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."

Denbighshire proposes 5.22% rise in council tax for 2026/27

Denbighshire’s County Council’s Cabinet has put forward its proposals for setting its budget for 2026-27.

Every council is legally required to set a balanced and deliverable budget and to set the level of Council Tax each year.

For 2026/27, Denbighshire County Council’s cost pressures are forecast to exceed £20m for the fourth consecutive year. 

While the council receives most of its funding from Welsh Government, supplemented by Council Tax, recent increases in Welsh Government funding do not fully cover these pressures, making a rise in Council Tax unavoidable, says the authority.

This year, the proposal put forward is a Council Tax increase of 4.76% for council services plus an additional 0.46% to meet the higher levy from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, resulting in a total proposed increase of 5.22%.

Lead Member for Finance, Councillor Delyth Jones (pictured) said: “In setting this year’s budget we have tried to keep Council Tax increases as low as possible while still being able to provide the vital services that our residents rely on.

“Most of our budget goes toward schools, education, and supporting adults who need care. We also invest significantly in services for children and people experiencing homelessness. These services protect the most vulnerable people in our communities. Together, these essential services account for 65% of the Council’s total budget.

“That leaves 35% for everything else we do — from inspecting around 720 food businesses each year, to collecting about 73,000 bins and recycling containers from nearly 49,000 households every week.

“We also maintain countryside sites like Loggerheads, Moel Famau and Bodelwyddan Park; protect heritage sites such as Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre and Plas Newydd; provide over 12 million school meals annually; safely transport around 2,870 learners to school; and maintain 11,763 streetlights and 1,419 km of roads across the county.”

Some people will be shielded from the increase through the Council Tax reduction scheme which helps those on low income or those claiming benefits. Residents can find out more about this on Denbighshire’s website on the Council tax reduction scheme page.

The Cabinet meets at 10am on Tuesday, February 10 and the meeting will be broadcast  via the webcast on the council's website.

 

County Cllr Edwards gives insight into Riverside Park facelift

llanblogger's recent revelation that the current facelift to Riverside Park includes an outdoor gym has prompted some interesting social media comments, both in favour of this and otherwise.

Here, Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, whose idea the gym was, explains the reasoning behind it and that of the whole scheme ....

"As one of your elected ward members, I wanted to explain how the Shared Prosperity Funding plans for the Riverside Park had developed and why the outdoor gym equipment had been proposed.

"Initial discussions focused on replacing the bandstand alongside further access improvements. As costs became clearer, it was evident there would be insufficient funding to replace the bandstand with one of a standard of quality the park deserves. I did not feel it would be right to proceed with a substandard replacement, particularly given the bandstand’s long-standing role and value within the park.

 

"A number of on-site meetings took place with Street scene officers to explore alternative options that could still deliver meaningful benefits within the available budget. I also engaged with the Town Council throughout the process and it was through these discussions that I suggested the idea of an outdoor gym area as this would provide free, accessible fitness opportunities, encourage healthier lifestyle and make better use of the park for people of all ages, this is not a new idea as this equipment has been installed in other parks within the authority.

 

"Any new lighting will match the rest of the park, using low level warm lighting – the same approach I advocated for when the park lanterns had to be replaced a couple of years ago. The additional picnic benches will be secured in place.

 

"Riverside Park is an ongoing project. Further improvements, including additional accessibility works and, in time, the careful replacement of the bandstand with something equally appropriate and in keeping with the park’s heritage, will continue to be pursued  as and when funding opportunities arise."