Eisteddfod Friends' next coffee morning

 

Friends gather at surprise farewell party for retiring town clerk

* Gareth Thomas left, receives his retirement gifts from the Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Charlie Jones, in the council chamber.

Friends and colleagues packed the Town Hall last night (Tuesday) for a surprise farewell party in honour Gareth Thomas who has retired after 14 years as Llangollen's town clerk.

His deputy, Heulwen Wright, helped by senior councillors had organised the big bash as a completely secret affair which followed the monthly council meeting and into which he was walked to the strains of a medley of his favourite James Bond themes played by Llangollen Silver Band.

In his speech the Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, said: "Over the 14 years, Gareth has become someone that so many people in our community have known and relied upon. 

"Whether you're a councillor, involved with a community group, have used the Town Hall, or have simply needed some help or advice over the years, there's a very good chance you've crossed paths with him.

"He's supported councillors, helped community groups and led on initiatives such as the Chain Bridge Project and Llangollen's Town of Culture BID.

"From when I was first joined the council, through to becoming Mayor, Gareth has always been there with advice, guidance and reassurance.

"His hard work over 14 years has left a lasting impact on our community and I'm delighted that tonight we can recognise that in a very special way.


"So, Gareth, thank you for everything - your hard work, your support, your patience and your good humour. 
We wish you a very happy and peaceful retirement. 
You'll certainly be missed."

Gareth himself said: "It's been an honour to work in your lovely town and I've met some lovely people. As I have said to our councillors, this is the longest I have worked anywhere - 14 years.

"I hope this fantastic community will continue to go from strength to strength and it's a shame you didn't get to be UK Town of Culture but you've got a lot more to offer than just culture, and hopefully next time round you can do that.

"It's just amazing to see there's so many people here tonight. And, you know, I'm trying not to cry, so thank you, I really appreciate it and I wish you all well for the future. Thank you."

The Mayor said he was delighted to announce that Gareth had been selected as community champion for the month of September by Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins.

John Gambles, chair of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, stepped forward to present the retiring clerk with a boxed Eisteddfod medal which is being inscribed in with his name in honour of the support he has given over the years to the festival.

A video of Gareth's grandchildren saying hello to him was beamed onto the hall's big screen and people gathered around to see the numerous leaving presents bought for him by colleagues in the council and friends in many organisations in the town. There was also a memory book to sign.

From the council came a painting of the Chain Bridge, whose restoration he oversaw during his time as clerk, a wooden bench meticulously etched with his name and iconic images of the area, plus a presentation pen.

* Llangollen Silver Band play a welcoming medley of Bond themes to welcome Gareth Thomas to his farewell party, which was packed with friends and colleagues.

* The Mayor gives his farewell speech to Gareth.

* The special Eisteddfod medal.

* Gareth with his leaving presents including the specially-etched bench.

Dyfan's mum reveals 'emotional roller coaster' of his accident in China

* Dyfan Hughes who is now recovering from major surgery in a Chinese hospital.

The mum of the 19-year-old Llangollen man who is recovering in a Chinese hospital following an horrific crash with a truck as he and his two friends were on their cycling marathon to Thailand has sent out a heart-warming message on Facebook describing the "roller coaster" of emotions it has all meant for the family.

When the accident happened Dyfan Hughes, along with Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham, both 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.  

A fortnight ago Dyfan recently underwent major surgery lasting many hours and later took to social media himself to give a positive update on his condition and explain that once he has recovered enough from the operation he would be returning home to complete his recuperation.

In another post yesterday Louis said he and James would also be coming back to Wales with the hope that all three of the Westheads, as they call themselves, can eventually complete their trip to Thailand, which has already raised £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

In her own Facebook post Dyfan's mum, Nia Hughes, says: "It is now over five long weeks since we took the early morning call from Louis, telling us that Dyfan had been involved in a serious RTA in China and was undergoing emergency surgery.

"Since that call, we have had a roller coaster ride of emotions and we can now finally see absolute progress and an exit route back to Wales. So we want to take this opportunity as a family to thank so many people. Firstly, the messages and offers of support we have received from, family, friends, and total strangers have been inspirational to us whilst we have had to watch Dyf slowly recover from his injuries.

"Both our employers have been fantastic with us enabling us to stay out in China whilst Dyfan recovers. This has been such a relief, allowing us to focus on being by his bedside supporting him throughout.

"There have been some who have gone over and above in their help and support. Right from the start of his hospitalisation, when we were not capable of thinking straight, they were there helping us with the logistics of this process. They will remain nameless but know who they are and we are forever in their debt.

"His two amigos, Louis and James who have also gone through such an emotional rollercoaster but have remained so loyal to Dyf while he recovered and at times have been key to his recovery often sitting with him laughing and joking through some of the darker days.

"We cannot forget to mention his carer Aunty Xiu who has been with him throughout his hospital stay and has been a Godsend to us.

"Finally, we must put on record our admiration and thanks to both Leshan Hospital and the West China Hospital in Chengdu. We cannot speak highly enough of Dr Wu (Leshan) for her work in the immediate emergency work and Dr Lui Yang and his medical team who have performed miracles with Dyfan since his transfer to Chengdu . They will never know how grateful we are for their care and expertise and will forever be in our hearts.

"From where we were 5-6 weeks ago to where we are now seems nothing short of miraculous and is testament to their genius work.

"We hope to see everyone soon and whilst we are so grateful to this country, we really look forward to coming home to Wales and Dyf can start his rehabilitation in earnest.

"The biggest shout out goes to our son, Dyfan, who’s shown bravery and determination beyond his years. We know he’ll get through this, he’s already shown remarkable recovery since the accident. We’re so proud of you son."

Castle to be lit up for Baby Loss Awareness Week

* Castell Dinas Brân specially lit up for last year's Baby Loss Awareness Week by Orb Sound and Lighting.

Dinas Brân Castle will be illuminated pink and blue next month as part of a worldwide act of remembrance for babies who have died.

* For the full story in the Leader, go to: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/26546847.dinas-br-n-castle-light-global-wave-light/

Westheads are 'coming home for Dyf '- but will finish their journey

In their latest update from China the Westheads say that after coming home to support their injured friend's recovery from an horrific accident they will be resuming and finishing their cycling marathon to Thailand, with him by their side. 

Dyfan Hughes, 19 from Llangollen, was seriously hurt in a collision with a truck as he and his two friends were riding through China on their mammoth road trip.

He recently had major surgery and about a week ago gave a positive social media update on his condition.

When the accident happened the Westheads - also 19-year-olds Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham - 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.

In today's update from China, Louis says to camera: "In the past 13 months we’ve cycled 12,000km through 17 different countries and we’ve raised over £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation in memory of our friend's dad.

"This has been the best time of our lives and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support we’ve received since the day we left.

"We are coming home for Dyf’s rehabilitation after the unfortunate accident. We are going to get through this together and once Dyf’s fully fit we will be back to finish our journey.

"We’re looking forward to getting back to Wales and seeing our families and friends after such a long time! And we will still be posting consistently at home about Dyf’s rehab and other side quests in and around the UK!"

Two local road closures taking effect

Bridge Street, from its junction with Chapel Street to Castle Street, is closed to traffic from today until Thursday to allow water works by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

A traffic diversion is in place via Castle Street and the A5.

* Next week there will be another road closure to allow Openreach to carry out works outside 36-51 Church Street, from Wednesday to Friday. See below:

High street favourites set for 30% business rates cut

Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, licensed clubs, hotels, gyms, cinemas and other high street favourites are set to see their rates bills cut by 30% by the Welsh Government.

The move forms part of Plaid Cymru's manifesto commitment to rebalance business rates and "breathe new life into town centres".

This permanent support will exceed the 15% temporary relief for food and drink hospitality currently in place, giving businesses greater certainty to plan and invest for the future, says the government.

Businesses set to benefit include:

• food and drink hospitality venues: pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, food courts, licensed clubs and live music venues
• visitor accommodation: hotels, guest houses and hostels
• leisure venues: cinemas, theatres, libraries, museums and gyms

Eligible small to medium sized properties with a rateable value below £51,000 will attract the permanent support. Retail shops will also continue to benefit from this support, which will build on the lower multiplier in place this year.

A small increase to the higher multiplier, which applies to the highest-value properties in Wales, will fund the support, without reducing the overall contribution business rates make to funding public services in Wales.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "Our high streets are the heartbeat of communities right across Wales, and the businesses that fill them deserve our backing.

“This 30% cut to rates for pubs, cafés, gyms, hotels and so many other local favourites is about giving those businesses the confidence to invest, grow and keep serving the communities that rely on them.

“We’re making the system work better for the sectors that bring our town centres to life."

The change sits alongside the work of the Town Centres Taskforce, which will consider what more tailored support individual town centres need, recognising that different parts of Wales face different challenges.

Regulations will be brought forward in the autumn and, subject to Senedd approval, will take effect from 1 April 2027.

The precise values of all multipliers for 2027-28 will be confirmed as part of budget preparations, following the UK Government's Autumn Budget.