Extreme heat forces changes to railway services

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced temporary changes to its services this week following forecasts of extreme temperatures across North Wales. 

Following discussions between the railway's operations, engineering and safety teams, the decision has been taken to cancel Heritage Railcar services scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

The railway has stressed that the decision has been made with the safety and wellbeing of passengers, volunteers and staff the overriding priority.

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said, "Nobody likes cancelling trains, and we know many visitors will be disappointed by this decision. However, the safety of our volunteers, staff and passengers must always come first. 

"We have carefully considered the forecasts and discussed the situation at length across the railway. Whilst our volunteers are incredibly dedicated, we have a responsibility to ensure they are not exposed to unnecessary risks during periods of extreme weather.

"We will continue to monitor conditions closely over the coming days and will review the position as necessary."

The railway has confirmed that services will continue to operate over the weekend, albeit to a reduced timetable. Saturday and Sunday's services will be operated by the railway's popular Class 26 diesel locomotive.

Mr Hennigan added, "I would like to thank our volunteers and passengers for their understanding and support. Heritage railways rely on volunteers, and their welfare must remain at the heart of every decision we take. The good news is that visitors will still be able to enjoy a journey through the beautiful Dee Valley this weekend behind our Class 26 diesel locomotive."

The railway has also moved to reassure visitors that its hugely popular Classic Transport Weekend, taking place next weekend, remains unaffected. The event will see hundreds of classic vehicles descend on Glyndyfrdwy, alongside heritage train services operating through the Dee Valley.

Mr Hennigan said: "We want to reassure visitors that the Classic Transport Weekend is not affected by these changes and planning for the event continues at full speed.

"It is one of the highlights of our calendar and brings together railway enthusiasts, classic vehicle owners, families and visitors from across the region. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be another fantastic weekend."

Customers with advance bookings affected by the cancelled services will be contacted directly by the railway.

* For the latest service information, passengers are encouraged to monitor the railway's website and social media channels.

Facelift work on Market Street toilets due to start in November

Work is underway to refurbish several public toilets across Denbighshire following collaborative working to keep most county facilities open.

The loos in Market Street are due to close on November 2 and reopen November 21.

Last November the council’s Cabinet agreed proposals that will keep most public toilets in the county open thanks to the support of city, town and community councils.

They were developed after money received by the council had not kept up with financial pressures and the increasing cost of delivering services, especially statutory services like social care and education. This meant less money to spend on “Place-Making” services, like public toilets.

The council says it recognises the importance of public toilets, however they are a non-statutory service, and local authorities have no legal obligation to provide them.

Despite this, the council worked together with city, town and community councils on a sustainable model to fund and protect as many facilities as possible. This model includes direct financial contributions from the city, town and community councils.

To enable the city town and community councils and Denbighshire County Council to keep the toilets open there will be an entry charge to access the facilities, which will be £1, by contactless payment only, in the case of Market Street, Llangollen.

Part of this work includes refurbishing some of the facilities that were saved thanks to the collaborative working carried out. The refurbishments have been funded by PiPif funding – Pride in place impact fund.

Dates of completion can be subject to change due to the weather or other external factors, says the council.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said, “Thanks to the positive energy and collaboration with the city, town and community councils we were able to keep most of the public facilities open. This refurbishment programme will greatly improve the facilities moving forward for future use by residents and visitors to the county.”

"I’d like to also thank everyone for their support and patience while this refurbishment work is carried out.”

* Further information regarding current public toilet facilities and entry charges in Denbighshire is available here 

Most Wuthering Day organisers congratulated by Prime Minister

* A moment of light relief for the Prime Minister as he congratulates Llangollen's Most Wuthering Day organisers in the Commons.

The Prime Minister has congratulated all those who took part in Llangollen's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever at Plas Newydd last Saturday. 

The day saw hundreds of red-clad dancers and scores of spectactors gather in the grounds of the historic home of the Ladies of Llangollen to dance the famous sequence from the 1978 Kate Bush hit and raise money for a women's aid charity.

At this lunchtime's Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons local MP Becky Gittins took the opportunity to raise the event watched by a TV audience of millions.

The Clwyd East member, who herself joined the dancing throng, said: "I welcome the commitment under the current leadership of the Prime Minister to tackle violence against women and girls and that is one which is shared by many of my constituents.

* Local MP Becky Gittins raises last Saturday's big fundraiser during Prime Minister's Questions today. 

"On Saturday I was in Llangollen for a Welsh Women's Aid fundrasier organised by Moira Gleed and her daughter Rowena, Llangollen's Most Wuthering Day Ever, which saw me joining 230-plus Cathys, learner dancers, all dressed in red, seen in a performance which went around the world. We even had some fans from Japan get in contact.

"Will the Prime Minister join me in recognising the work of Moira Gleed, her daughter Rowena and all of the organisers, volunteers and performers for making this really important event happen?"  

Sir Keir Starmer responded: "I congratulate all those who took part and I'm really glad it got around the world because that is what raises awareness. 

"I thought she was going to ask me to join her in the next dance!"

International performers to appear on railway in Eisteddfod week

* Young People's Chorus of New York City will travel and perform on Sunday July 12.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the Llangollen and Corwen Railway are bringing the world to the Dee Valley once again this summer.

They'll do it through a special partnership that will see performers from Ukraine, India, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Belgium, the Philippines, Norway, the United States and beyond travelling and performing on the heritage railway during Eisteddfod Week.

From Wednesday-Sunday July 8-12 visitors will have the opportunity to travel on the railway, meet performers from across the globe and enjoy special, exclusive performances at Corwen Station before continuing their journey to Llangollen and the Eisteddfod.

The partnership celebrates the unique historic connection between the railway and the Eisteddfod. Since the first International Eisteddfod in 1947, thousands of competitors and visitors from around the world arrived in Llangollen by train. 

The exceptionally long platforms at Llangollen Station stand as a lasting reminder of those early festivals when special trains brought the world to North Wales. Nearly eighty years later, that tradition continues as performers once again travel by rail through the Dee Valley.

The celebrations will begin even before the Eisteddfod officially opens. On Saturday July 4, as part of the railway's Classic Transport Weekend, the world-famous Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir will perform at Party in the Park at Glyndyfrdwy Station. 

Founded for the very first International Eisteddfod in 1947, the choir remains one of Wales' finest musical ambassadors. The concert takes place exactly one year after the choir famously serenaded Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of Luciano Pavarotti, aboard the railway, making it the perfect curtain-raiser for another summer of international music and friendship in the Dee Valley.

Visitors will have the opportunity to travel alongside international performers on selected services throughout the week itself. Groups are expected to travel on the 10.00am, 12.20pm and 3.15pm departures from Llangollen to Corwen and the 11.05am, 1.45pm and 4.20pm departures from Corwen to Llangollen. 

Trains call at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog, giving communities throughout the Dee Valley the opportunity to join the celebrations and travel with performers from around the world.

For visitors looking to enjoy a day at the International Eisteddfod, the experience could not be easier. Park at Corwen and travel to Llangollen with one international group, enjoy the music, culture and atmosphere of the Eisteddfod, and then return later in the day alongside a different international group. 

It is a unique opportunity to meet performers from across the globe, enjoy the festival and experience the Eisteddfod on the move while travelling through the stunning Dee Valley on an award-winning heritage railway.

On arrival at Corwen, the visiting groups will perform on the station platform for approximately 15 minutes, giving passengers and visitors the chance to enjoy a taste of the International Eisteddfod in a unique heritage railway setting.

Throughout the week there will also be opportunities to enjoy impromptu performances at Llangollen Station, which will be decked out with flags from around the world, recreating the international atmosphere that has made the Eisteddfod famous since 1947.

Together, the railway stations at Corwen and Llangollen will become gateways to the International Eisteddfod, filled with music, colour and international friendship as performers and visitors from across the globe come together in the Dee Valley.

For many local residents, this will bring back memories of a golden age of the International Eisteddfod, when performers and visitors arrived in Llangollen by train from across the world. The railway and Eisteddfod are recreating that atmosphere for a new generation, with music, culture and international friendship filling the trains and stations throughout the week.

The railway will operate heritage railcar services from Wednesday to Friday, with steam and diesel-hauled services operating over the weekend, offering visitors a range of experiences throughout the festival period.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will also have a dedicated stand on the Eisteddfod field throughout the week. Visitors will be able to learn more about the railway, purchase souvenirs and obtain information about services and special events. The Railway Shop will also be selling official Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod programmes.

International flags will be flying throughout the week, celebrating the nations represented at this year's festival and creating a vibrant atmosphere both at the Eisteddfod and along the railway.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is also sponsoring the prestigious Male Voice Choir Competition on Sunday, strengthening the longstanding links between two organisations that have helped put Llangollen on the international map.

The railway's involvement will culminate on Sunday when Wayne and Sue Ronneback will represent the Llangollen and Corwen Railway at the International Eisteddfod, presenting the trophy to the winners of the prestigious Male Voice Choir Competition.

Throughout the week, visitors can also expect a few surprises along the way, with very special guests, unique performances and additional activities planned as part of the partnership, helping to create an unforgettable festival atmosphere both on and off the railway.

Wayne Ronneback, Corwen Station Master, said: "Corwen Station is a gateway to the Dee Valley and we're delighted to welcome performers from around the world to our platform. Visitors will be able to enjoy outstanding music and dance in a unique setting while travelling on one of Britain's most scenic heritage railways. 

"With international performances, special guests and plenty of surprises planned throughout the week, there will be something new to discover every day.

"It will also be a great honour for Sue and I to present the trophy to the winners of the Male Voice Choir Competition on behalf of the railway, further strengthening the links between our two organisations."

David Hennigan, Trust Manager of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "There is a wonderful historical connection between the railway and the Eisteddfod. When the first Eisteddfod was held in 1947, people from around the world arrived in Llangollen by train, and the length of the platforms at Llangollen Station still reflects those days of special excursion trains bringing tens of thousands of visitors and competitors to the town.

"This partnership celebrates that shared heritage. Visitors can park in Corwen, travel alongside performers from across the globe, spend the afternoon at our Eisteddfod and then return through the beautiful Dee Valley. Along the way they will be able to enjoy music, culture, heritage and international friendship in a truly unique setting. The chance to travel on this award-winning heritage railway with groups from around the world is the perfect way to experience the International Eisteddfod. It really is the Eisteddfod on the move.

"Llangollen is going to be an incredible place to be during Eisteddfod week. There will be international flags, performances at Corwen Station, special guests, surprises, programme sales, steam trains, heritage railcars and world-class music throughout the town. This is the way it always used to be, with the railway helping to bring the world to Llangollen. We genuinely believe Eisteddfod Week at the Railway will be the best it has been for a generation."

* Tickets for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod are available at llangollen.net, while railway tickets and travel information can be found at llangollen-railway.co.uk.

Planned Railway Performances and Travel Schedule*

Wednesday July 8

1. Ukrainian Children's Chorus "Pearls of Odessa" and Little Seeds Choir, Ukraine – 10.00am service
2. TBC – 12.20pm service
3. Nachda Punjab Youth Club, India – 3.15pm service

Thursday July 9

1. Skeealyn Vannin, Isle of Man – 10.00am service
2. Shebre Musical and Dance Group, Ghana – 12.20pm service
3. Seattle Children's Chorus, USA – 3.15pm service

Friday July 10

1. Mother Touch Group of Schools, Zimbabwe – 10.00am service
2. Jeugdkoor de Piccolo's, Belgium – 12.20pm service
3. Advent Euphonic Chorale, Philippines – 3.15pm service

Saturday July 11

1. Arctic Voices, Norway – 10.00am service
2. A Musical Offering, USA – 12.20pm service
3. Palmdale High School, USA – 3.15pm service

Sunday July 12

1. Chardikla Youth – 10.00am service
2. Cor Meibion Rhosllannerchrugog – 12.20pm service
3. Young People's Chorus of New York City – 3.15pm service

Passengers can join the international groups on services throughout the day, with trains departing Llangollen for Corwen at 10.00am, 12.20pm and 3.15pm and returning from Corwen to Llangollen at 11.05am, 1.45pm and 4.20pm.

*Groups, train allocations and timings are subject to travel arrangements, visa approvals and operational requirements and may be amended at short notice.

 

Extra water pumped into Dee to protect fish in heatwave

* The River Dee at times of normal water flow.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has released extra water into the River Dee to help reduce the risk of fish deaths during the exceptionally high temperatures being experienced across Wales.

At midday on Monday June 22, NRW increased the discharge from Llyn Tegid into the River Dee by 2 cubic metres per second – a rise of around 30%. 

This increase has been carefully timed to reach the tideway downstream of Chester Weir on Wednesday morning, when the highest temperatures are forecast. The higher flow will be maintained for between two and three days.

This action means that more than double the amount of water will reach the tideway than would naturally occur under current conditions. 

By increasing river flows at a critical time, NRW aims to reduce stress on fish caused by low water levels and reduced oxygen levels linked to high temperatures.

The additional water has been taken from the Special Release Allocation, a dedicated volume within the River Dee Regulation Scheme set aside to deliver environmental benefits when needed.

Robert Bissell, Team Leader, Hydrology & Water Resource Management at NRW, said: “Prolonged periods of hot weather and low flows can place significant pressure on fish and other wildlife. By using the Special Release Allocation, we are able to respond quickly and provide additional support to the river environment when it is most needed.”

“We will continue to monitor conditions closely and take further action where necessary to protect the River Dee and its wildlife.”

New sign makes it clear there's no parking on Centenary Square

* The new sign reminds people tempted to park on the square that it's not allowed.

Llangollen Town Council has taken positive steps to prevent motorbikes - or anything else - being parked on Centenary Square.

Courtesy of the council which is responsible for the square, since yesterday (Monday) there's been a tastefully-designed rustic sign in place, just above the street sign, reminding people that there is a local council byelaw is place prohibiting vehicular access or parking.   

The situation was particularly noticeable last Sunday when no less than six machines were left by their riders just feet away from the town's two war memorials. 

An angry llanblogger reader said: "As if it wasn't disrespectful enough parking right next two our war memorials where local people gather to pay their respects to the fallen every year, it was also a slap in the face for everyone who pays, quite expensively, to leave their vehicles on our car parks.

"I'm really glad to see that the Town Council has now clarified the situation." 

Council to collect waste earlier this week due to heatwave

Denbighshire County Council has just put out a message on its Facebook page about earlier waste collection times due to the heatwave.

Its post says: "Due to the extreme heat warning in place this week. We are temporarily changing our waste collection time to help protect our crews.

"From Wednesday 24th June, waste collections ( Recycling, Residual, AHP and Garden Waste ) will start earlier, from 6am and for the remainder of the week.

"Please ensure you put your bins out by 6am on your collection day.

"We would appreciate you sharing this message with anyone who may not have access to social media.

Thank you for your understanding and support."