Thailand-bound trio survive the Tunnel of Death and severe illness

* Dyfan and James suffered badly from food poisoning in the mountains of Tajikistan. 

A trip through the Tunnel of Death and a bout of food poisoning awaited the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand last week.

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham - known as the Westheads - are heading deeper into Asia through Tajikistan, the third most mountainous country in the world.

Their experience of the Tunnel of Death - so called because it's 5 kms of pure darkness with no ventilation - came as they headed towards the summit of one of the mountains along the route to the country's capital of Dushenbe.

* The lads head gently down the mountain after their food poisoning experience. 

In their daily video log they explained that the tunnel has soldiers posted at both ends to prevent cyclists going through alone for their own safety and arranging for them to be given lifts in vehicles. And that's exactly what happened with the lads.

Things seemed to be going well until next morning when Dyfan and James both awoke in their tent suffering from severe food poisoning, which they described as a "absolute nightmare" and lasted for days.

Dyfan says on camera: "We had one of the worst weeks of my life and I've never been so poorly."

Eventually they felt well enough to free-wheel down the other side of the mountain, through a lovely valley, and reached the capital where they spent a week recuperating in a hostel, aware all the time they had to make up for the lost illness time before their visas expired.

The trio are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of a friend who died following a heart attack in 2024.

So far they've raised more than £27,000 of their £50,000 charity target since leaving Llangollen last year.

* llanblogger is recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Latest news from Llangollen Museum

Here is the latest news update from Llangollen Museum:

"We are waiting with baited breath to hear whether we have been successful with two applications for funding. One is to allow us to have an audit of our collection and the other will allow us to digitise and display more items from our collection – both in 2D and 3D. 

Our item of the month display is presently showing items connected to the visit of George Borrow to Llangollen in the 1850s.

The Young Archaeologists Club continues to attract young people between the ages of 6 and 16. Sessions are held at Llangollen Museum from 6:00 to 7:30pm, usually on one Thursday evening in each month. We are still accepting application forms for new members. 

Please email cdv.yac@gmail.com for more information, or if you want to come along. You can visit the Clwyd and Dee Valley Young Archaeologist’s Club at https://www.yac-uk.org/clubs/clwyd-and-dee-valley. The next Young Archaeologists Club session will take place on Thursday May 14, 6.00-7.30pm in Llangollen Museum. 

Storyteller Andy Harrop-Smith will lead the session with stories and music to recreate festivals which may have taken places at archaeological sites such as stone circles, Neolithic and Bronze tombs and more. Expect something exciting, bring a musical instrument, and join us on a journey of festivals through history and the year.

For details of the themes for upcoming meetings please look at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/14TB2VbYbL6/.

Our popular talks programme continues. Unfortunately, Dr Jack Hunter’s talk, entitled "Re-Thinking Haunted and Paranormal Objects", had to be cancelled as the speaker was ill. It will be re-arranged for another date. Wednesday May 27 will see a change in the planned talks. Now, Dr Ian Brooks, of the Clwydian Range Archaeology Group (CRAG) will talk about the recent excavations and finds at the Bryneglwys ring cairn, some of which are presently on display in the Museum. 

On June 10, we will have Dr Jenny Day examining the poetry of Gutun Owain and other Welsh poets (see below) and on June 24, Gill Smith will continue looking at churches in North Wales, with a presentation entitled “Hidden Histories and Folklore of North Wales Churches Pt II”. On July 29, Andy Harrop-Smith will give a presentation about "The Folklore of Birds". 

Talks and dates can be subject to change, so keep an eye on our social media for announcements. All talks start at 7:00pm at the Museum. Tickets are £3 at the door with refreshments provided. Do get the dates in your diaries - we hope to see you there!

The next exhibition in the Janet Wakefield Gallery at the Museum will run from May 4-30. It is entitled ‘Beyond the map, A journey through wildlife and wild places - paintings by the Rambling Artist’ – aka Sharon Whitley. Sharon is a fantastically talented wildlife artist, with testimonials from many people, including presenter Iolo Williams.

In June and July, we have an exciting blend of art and history, with an exhibition, entitled ‘Poetry and Commemoration at Valle Crucis Abbey’ / ‘Cerdd a Chof yn Abaty Glyn-y-Groes’, created by a research project on the scholar and poet Gutun Owain (gutunowain.cymru). 

Drawing together new artwork and interpretative material, it will portray aspects of medieval art and culture from the Cistercian abbey of Valle Crucis. As well as the magnificent and distinctive burial monuments surviving at the abbey, the exhibition will present the literature produced or performed there, including chronicles, genealogies and a variety of elegies and praise poems. 

The poetry, composed by Gutun Owain and others, provides particularly evocative impressions of life at the abbey, from the generous feasts the poets enjoyed, to their appreciation of the heavenly voices of the choir in the abbey church.

The ‘Gutun Owain and the scholarly culture of north-east Wales in the later Middle Ages’ research project is funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and is being carried out by a team of researchers, Dr Jenny Day, Dr Gruffudd Antur and Dr Martin Crampin, at the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies in Aberystwyth, and in partnership with CADW and the National Eisteddfod. 

The exhibition is being developed in collaboration with Llangollen Museum and complements our existing displays on Valle Crucis and CADW’s own interpretative materials for the abbey ruins, which are in their care.

For all of the latest information about what is happening at the Museum, do keep an eye on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Llangollen-Museum-100057657969751/.

Finally, as with many voluntary organisations, we need more volunteers, especially to cover the weekends. If you want to be more involved with the history of the area, and become a volunteer at the Museum, please contact our manager Gill Smith at gilliansmith2@hotmail.co.uk or on 07516 023524.

Carrog station celebrates 30th anniversary in style

* Special guests John 'Chicken' Mason, Bob Creasey, Becky Mollison, assstant head at Ysgog Carrog, and Ian Lebbon. All pictures: Oliver Lang

A special celebration took place yesterday (Saturday) to mark the 30th anniversary of the reopening of Carrog station, bringing together residents, volunteers and visitors for a memorable community event. 

President of Llangollen and Corwen Railway, Bob Creasey, was joined by President Gordon Heddon and the guest of honour, John ‘Chicken’ Mason, who was one of the those who led the reopening of the station in 1996.

 

The day marked three decades since the railway returned to Carrog in 1996, and the occasion was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude. The event featured a  performance from pupils of Ysgol Carrog, whose enthusiasm and talent added a special touch to the celebrations. Thanks were extended to both the children and staff for their contribution to such an important day.

 

The station was alive with activity, with displays, decorations and a strong turnout from the local community. Residents from Carrog and surrounding villages showed their continued support, just as they have done over the past 30 years. A special ‘Carrog 30’ train picked up the revellers which included Ysgol Carrog, and residents from the local area.

 

Many of the railway’s volunteers come from these same communities, and the railway remains an important part of daily life for local people. The anniversary was not just about looking back but also about recognising the vital role the community continues to play in the railway’s success.

 

Llangollen Railway Trust Chairman Bob Creasey said: "The day a truly fantastic celebration of everything that makes this railway special. For 30 years, the people of Carrog and the surrounding villages have stood behind us, supported us and been part of our story. 

"So many of our volunteers come from this community, and so many local people use and value the railway. This anniversary is about marking the reopening in 1996, but it is also about saying thank you. We never take that support for granted. It was fantastic to have the opportunity today to celebrate together and show our appreciation to everyone who has helped make the railway what it is today."

 

Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Denbighshire Destination Tourism Partnership, Director of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and a Carrog resident who compered the event, added: "The railway is at the heart of Carrog. It is not just a visitor attraction, it is part of the fabric of village life. For many residents, it is a source of pride, a place to volunteer and something that connects generations. Days like today show just how important the railway is to this community. 

"It brings people together, supports the local economy and helps keep our heritage alive. Celebrating 30 years since the reopening is a major milestone, but just as importantly it was a chance to recognise and thank the community whose support has made it all possible. It was wonderful to see Ysgol Carrog perform at the station, something they did 30 years. Thanks to the school and its wonderful pupils."

 * The local community travelled aboard a special Carrog 30 train.

* The occasion saw a visit from GWR Panier 7754.

* The platform at Carrog was packed as Ysgol Carrog performed.

History buffs take a fascinating tour through town's past

* Suzanne Evans, who leads the church's Genesis Project, describes some of the historic features of St Collen's.

Scores of people became enthralled by Llangollen's rich history after joining yesterday's (Saturday) Tour Through Time.

Following on from the success of last year's event of the same name, the latest walk-about was again organised by the Our Historic Llangollen/Hanesyddol i Bawb group and held in a variety of fascinating locations.

Attendance was free and people were able to join or leave at any stage throughout the day with no booking necessary.

First stop was at St Collen’s where people were given a guided journey through the history of the centuries-old church, revealing its remarkable heritage and the ongoing work to conserve, reinterpret and make the building more accessible for all. 

Crime and Punishment in Early Victorian Llangollen was the theme at the Lock Up Heritage Centre where tourists heard stories of Victorian criminals and how they were punished in the town's first magistrates’ courtroom, gaol and police station. 

Just before lunch it was time to visit Plas Newydd to discover the story of the legendary Ladies of Llangollen, the two women who lived there and created one of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales. 

After lunch came Hands on History, a journey through history and prehistory, viewing and experiencing items from the Stone Age to the present day at Llangollen Museum. 

Next stop was Llangollen Railway for a look back at the preservation and development of the famous heritage line. 

The tour rounded off in late afternoon with Peace and Music across the Years, the story of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod told at the International Pavilion.

* Sue Hargreaves of the Lock Up Heritage Centre gives a talk on why the building now know as the Lock Up Heritage Centre was originally established. 

* People on the tour are given a talk on life would have been like at what was originally the town's gaol and police station.

* Peter Dickinson, Berwyn Station Master, did a 45-minute talk to 18 people on the history of Llangollen Railway.

Details given for the funeral of Humphrey Gibson

* Humphrey Gibson.

Details have been given for the funeral of well-known Llangollen resident Humphrey Gibson who died on April 24. 

A close friend said: "The date is Thursday May 28, at 1.30pm in the main hall at the International Eisteddfod building off Abbey Road. All who knew Humphrey are most welcome. 

"It will be a Quaker funeral, based in quiet reflection focussing on Humphrey, who he was and what he meant to us all. Anyone who feels moved to speak will be welcome to do so (briefly, in order to give as many people as possible the opportunity to do so), and in between each spoken contribution there will be a period of quiet reflection while we all take in what has been said. 

"There is no need to decide in advance whether or not you are going to speak, you can see how you feel at the time. There will be people there of many different religious beliefs and none, and it will be inclusive.

"When it seems the right time (probably after about an hour, but flexible depending on whether there are still people wishing to speak) we will bring that part of the funeral to a close and everyone will be invited to share the food which will be served. I’m guessing that it will go on till about 5 o’clock though that is only a rough guess.

"Please circulate this information to anyone else you know who might wish to attend. We have are holding it in the Eisteddfod Hall so as to be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to be there - and we know Humphrey had a lot of friends!"

The actual cremation will be private, attended by close family and friends only.

* Humphrey's funeral appeared on llanblogger. See: https://llanblogger.blogspot.com/2026/04/well-known-llangollen-figure-humphrey_24.html

* See also, the separate tribute paid to Humphrey, who was a long-time volunteer with the festival, by the chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, John Gambles at: https://llanblogger.blogspot.com/2026/04/eisteddfod-chairman-pays-tribute-to.html

Grant helps parkrunners keep in touch on the move

* The parkrun is now kitted out with walkie-talkies for the first time.

Marshals with the Old Railway Trail parkrun can now keep in touch base while they're on the move thanks to a new set of walkie-talkies.

Parkrun Co-Event Director Mike Edwards said: "We have acquired a set of walkie-talkies to keep our marshals out on the course in contact with the Run Director for the time being who is always in the start/finish area at the Health Centre at each weekly event.

"In addition to keeping the volunteer team in touch with each other to report the ongoing progress of the event, this communication would be fundamental in the event of an injury or emergency out on the course.

"This equipment has been provided through a Winter Wellbeing Grant provided by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and I wish to thank Lisa Williams at DVSC for her help and support in providing these essential facilities."

It was also a grant from the two organisations which recently provided the parkrun a  life-saving defibrillator at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve which has been dedicated to David Bird, former licensee of the Sun Trevor pub and a dedicated parkrun volunteer. 

He collapsed early one Saturday morning in mid-January doing the course set-up for the run at Wenffrwd.

Improvement work at Riverside Park now complete

* The new outdoor gym in the park.

Work to help improve and develop health and wellbeing along Llangollen’s Riverside Park has been completed.

Funded by Shared Prosperity Transitional Year Funding, the work was coordinated by Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene department.

This latest development of the area, initiated by Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, follows previous work by other council teams at the park over the last few years which has seen initiatives such as nine-hole bespoke mini golf and play equipment added to the site.

Streetscene has carried out this latest phase of work to further enhance the park for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

* The picnic area at Riverside.

The development has seen the replacement of an existing ramp from Aldi Car Park to the Skatepark/MUGA area to improve the accessibility of this area for wheelchair users and others with greater accessibility needs, and the installation of two further ramped paths to help improve accessibility around the park.

Work has also seen fencing added next to the old children’s play area to better secure this section, and an additional access gate was installed on the river side of the park.

The project has added an outdoor gym to the site which has seven items of equipment to enable users to exercise with a view over the river. In addition to this, two accessible picnic benches have been installed in this area with concrete bases to enable easy access by wheelchair.

Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services, said: “We are really pleased to complete this work at Llangollen’s Riverside Park thanks to the funding Streetscene has been able to access.

“This latest development will further enhance other areas that have already been improved at Riverside Park to increase the profile of this important part of the town for both the enjoyment of residents and those visiting Llangollen."