llanblogger news

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Volunteer fair planned for Llangollen Youth Centre

New owner's latest update on work to revive Star Inn

* Work in progress: an interior shot of the Star Inn's transformation. All images are taken from owner's latest social media update.

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

The Star on Queen Street has been closed for the past few years since the last landlord called time.

By late last year the large building, which stands alongside the town's fire station, 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 where her left in 2000 to train as an engineer before setting up a successful group of businesses based in Yorkshire, took over the building.

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

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 going rapidly ahead over the months since the job began, with teams of workmen giving their attention to every area of the building.

The latest social media update on the progress being made says: "A new chapter is being written at the Star in Llangollen.

"There's plenty happening behind the scenes as we continue bringing the Star Inn back to life.

"From the bar and guest rooms to the finishing touches, we're working hard to create a proper local that Llangollen can be proud of."

* Owner David Anderson outside the building he's turning back into a "proper local".

And the post promises: "Great drinks, live sport, comfortable stays, a warm welcome, community events and entertainment."

The banner out front promises the Star will be open again this summer and the post says: "While we don't have a confirmed opening date just yet, we'll keep everyone informed as progress continues."

Speaking to llanblogger as the work began earlier this year, David said: "I actually used to drink at the Star in my younger days after playing in rugby matches, so I remember it well. When it came up for sale we decided to buy it and bring it back to life as a community pub or hub.

"Our aim is to give it a real feel-good factor and we're keen to do everything right and to a high standard. The front of house will have a rustic feel about it but with a slightly modern twist.

"However, we want to remind people of how the Star used to be and we're looking at depicting around the rooms any historical mentions it has had and old pictures it appears in."

David's company also plans to include five ensuite B&B bedrooms plus a kitchen to produce the breakfasts.

"Given the complexity of the building it's going to be a challenge technically to do this but we'll be taking everything back to brick to address any problems we encounter," he said.

David explained that the new logo of the pub he has had produced is emblazoned "Established 1976" because that's the earliest any records showing the building as a pub he has been able to find. The banner now outside the pub also includes a star motif which he says represents the pub in the community and that's very much how he wants it to be, he says.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Ken Skates MS appointed permanent Welsh Labour leader

* Ken Skates is confirmed as Labour's new leader in Wales.

Ken Skates MS, who used to represent Llangollen, has been confirmed as Leader of Welsh Labour, after receiving unanimous backing from the the party's Senedd group.

Skates became interim leader in May after the resignation of Eluned Morgan.

Welsh Labour opened nominations for a permanent replacement last Thursday, starting with nominations from the Senedd Labour Group. All nine members of the group nominated Skates, confirming his appointment as Leader.

Ken Skates MS said: “I am deeply honoured to have the unanimous backing of my colleagues in the Senedd in seeking the leadership of Welsh Labour.

“I joined the party as a 14-year-old, and my belief still stands that no child’s future should be determined by their background. That no young person should be judged on anything other than the efforts they make and the decency they show to others.

“The Labour movement for me is a movement for fairness, justice, security and liberty. It is a movement that seeks to empower people and communities, to fight against injustice, intolerance, nepotism and cruelty.”

Skates, who was first elected for Clwyd South in 2011, held several Welsh Government roles including Transport Secretary and Economy and Infrastructure Secretary. He was re-elected to the Senedd for the new constituency of Fflint Wrecsam in May.

Deputy leader of Welsh Labour, Carolyn Harris MP, said: “I offer my warm congratulations to Ken. He has my full backing as he undertakes the big task ahead of him - listening, learning, rebuilding and doing that crucial job of holding Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK, to account in the Senedd. I have no doubt he has the energy, thoughtfulness and optimism to take us forward and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column for July

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column for July is how to stop your home overheating in hot weather:

Q: I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. What can I do to try and keep it cool?

A: An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises:

Let cool air in

Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft - opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape.

If you live in a property where you can only open one window (such as a converted building or a single room) - open internal doors to help the air circulate.

Keep the sunshine out

One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it's warmer outside than it is inside - typically late morning to early evening. Use fans instead.

Use a fan

Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use - generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home - as long as the temperature outside is cooler.

Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of - but a safe distance from - a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room.

Escape the heat altogether

If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building if possible - such as a leisure centre or local library to escape the heat.

Insulation can help

Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. So, if your home tends to overheat - consider:

Improving your property’s wall and roof insulation
Replacing windows - especially with 'low-emissivity' glass which has a coating that reflects UV and ultraviolet, helping prevent too much heat from the sun entering the home and helping keep heat inside the home in winter
Ensuring the property is well ventilated via extractor fans and trickle vents
Installing window shutters to provide external shading
Adding solar panels which can be helpful if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning

* You may be entitled to help with paying for improvements to make your property more energy efficient. Check Citizen’s Advice website for information about the schemes and grants that are available.

Chance to become a heritage railway engineers of the future

* Tim Hines and Matthew Carty qualified as steam locomotive drivers aged just 27.

Young people with a passion for engineering, construction and traditional craftsmanship are being offered a unique opportunity to help preserve one of Britain's most iconic heritage railways through a new apprenticeship programme at the award-winning Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

Prospective apprentices, along with their families, teachers and careers advisers, are being invited to an Open Day on Tuesday July 29, where they can meet the railway's engineering team, tour the workshops and discover first-hand what it takes to keep history on track.

The apprenticeship programme is being delivered in partnership with Coleg Cambria and is aimed at students studying, or intending to study, Level 2 or Level 3 Engineering, Fabrication & Welding, Construction or related qualifications, which is far more than a traditional apprenticeship.

Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers and skilled craftspeople on everything from steam locomotives and historic railway carriages to bridges, tunnels, track and infrastructure across the railway's 11-mile route through the spectacular Dee Valley National Landscape.

Today, more than 400 volunteers and a highly skilled engineering team work together to preserve Britain's railway heritage while welcoming thousands of visitors every year, making a significant contribution to the local economy and community.

Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: "This is a genuinely unique opportunity for young people who want to build practical engineering skills while working on something truly special. The Open Day on 29 July will give prospective apprentices the chance to meet our team, tour the workshops, ask questions and experience the Railway first hand before applying.

"The engineers here at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway are recognised for their expertise around the world. People come here to learn specialist engineering skills and traditional techniques that are becoming increasingly rare, and we are determined to make our Railway a place of learning where those skills are preserved and passed on.

"We are equally determined to create the heritage railway engineers of the future. By investing in apprentices today, we're investing in the long-term future of our Railway and helping ensure these remarkable engineering skills continue for generations to come."

Apprentices will have the opportunity to work across a wide range of engineering disciplines, including:

Steam locomotive maintenance and overhaul
Steam boiler repairs and restoration
General fitting and machining
Repair and maintenance of plant and machinery
Mechanical overhaul of historic railway carriages
Restoration of carriage bodies and interiors
Railway track renewal and maintenance
Civil engineering works, including bridges, tunnels, embankments and culverts
Vegetation management and fencing

The railway is keen to stress that this is not an office-based role and that the work is physically demanding, often dirty and regularly takes place outdoors in all weathers.

However, they say that for enthusiastic people with an interest in engineering, construction or industrial heritage, it offers an unrivalled opportunity to develop practical skills that are increasingly difficult to find elsewhere while helping to preserve an important part of Britain's engineering history.

* Anyone interested in attending the open day on July 29 or learning more about the apprenticeship programme is encouraged to contact Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager, by emailing engineering@llangollen-railway.co.uk.

* Steam locomotive driver Dave Owen presents Matthew Carty with his certificate for passing as a driver.

New 'wasteland to wonderland' garden opens at Pengwern Hub

* Garden volunteer Mike Pelling cuts a green ribbon to officially open the community garden watched by local children.

A group of dedicated volunteers who spent months turning an overgrown wilderness area at the side of Pengwern Community Hub into an attractive garden saw their efforts rewarded when it was formally opened yesterday (Tuesday).

It all began 10 months ago when a grant was secured from Keep Wales Tidy to develop the land at the side of the hub into a garden featuring natural plants and shrubs along with vegetable plots.

The transformation from wasteland to green wonderland was undertaken by a hard-working band of five volunteers from Llangollen.

The plan is for the vegetables to be picked by members of the community then, if they wish, actually cooked by them using the facilities at the hub.

* A group of of local people look around the newly-opened garden at the side of the hub.

Gwion Tomos-Jones, senior community development officer for the Dee Valley, South Denbighshire Community Partnership,said: "There is the potential for some of the vegetables to eventually be sold off or donated to the local foods share.

"And from July 21 and every then Tuesday between 11am and 3pm we are running a Garden to Table group where people can do just that.

"We are delighted to be reopening the community garden and welcoming people back into the space.

"The improvements made through funding from Keep Wales Tidy and extensive support from Denbighshire County Council have significantly enhanced the garden, creating new opportunities for the community to come together, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors. We are now looking forward to seeing the space being utilised and enjoyed by Llangollen residents."

Performing the official opening of the garden was Mike Pelling who was one of the volunteers who worked on its creation from the very start.

Also in session yesterday at the hub was the Men:Minded group, which provides support to local men through a wide range of skill sharing.

They are at Pengwern every other Tuesday from 1.30 to 3.30pm and at Pentredŵr Community Centre (Hwb Pentredŵr) every Wednesday between 6.30 and 8.30pm.

Yesterday members were learning knife skills on wooden try-sticks but, according to Joe Hackney who runs the Men:Minded CIC not-for-profit company behind it, themes for the sessions can be almost anything from brick laying to landscape drawing, all depending on what the men coming along want to try out.

He said: "I set up the group 18 months ago. It's a place where men can come to learn new skills and not necessarily about their mental health, although it can be.

"We do our own fundraising and also rely on donations to keep going."