham, all aged 19, were on one of the final stages of their 10,000-mile cycling trip to Thailand in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024 and along the way raising money for the British Heart Foundation - so far notching up over £50,000.

Three weeks ago they were cycling through the Chinese city of Chengdu when Dyfan was in a terrifying collision with a large lorry, which left him with multiple injuries to his legs, neck and scalp.

His two mates have been keeping their many supporters back home in touch with developments through regular videos from China, where they have been keeping Dyfan company along with his parents who are also at his bedside.

In their latest update they take it in turns to explain exactly how the crash happened and describe the frightening aftermath. 

Louis first: "Dyf was cycling down the side of the road in a cycle lane and at the junction was going straight on as the lights were green.

"In China whoever is in the cycle lane has the right of way, so Dyf was going straight over the road. But what he didn't know was that there was a big lorry on his left that hadn't seen him, that was turning right. So as Dyf was going over the road, the lorry turned right straight into Dyf. Dyf went under the bonnet and the lorry ran over his legs."

James takes up the story: "At the time of the crash Louis was a few kilometres ahead of Dyf and I was a few kilometres behind. We planned to meet up at this restaurant and Dyf had been inactive for about an hour on his phone. Then I found a pair of Dyf's shoes on the floor at the junction. 

"I was immediately frightened, so I called Louis who was at a restaurant. Louis then got the restaurant owner to call the police and they let us know he was in a hospital 30 minutes away.

"It was a stressful half-hour by taxi to the hospital but when we got there we found Dyf and he was conscious and talking."   

Louis again: "Given the extent of his injuries it means that when Dyf is able to get on a plane we are going to have to fly home and complete the rest of his treatment at home.

"This doesn't mean that the trip is over. It just means that it's on pause for now. We are just getting started."

The video ends with a message from Dyfan himself, who says to camera: "I just want to say a massive, massive thank you from me, the lads and my family for all the nice, supportive comments. It's so amazing to know that we've got such a lovely group of people watching our videos.

"I've got my last operation in China on Saturday and hopefully, a couple of weeks later, we'll be flying home."  

* How the crash happened.

Dyfan's injuries are:

* Open fracture of left ankle joint

* Degloving injury of left lower foot

* Fracture of left foot

* Fracture of lower section of right fibula

* Extensive scalp avulsion (tearing)

* Fracture of distal left fibula

* Compression fracture of vertebra

* James tells part of the story.

Railway's 50th anniversary comes to golden conclusion

* Both the 7754 and 3802 will be running all weekend.

Two steam locomotives, three heritage diesels and a Heritage Railcar will take to the tracks as Llangollen and Corwen Railway brings its 50th anniversary celebrations to a spectacular conclusion on Saturday and Sunday 12 and 13.

The 50 Years Finale Celebration Weekend has announced it's ambitious, intensive timetable for the Gala Weekend, which will see gates open from 8.30am each morning, with 14 train journeys every day and, two different timetables.

Taking centre stage across the weekend will be:

Class 26 No. 5310

Class 31 No. 31271, Saturday only

Class 47 No. 47449, Sunday only

GWR Pannier No. 7754

GWR Collett 2-8-0 No. 3802

Class 127/108 Heritage DMU

Alongside the passenger services, visitors can expect freight workings, brake van rides, unusual shunting movements and plenty more railway activity throughout the weekend.

The railway has produced two completely different timetables for Saturday and Sunday, providing different workings, locomotive combinations and plenty of variety for those spending the whole weekend in the Dee Valley.

Iain Ross, from Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “If you love trains, this is going to be quite a weekend.

“We have 7754 and 3802 representing steam, 5310, 31271 and 47449 representing our heritage diesel fleet and our Class 127/108 DMU. We're going to put them to work with 14 train journeys each day, as well as freight, brake van rides and plenty more happening around the Railway.

“The important thing is that Saturday and Sunday are completely different. This isn't a case of running the same timetable twice. We want people spending the whole weekend with us and experiencing as much of the Railway as possible.

“But this isn't just an event for the enthusiast. If you've never experienced a railway gala before, buy a Rover, get on a train and see where the day takes you.”

UNLIMITED TRAVEL FOR £30

A special Day Rover Ticket costs £30 for adults and just £8 for children, providing unlimited travel on event services throughout the day.

Passengers can travel behind steam, swap onto one of the heritage diesels, experience the Heritage Railcar and explore the Railway's stations, travelling on as many trains as they can manage.

And for those who want to see the railway operating in a way rarely witnessed on a normal service day, the weekend will offer something particularly special.

Matthew Carty, Head of the Railway's Footplate Team, said: “For our crews, this is exactly the sort of weekend we love. There will be a lot happening, with different locomotives, different workings and a really intensive timetable.

“We are pleased to include our two steam locomotives, GWR Pannier 7754 and GWR Collett 2-8-0 3802. They are very different locomotives and having both out working as part of such a busy gala timetable will be fantastic.

“But this weekend is about much more than simply putting different locomotives on the front of passenger trains. We've designed the timetables to make much greater use of the Railway itself, including sidings and locations that passengers would never normally get the opportunity to experience.

“On Saturday, one of the real highlights will be the use of the Up Siding at Glyndyfrdwy, using a part of the railway that has effectively been hidden from normal passenger operations for more than 20 years. Carrog sidings will also see use, while at Llangollen there will be unusual movements involving the Goods area, MPD Reception and River Siding.

“Sunday is completely different again. There will be more unusual movements around the Railway, including the use of sidings, light-engine movements, locomotive changes, and shunt releases as we move locomotives and coaching sets around the line.

“For enthusiasts, that's a big part of what makes a proper gala. It isn't simply about which locomotive is at the front of your train. It's about watching the Railway operate, seeing locomotives running round and changing sets, exploring rarely used parts of the line and experiencing movements that you simply wouldn't see on an ordinary operating day.

“And because Saturday and Sunday have been planned as two completely different days, there is a real reason to come for the whole weekend.

“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make an intensive timetable like this possible. Our footplate crews will be starting early, preparing locomotives and then working alongside our guards, signalmen, station teams and operations colleagues throughout two very busy days.

“After 50 years of preservation at Llangollen, there really isn't a more appropriate way of celebrating than filling the line with trains and showing people just how much of a working railway we have.”

The railway has also released a limited number of special Footplate Rides for the finale weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the gala alongside the locomotive crews.

Places are strictly limited, offering railway lovers the chance to experience the sights, sounds and heat of steam from the footplate as they travel through the Dee Valley.

ALES FROM WALES AND LIVE MUSIC

The celebrations will continue into Saturday evening with the special Ales from Wales event.

Celebrated and award-winning vocalist Georgie Hill will perform live on Platform 1 at Llangollen Station, bringing music to the station as part of the finale celebrations.

The Ales from Wales train costs an additional £20, with passengers receiving their first pint included in the price and a special souvenir pint pot to take home.

Three ales from across North Wales will feature during the evening: Hafod from Mold, Magic Dragon from Wrexham and Purple Moose from Porthmadog.

Passengers can enjoy the atmosphere at Llangollen before climbing aboard for a special evening journey, providing a fitting end to an action-packed Saturday on the Railway.

Ales from Wales tickets:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/real-ale-train

50 YEARS OF RAILWAY HISTORY

The weekend won't only celebrate the trains operating today. Visitors will also be able to discover the extraordinary story behind the railway's development over the last half-century.

At Llangollen Station, the Railway's existing interpretation panels will help visitors discover more about its heritage, development and the people who helped make today's Railway possible.

As part of the 50th anniversary, new interpretation panels are also being introduced at locations further along the line, helping to tell the story of Llangollen and Corwen Railway and its evolution over the past 50 years.

Together, the displays help chart an extraordinary journey from the earliest days of preservation at Llangollen, through decades of rebuilding, restoration and expansion, to the ten-mile Railway through the Dee Valley to Corwen that passengers can enjoy today.

Iain added: “We don't want this weekend simply to be about running as many trains as possible. Our 50th anniversary is also an opportunity to tell the story of how we got here.

“There is already some excellent interpretation at Llangollen, and we're now taking more of that story further along the line with new panels.

“When you step aboard one of our trains and travel towards Corwen, you're travelling over something that generations of volunteers have helped rebuild, maintain and develop over half a century. That's what we're really celebrating.”

3D RAILWAY MEMORABILIA

There will also be something rather different waiting for visitors inside the waiting room at Llangollen Station.

Popular railway volunteer Ross Beamer will present a special exhibition on 3D printing railway memorabilia, demonstrating how modern technology can be used to recreate and celebrate items from railway history.

Visitors will be able to meet Ross, see examples of his work and find out more about the process behind creating railway memorabilia using 3D printing.

Iain said: “Ross's exhibition adds something completely different. Railway preservation is about celebrating and protecting our past, but modern technology and new skills can also play a part in that.

“It's another reason to get off the train and explore what's happening around the Railway during the weekend.”

He added: “Ultimately, this weekend belongs to everyone who has played a part in our Railway over the last 50 years.

“Some people have given decades of their lives to it. Others might only have joined us recently. Every generation has picked up where the previous one left off.

“We want people to come and celebrate what all those volunteers have achieved. There will be steam, diesel, Railcars, freight, brake van rides, footplate experiences, exhibitions, history, live music and an awful lot of trains.

“Fifty years ago, the railway we have today was an ambition. This weekend we get to fill it with trains and celebrate just how far we've come.”

Day Rover Tickets cost £30 for adults and £8 for children, allowing unlimited travel on event services throughout the day.

DAY ROVER TICKETS:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/anniversary

ALES FROM WALES TICKETS:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/real-ale-train

* Angie Turner, Sue Ronneback, Wayne Ronneback and Pat Reynolds are part of the growing Corwen Station team.

* Vocalist Georgie Hill will bring his all-action show to Llangollen Railway Station for their Ales from Wales Train.

* Timetable for Saturday September 12.

* Sunday September 13 timetable.

Owner gives latest up date on Star Inn renovation

* The Star Inn due to open soon as a "proper local".

The businessman turning a derelict Llangollen pub back into a "proper local" has given another update on the progress of his ambitious scheme for the old Star Inn.

The building next to the fire station has been closed for the past few years since the last landlord called time.

By late last year it had become an eyesore with broken windows and unlocked doors which had to be secured against vandals.

But earlier this year it was taken over by David Anderson, who is originally from Cefn Mawr and attended Ysgol Dinas Bran which he left in 2000 to train as an engineer before setting up a successful group of businesses based in Yorkshire.

Part of the group is a property arm and from that stemmed a new company named Star Inn (Llangollen) Ltd, which is now in charge of the pub.   

* Progress update: owner David Anderson. 

David plans to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with emphasis on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable.

Work on the transformation has been forging ahead, with teams of workmen giving their attention to every part of the historic building.

In his latest social media update on progress Mr Anderson gives an estimate of when the reborn pub might open for business.

He says: "The soft launch was meant to be in October but it's more likely to be in November now because of all the roof business.

"Big projects like this never run smoothly, so we've had a few delays. A lot of it is out of our control but we're aiming for a November opening. But if we can open early we will and we'll keep you updated with that. Thank you for your support."

He goes on to outline the busy week the team has had, showing pictures of the barstools ready for refurbishment, new lighting and toilets and the bar with its fittings under wraps.

* Barstools ready for refurbishment.