State of Horseshoe Falls 'blasted by visitors' says Daily Post story

* The story in the Daily Post.

The state of the Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee in Llangollen has been blasted as an “eyesore” by appalled visitors, according to a story in the Daily Post.

* For the full story, go to: 'Eyesore' state of River Dee beauty spot 'buried under islands of debris' | North Wales Live

Successful evening event raises over £2,300 for Ukraine

Organisers of the special evening for Ukraine held at St Collen's Community Hall on Friday have said a "huge" thank you to everyone who made the event a success and raised a total of £2,345.

In a special message delivered through llanblogger they say: "We would like to say a huge, thank you to everyone who helped make our fundraising evening for an ambulance for Ukrainian soldiers so special and so successful. 

"We are incredibly grateful to Father Lee and his wonderful team for generously providing the hall free of charge and for their warm support throughout.

* Anna (right) and friend busy in the kitchen.

"A heartfelt thank you to all local businesses who kindly donated gift vouchers to the raffle. They were: The Cornmill, Dee Valley Produce, Around the Corner Gift Shop, Finley's Cafe , the Hand Hotel, Dads and Lads (barbers vouchers), the Bridge End Hotel, Deeside Café, Drosi Bikes, Greg King (personal trainer vouchers), Hair by Lou Lucy at Ruabon, Fouzis Cafe, Dee Pizza (free pizza}, Bearded Men Adventures (vouchers), Without the Paddle Hotel, Llangollen and Corwen Railway, Llangollen Wharf, Anna’s Bakery. 

"A huge thank you to Allan and Sue and Pat and Brian for so beautifully organising and selling the raffle tickets. 

"Thank you to local blacksmiths Gary and Hope whose stunningly handmade pieces were sold out on the night for donations. 

"We were truly touched by the turnout and more people came than we ever expected, both local residents and Ukrainians. 

* Many people helped make the evening a success.

"We are also very thankful to those who couldn't attend but still made donations. Your support means so much.

"Our café, Anna's Bakery, was proud to provide traditional Ukrainian food and a special thank you goes to Mariana and Clara who helped us serving our guests. 

"We are deeply grateful to our Ukrainian family friend who organised the truly heart-touching film for the evening and donated all the money he raised from selling his 3D printed Ukrainian symbols. 

"The atmosphere was made even more special thanks to the beautiful music by local musician Ewan Smith who gave the evening such a warm and memorable feeling.

"Finally, thank you to everyone who came, donated, helped, performed, organised or supported us in any way. You all made this evening unforgettable and together you made a real difference. 

"A huge thank you goes to Janet and Luey who were serving drinks all evening. 

"We would like to give a very special thank you to our close friend Danny who has been supporting Ukraine from the very first day. His dedication, compassion and tireless work have been inspiring. He has devoted his life to solidarity and support for Ukraine and we are incredibly grateful to have him as both a friend and as an organiser of this event.

"As the organisers, we will soon be sharing an update on how the £2,345 raised during the event will be spent so everyone can see the real impact of the generosity. 

"Thank you for standing with Ukraine always." 

* The community hall was filled with a large and appreciative audience.

* Ewan Smith entertains.

Long-Serving Railway Volunteer Honoured with Royal Garden Party Invitation

* Hazel is congratulated on her garden party invitation by fellow railway volunteers.

A much-loved volunteer at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway was left both surprised and emotional today after being presented with an invitation to His Majesty The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

The presentation took place at Llangollen Railway, where colleagues and fellow volunteers gathered to recognise Hazel Birkenhead, who has dedicated more than 40 years of service to the railway.

Hazel is best known to generations as the ‘volunteer’s volunteer’, Hazel is the person who arrives at the crack of dawn every weekend to prepare breakfasts, helping to start the day for teams working across the railway. Her warmth, generosity and tireless commitment have made her a familiar and much-loved figure among staff and volunteers alike.

Speaking after receiving the invitation, Hazel Birkenhead said, “I’m completely overwhelmed. I never expected anything like this. I don’t do what I do for recognition, I just enjoy helping people and being part of the railway family. It’s been a huge part of my life, and I’m very proud to be involved.”

The presentation in the Railway’s Mess Room was an emotional moment for many who have worked alongside Hazel over the years, reflecting the high regard in which she is held throughout the organisation.

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said, “Hazel is a true champion of our railway. For decades she has quietly supported volunteers and staff, often behind the scenes, asking for nothing in return. People like Hazel are the backbone of heritage railways, and this recognition is richly deserved. We are incredibly proud to be sending her to Buckingham Palace and to see her dedication acknowledged in this way.”

The railway’s volunteers form the heart of the organisation, contributing thousands of hours each year to maintain trains, stations and infrastructure, and to welcome visitors from across the UK and beyond.

For Hazel, the day was not just a personal honour, but a reminder of the strength of the railway’s community and the friendships built over many years of shared effort.

As preparations begin for her visit to Buckingham Palace in May, colleagues across the railway have already begun planning a fitting send-off for one of their most dedicated volunteers.

As the railway celebrates Hazel’s remarkable contribution, preparations are also well underway for the start of the 2026 season, with services beginning in just a week’s time with the Berwyn Explorer on Valentine's Day. A busy year of events lies ahead, including the railway’s popular Branch Line Gala and many other attractions throughout the season.

Railway serves up its Afternoon Tea by the Dee treat

* Jayne and Austin Cheminais sample afternoon tea on thetrain. 

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is inviting visitors to step aboard for a truly elegant experience as it launches its 2026 programme of Afternoon Tea services. 

Known as 'Afternoon Tea by the Dee', this delightful journey combines heritage rail travel with a beautifully presented traditional Afternoon Tea, inside a classic carriage hauled by a steam or vintage diesel locomotive. As the train travels the full length of the line from Llangollen to Corwen and return, guests can relax, unwind and enjoy sweeping views of the Dee Valley while indulging in a timeless British treat.

 

Perfect for special occasions, celebrations, gifts or simply an indulgent day out, 'The Afternoon Tea by the Dee' offers a unique way to experience the landscape and heritage of the line at a gentler pace. 

* The traditional afternoon tea available.

 

What’s Included:

 

Passengers travelling on Afternoon Tea by the Dee will enjoy:

• A return journey from Llangollen to Corwen
• A traditional Afternoon Tea served at the table, including:
• A selection of freshly made sandwiches
• Fruit scones with jam and clotted cream
• An assortment of cakes and sweet treats
• Tea or coffee
• Top-up option to upgrade to include a glass of sparkling wine

 

Tables are arranged to create a relaxed and comfortable setting. Parties of two or three who would prefer a private table can add a Table Reservation supplement when booking.

 

James Veal from the Railway said: “There is something wonderfully unhurried about Afternoon Tea on the train. From the moment guests take their seats in a heritage carriage, the experience encourages them to slow down and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Watching the Dee Valley unfold beyond the window while tea, scones and cakes are served at the table creates a setting that feels both nostalgic and special.

 

"We know from previous years just how popular these services are for birthdays, anniversaries and family gatherings, but they are equally perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a relaxed and memorable day out. It is a lovely way to experience the railway, combining great scenery, great food and great company.”

 

The railway says its services proved very popular in 2025, with all places selling out. Advance booking is therefore strongly recommended. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available but must be specified when booking. Dogs are not permitted on this service. Tickets are available here: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/afternoon-tea/

Email: info@llangollen-railway.co.uk

 

Telephone: 01978 860979

 

2026 Afternoon Tea Dates

 

Friday 25 April

Saturday 3 May

Saturday 17 May

Saturday 21 June

Saturday 26 July

Monday 16 August

Saturday 13 September

New feature starts at Penllyn Chapel this Saturday

                          

Penllyn Chapel in Brook Street, Llangollen has a new feature called Healing Prayer starting this Saturday morning, February 7, and continuing every first Saturday of the month. It includes free tea and coffee.

Darcey Bussell to be guest adjudicator at 2026 Eisteddfod

* Dame Darcey Bussell.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has secured a remarkable coup for its 2026 festival with Dame Darcey Bussell confirmed as a guest judge and ambassador for the dance competitions.

Dame Darcey will adjudicate selected competitions on Saturday July 11, offering dancers a rare opportunity to perform in front of one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the world of dance.

Entries are open now, with the deadline set for Sunday February 22. Dancers across the UK and internationally are being encouraged to enter and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.

A former Principal of The Royal Ballet for almost twenty years, Dame Darcey performed more than 80 roles, with 17 created especially for her. She has appeared as a guest artist with leading ballet companies across the world and remains one of the most recognisable and respected names in dance. 

Today she continues to champion the artform as President of the Royal Academy of Dance, a coach to principal dancers, author, broadcaster and former judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

Her involvement highlights the growing profile and ambition of dance at Llangollen. For 2026, the festival has expanded its dance competitions from five to fourteen distinct classes, welcoming a broader range of styles and performers than ever before.

Dame Darcey said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 2026. It is a truly inspiring celebration of music, dance and cultures from across the world, and the expanded dance categories create a wonderful international platform for performers of all styles to be seen, celebrated and united. I can’t wait to experience the extraordinary talent and share in the magic of this iconic festival.”

Fiona Brockway, Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and a former First Soloist with The Royal Ballet, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dame Darcey Bussell's extraordinary expertise, global influence, and passion for dance to inspire and celebrate performers on our iconic stage this July.”

Dancers can enter and compete as soloists, duets, trios or groups across all styles and genres. Performances may last up to three minutes and competitors of all ages are welcome.

Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday March 5.

* Full details on how to enter can be found at eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/solo-and-duet-trio-dance

Tidy Town Team celebrates 10,000 hours of voluntary work

* Members of the Tidy Town Team are their annual lunch in the Hand Hotel last December.

Llangollen Tidy Town Team has published its 2025 annual report.

Its co-ordinator David Davies reports: "2025 completes the milestone of 20 years of operation for the group and brings our total to over 10,000 hours of volunteer work.

"2025 has seen our continued work efforts in helping to maintain the Town Square and St John’s Wood, and help the Museum in tidy up work and relocating artifacts. Our support continues for the Christmas Festival and the Town’s Christmas Tree provision.

"The paint brushes were put to use on the seats in Market Street car park by Seion Chapel and at the Old Armoury Heritage Centre, where we also put up signage and assembled outside seating.

"Our litter picking target this year was centred around the Chain Bridge and Horseshoe Falls area, where we also removed 'love padlocks' from the Chain Bridge.

"In the absence of work by DCC we once again washed clean the the Hawthorn on Trevor Road and continued with the tidy up of the mess left from the 4 Great Highways project on the Wharf bank, including redistributing excessive wood chips that continue to be washed down onto the pathway.

"We are very grateful for the continued support of Llangollen Town Council and local businesses and individuals, and a number of very favourable social media posts by local people appreciating our work…thank you."