Railway launches £50,000 campaign to help it stay on track

Just weeks after bringing its 50th anniversary celebrations to a close, Llangollen and Corwen Railway has launched an ambitious new fundraising campaign to help protect itself for the next half-century.

The Rescue the Rails campaign has an initial target of £50,000 to help recover and transport miles of railway track, sleepers, buffer stops and other valuable infrastructure generously donated by Tata Chemicals from its former industrial railway site at Winnington, near Northwich.

Although the materials are being donated completely free of charge, the railway must fund the specialist contractors, lifting equipment and transport required to bring them to North Wales. 

The materials will provide a valuable resource for future track maintenance and renewals, potentially saving the railway substantial sums over the coming decades.

Trust Manager David Hennigan said: "At the end of October, we brought our 50th anniversary year to a close, celebrating five decades of incredible achievements by our volunteers.

"Now it's time to look ahead. Rescue the Rails is quite literally about investing in the next 50 years of our heritage railway.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Every pound donated could bring many pounds more in value back to our Railway. Our volunteers rebuilt this wonderful railway, and now we have the chance to protect it for future generations.

"Please help us reach our £50,000 target and secure our Railway's future."

The first sections of donated railway track have already arrived at Llangollen, with further recovery operations now being planned.

* The railway's Tim Pulford and Pete Evans witness the track being lifted in Northwich with Peter Simpson and Pauline Yould from Tata Chemicals, Europe

Heritage Engineering Manager Tim Pulford said: "From an engineering perspective, this is an extraordinary opportunity. Maintaining ten miles of heritage railway is expensive, and these materials could save us a significant amount of money on future track repairs and renewals.

"The infrastructure is being donated free of charge, but we need funds to recover and transport it. Every recovery trip could bring back materials worth many times what it costs to collect them.

"This is about giving our engineering teams the resources they need to maintain the Railway for decades to come."

The railway hopes the campaign will attract support from railway enthusiasts, local businesses, community organisations and everyone who values the preservation of Britain's railway heritage.

David added: "Our first 50 years were about rebuilding our Railway. This campaign is about protecting it for the next 50.

"We are enormously grateful to Tata Chemicals for their generosity. Now we need the public's help to bring this incredible gift home."

Three Ways to Donate

Supporters can contribute towards the initial £50,000 fundraising target in three ways:

1. Donate Online

Donations can be made securely through the Railway's dedicated fundraising page:

https://llangollenrailway.enthuse.com/cf/rescue-the-rails

2. Donate by Telephone

Call 01978 860979 to make a donation. For further payment options or more information, please contact Paul Bailey on 07745 223 946.

3. Donate by Cheque

Please make cheques payable to Llangollen and Corwen Railway and send them to:

Rescue the Rails
5 Abbey Road
Llangollen
LL20 8SN

For More Information:

For further details about the Rescue the Rails campaign, the extraordinary donation from Tata Chemicals and how you can help secure the next 50 years of Llangollen and Corwen Railway, please visit:

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/news/rescue-the-rails-help-secure-our-railways-future/ or call Paul Bailey on 07745 223 946.

Llangollen's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is back!

* The red-clad throng in action at last summer's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. 

Llangollen's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever will be back at Plas Newydd next summer.

And the woman heading the team which organised this year's big Kate Bush bash, raising £2,600 for charity into the bargain, promises it's going to be even bigger and better second time around.

Despite being told by doctors that she is terminally ill, Moira Gleed still took on the massive challenge of putting together the hugely successful dance fest last June.

On the day 230 red-clad Cathy Earnshaws from all parts of Britain - including the area's MP Becky Gittins - went through their stylish paces in Llangollen's first ever mass recreation of the famous Kate Bush 1978 dance sequence inspired by the 1939 classic film Wuthering Heights.

Moira had begun planning the colourful spectacle the previous October when her imagination was fired by a WhatsApp film she saw of a Wuthering day elsewhere in the country and she decided that Llangollen really ought to host its own version.

* Organiser Moira Gleed, right, enjoying the day 

with Llangollen's deputy mayor, Cllr Charlie Jones.

She gathered around her a hard-working bunch of volunteers who helped her make it a memorable success, with all money raised going to Welsh Women's Aid.

Advertising of the event began on social media early in the year and within just 11 days the entire stock of tickets was sold out.

Now, in a post on the Llangollen Wuthering Facebook page, Moira joyfully announces that she and the team are going to repeat the experience in 2027. 

Moira says: "It's been some time since we've been in touch but we wanted you to be the first to know we're going to do it again. So, have you got next year's diary handy and your red frocks?

"If so, mark down Saturday 19th June 2027 with Plas Newydd, Llangollen as the place to be.

"We're going to do it again but this time it'll be even bigger and better! Just wanted you all to know that the committee will start planning in the New Year. Tickets will be available in the spring."

Before joining the dancers herself last June Becky Gittins MP announced that Moira and her daughter Rowena, who helped her with the event organisation, had been jointly awarded her Community Champion of the Month award for that month.

And in her new post Moira adds: "Rowena and I've been invited to the Houses of Parliament by our local MP Becky Gittins on the 7th December to celebrate the work and events done in our neighbourhoods by Community Champions. We're delighted to accept on everyone's behalf because we couldn't have done it without everyone's help."

* Local MP Becky Gittins joins the dancers.

Really good Geely could be next big Chinese EV hit

Geely EX2 launch by Steve Rogers

Chinese cars are steamrollering Britain faster than we can tarmac our roads.

Brands you would never have heard of a couple of years ago have become household names. Who hasn’t seen the big Jaecoo badge on a front grille, in fact the Jaecoo 7 was the top selling car in October just pipping the mighty Ford Puma. What a feat.

It is almost the case that whichever Chinese car company launches in Britain is guaranteed a shedload of sales and here is another company hoping to keep the kettle boiling .

Geely (not Jeely) is our newest visitor, a sister brand to the group behind Volvo and Polestar, and has tested the water with the electric EX5 and Starray plug-in hybrid reviewed here, very favourably, in April. Now it is giving a debut to its superstar electric supermini, the Geely EX2, and superstar is no exaggeration.

This is the best selling car in China notching up 460,000 sales, almost the same number of electric cars sold here in 2025. Okay there are a lot more people in China, but all the same…

Is it any good? The car came in for a bit of stick for its software gremlins when it was shown to the motoring press, but the problems were fixed in a few weeks ready for its launch in the UK. Is that an eagerness to please or what.

What we have is a kind-to-the-wallet entry into the world of electric motoring. A budget starting price of £20,990 albeit with a limited 156-mile range from a 35kWh battery. But if you are not fazed by that there is a lot for your money. 

This is an incredibly roomy, proper five-seater with a boot bigger than a VW Polo and a shade less than the market leading Skoda Fabia, and they are not electric! Under the bonnet is a 70 litre bin, ideal for storing the bulky charging cables which sort of makes it top dog on storage space.

I put a six-footer in the front seat leaving bags of legroom for me in the back, and with a flat backrest there is no penalty for taking the middle seat. The flat floor helps and there is a heap of space under the seat. We might see a pull-out drawer added in the not too distant. There is already one under the front passenger seat.

I drove the top level Ultra, a jump of nearly five grand over the entry Pro, but you get a bigger 47kWh battery and an extra 56 miles of range plus the sort of spec you expect in a premium car. Leather seats, which are the most comfortable of any small car I have driven, powered, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless mobile charging, 360 degree camera and powered tailgate.

The cabin is standard Chinese fare with a large 14.6in touchscreen dominating the dashboard. It needs to be that big because just about every function goes through the screen barring a few switches for the heating. I was not in the car long enough to get comfortable with it and from what I saw would take a while. Anyone familiar with a snazzy smartphone will have it sussed in a flash.

Ultra has the larger battery and more horsepower than the Pro but don’t expect the usual electric car lightning acceleration. A sprint to 62mph takes a leisurely 11.5 seconds, 14 seconds for the Pro, but it buzzes along quite happily at motorway speeds. It favours a soft, supple ride and keeps you comfortable over speed humps. Rear-wheel drive is interesting in as much as I expected sharper handling. It is not unruly through bends but still a little too lively. A BYD Dolphin and MG4 are more composed.

I can fairly confidently predict EX2 is going to sell well, Geely is predicting 10,000 sales next year. It sits well in the small electric city car bracket for two key reasons: space and price along with a good spec, extensive safety package, refined cabin and eight-year warranty.

If you don’t want to go Ultra, the middle ground is Max with the larger battery but £2,000 kinder on the pocket.

This is only the first chapter of the Geely story. There is an ambitious 45,000 sales target by 2027 with new models in the pipeline starting with Monjaro, a plug-in hybrid SUV and Project KO11, an 1100bhp monster.

Fast facts

EX2 Ultra

£25,490

Range: 214 miles

Battery: 47kWh

Power: 114bhp

0-62mph 11.5secs; 81mph

Zero emissions. 1st VED £10

Insurance group 18

Boot: 375-1320 litres

Railway's special ways of marking Remembrance Sunday

* Garry Smith starts the Poppy Drop along with members of the Llangollen Station team.

Volunteers from Llangollen and Corwen Railway joined the hundreds of people who gathered at the town's two war memorials in Centenary Square on Remembrance Sunday yesterday.

Royal Navy veteran Garry Smith MBE and his wife Ruth Smith, a former member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), laid a wreath on behalf of the heritage railway.

They were joined by numerous of its volunteers who attended the ceremony after the railway cancelled its usual 10am departure as a mark of respect, allowing them and staff to participate in Remembrance services in their own communities.

At the other end of the line, Wayne and Sue Ronneback laid a wreath on behalf of the railway at Corwen's Remembrance Sunday service, ensuring that both towns were represented in the day's commemorations.

Following the morning's services, Garry and Ruth continued their tribute with a special Poppy Drop through the Dee Valley.

Garry travelled on the footplate of the Railway's 12.20pm steam train from Llangollen to Corwen, releasing poppies on the approaches to the platforms at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

Ruth then took over the tribute on the 1.45pm return journey from Corwen to Llangollen, continuing the symbolic Poppy Drop at stations along the route.

The journeys took place aboard the Railway's historic Great Western Railway steam locomotive No. 3802, which carried the special name 'The Remembrance' for the day.

The railway also observed the national Two-Minute Silence at 11am, while flags, poppies and special displays created by volunteers helped mark the occasion at stations throughout the Dee Valley.

Garry Smith said: "Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important days of the year for those of us who have served in the Armed Forces.

"Standing alongside hundreds of people at Llangollen's Cenotaph this morning, and laying a wreath with Ruth on behalf of the Railway, was an incredibly moving experience.

"Travelling on the footplate of our steam locomotive and releasing poppies along the Dee Valley was a real privilege. Each poppy was a reminder of those who served, those who sacrificed so much and those who never came home.

"It was particularly special to see so many of our Railway volunteers attending the service. Cancelling the first train allowed everyone the opportunity to pay their respects, and that was absolutely the right decision."

Ruth Smith said: "It was an honour to represent the Llangollen and Corwen Railway alongside Garry at today's Remembrance Sunday service. We'd like to thank Llangollen Town Council and Llangollen's British Legion for organising such a memorable service.

"Seeing so many people gathered together, young and old, was a powerful reminder that remembrance continues to mean so much to our communities.

"Taking over the Poppy Drop at Corwen and bringing the tribute back to Llangollen was particularly poignant. It was our way of remembering those who gave their lives and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

"We were also delighted that Wayne and Sue Ronneback represented the Railway at Corwen, bringing both ends of our beautiful line together in remembrance.

"Today has shown that our railway is about much more than steam trains. It is about people, communities and remembering the generations who made the freedoms we enjoy today possible."

The railway also offered free travel to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and members of recognised cadet organisations on its afternoon services, as a gesture of thanks for their service.

Town turns out in force for Remembrance Service

* A shower of blood red poppies falls onto the assembled parade group.

The town turned out in force to mark this morning's annual Service of Remembrance Sunday in Llangollen's Centenary Square.

After opening prayers led by Father Lee Taylor from St Collen's came the sounding of the Last Post followed by the Exhortation, which ends with "We will remember them".

A hush fell over the proceedings with the two minutes' silence which was ended by the sounding of Reveille by a bugler from Llangollen Silver Band, which played throughout the service. 

Hymns and prayers were followed by the laying of wreaths from numerous local organisers headed by the Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, on behalf of Llangollen Town Council.

The large crowd surrounding the square then parted for the parade around the town centre to begin, headed by service organisations and their standard bearers and including a number of youth organisations from the area. 

This year, for the first time, the colours of the Royal Air Force were carried on parade by young local man Joe Mann who joined the service only a year ago.

Joe said: "I joined the RAF because I wanted a career that would last a lifetime, with so many unique opportunities within my role that I simply wouldn't get in any other job."

He added: "Remembrance Day is very important because it honours the men and women who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives in conflicts around the world to protect our freedom and security." 

* The parade passes along Bridge Street.

* ,,, and through Castle Street.

* Youth organisations line up to lay their wreaths on the war memorial.

* The Mayor, Cllr Richards-Gwilliam, after laying his wreath on behalf of the Town Council.

* John Palmer sets down a wreath on behalf of local MP Becky Gittins.

* Llangollen councillor Karen Edwards lays a wreath on behalf of Denbighshire County Council.

* Local man Joe Mann, second from left, lowers the standard of the RAF contingent.

* Father Lee Taylor of St Collen's leads the service.

* The large crowd plays its part in the Remembrance traditions.

* Llangollen Silver Band played throughout.

MP hosts Climate Action Workshop at Theatr Clwyd

* Attendees at the workshop in Theatr Clwyd.

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins brought together environmental organisations, community groups and climate campaigners from across North Wales for a Climate Action Workshop at Theatr Clwyd in Mold.

The event aimed to strengthen connections between local groups, share practical advice on communicating about climate change and explore how organisations can work together to reach more people in their communities.

The afternoon featured presentations from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) and Climate Outreach, alongside a keynote address from the MP.

Climate Outreach shared findings from its Britain Talks Climate and Nature research, which revealed that 74% of people in Britain consider climate change important, while 64% are worried about its impact.

The research also highlighted the importance of understanding different audiences, building trust and focusing on issues that matter to people's everyday lives when discussing climate change.

Participants took part in networking activities, shared experiences of their own environmental projects and discussed ways to overcome common challenges facing local organisations.

A practical social media workshop also explored how groups can use short videos, photographs and local stories to engage wider audiences, promote their work and challenge climate misinformation.

Speaking after the event, Ms Gittins said: "It was absolutely fantastic to bring so many passionate people together at Theatr Clwyd. We've got some brilliant organisations doing important work across our communities, and I wanted to give them an opportunity to learn from each other and build stronger connections.

"One of the things that really stood out to me was the research showing just how many people are concerned about climate change. Sometimes the loudest voices online can give a very different impression, but the reality is that most people do care about protecting our environment.

"That's why it's so important that local groups have the confidence and tools to get their messages out there, reach new audiences and challenge misinformation when they see it."

The workshop also provided an opportunity for organisations to explore future collaboration, with plans now underway to establish an online network where participants can continue sharing resources, promoting events and supporting each other's work.

The MP added: "Climate change isn't something that only affects people elsewhere. We've seen the impact of extreme weather here in North Wales, including the devastating wildfires on Halkyn Mountain.

"We need to make sure we're doing everything we can to protect our environment for future generations, and that starts with supporting the people already making a difference in our communities.

"I don't want yesterday to be a one-off. The enthusiasm in the room was brilliant, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve by working together.

"A huge thank you to everyone who came along, to our guest speakers for sharing their expertise and to Theatr Clwyd for hosting us."

Police appeal after school student hurt in collision with truck

Police are appealing for witnesses after a school student was injured following a road traffic collision in Llangollen.

A police Facebook post today (Saturday) says: "On the 06/11/2026 at approximately 08.50hrs we received a report of a road traffic collision on Castle Street, Llangollen involving a school student and a HGV truck.

"There are currently road works and temporary lights in the area and there were several vehicles on the bridge at the time of the incident.

"Officers are urging anybody who may have witnessed the incident or have dash cam footage of the incident to make contact via the police live webchat or by calling 101, quoting reference O181433."