August activities at Pengwern ...

August activities at Pengwern are:

County council makes statement on blue recycling bag controversy

* Some blue cardboard recycling bags have been disintegrating - with replacements costing £12.50.

Denbighshire County Council won't be announcing until this autumn whether it will continue to charge residents to replace worn-out blue cardboard recycling bags.

But in the meantime it says residents can put out their cardboard for collection in another "suitable bag of a similar size" and its crews will collect these.

People across the county have been complaining about disintegrating blue bags for months.

While the council, which is responsible for recycling, says it is aware of the problem and is looking at ways of addressing it, it continues to charge £12.50 for a new bag.

This has led to a surge of complaints, with hundreds of users signing an online petition demanding a free replacement.

This afternoon the council has issued a statement on the controversy, which says: "Denbighshire County Council fully understands the concerns residents and local members have raised about the blue cardboard recycling bag, and we want to reassure people that the Waste and Recycling team has listened to the views of residents and is committed to looking into this carefully.

"At a Full Council meeting this May, councillors discussed a notice of motion that was put on the agenda about reviewing and reforming the Recycling and Non-Recyclable Waste Collection Policy.

"Work commenced following the Notice of Motion to prepare a full report that will set out the options regarding residents’ recycling containers, including the blue cardboard bag.

"The Council must follow due process, and this report will be considered by the Communities Scrutiny Committee in September. Following the committee’s recommendations, this will then go before Cabinet in the autumn where a decision will be made regarding any proposed changes to the Recycling and Non-Recyclable Waste Policy Waste Collection Policy."

The statement adds: "While this process is underway, we encourage residents to continue using any blue bags that remain in good condition, provided they can be safely collected by our crews and emptied into the collection vehicle. Residents whose bags are damaged beyond use can order a replacement through the Council's website. Replacement bags should be delivered within four weeks.

"In the meantime, residents may present their cardboard for collection in another suitable bag of a similar size to the Council-issued blue cardboard recycling bag. Our crews will collect these.

"We would like to sincerely thank residents for their continued efforts to recycle and for the support they show to our collection crews. Their commitment makes a real difference, helping us to protect Denbighshire’s local environment and build a cleaner, more sustainable county for communities now and in the future."

Westheads look back on first year of their Thailand-bound odyssey

Eighteen countries, two continents and over 15,000 kilometres covered - that's the fantastic achievement of the three young lads known as the Westheads since they left Llangollen bound for Thailand exactly one year ago.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas, also 19, from Wrexham, are making their mammoth journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024. 

Their end destination is Thailand where Harrison now lives and along the way they are raising as much cash as possible for the British Heart Foundation in his dad's memory.

In their latest daily video diary they have been looking back over the past 12 months and some of the adventures they've pedalled into.

It all started when they left the HQ of Llangollen FC on August 2 last year heading for the English Channel from where they crossed into Europe and made their way across Belgium, Germany and Austria to pick up the River Danube, which they followed for hundreds of kms to the Black Sea, crossing Romania and Bulgaria into Turkey.

* The Westheads ready to set off on their big adventure last August.

After wintering at Batumi in Georgia they were forced to make a radical change in their plans and board a plane to fly across the Caspian Sea when they couldn't get visas allowing them to enter Russia.

From there it was thousands more kms through Uzbekistan, stopping off in the legendary city of Samarkand, Tajikistan - and a bout of severe food poisoning - and Kyrgystan, making a climb of over 3,000 metres over mountain passes into China.

Despite meeting up with people who they readily acknowledge are some of the friendliest they've met on the trip so far, trouble was brewing in the province of Qinghai where Louis was involved in a collision which left his trusty bike in pieces.

But after money for a replacement was quickly wired by supporters back home the trio were back in the saddle and have recently been visiting some of the most stunning cities in the country and recording it all on their socials.

The generosity from back home continues, with a big shoutout going to Llangollen Hostel which paid for their latest city stay.  

At the end of their one-year recap, the Westheads reveal that they have so far raised over £40,000 for their chosen charity and are now aiming to make that £50,000.

If anyone can help them to do hit that target figure it will be much appreciated, they say.  

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

Chris and band help get railway's Sixties weekend off to swinging start

* Guitarman Chris Burton and the band swing away at the evening on the railway platform.

The railway's big Sixties party almost swung itself right off platform one at Llangollen station last night, thanks to local entertainer Chris Burton and his backing band.

The popular local guitar man - dressed in one of The Beatles' Sergeant Pepper-style shiny frock coats - pumped out hit after hit from the swinging decade, slightly overshooting his allotted time. But nobody was caring as they were enjoying themselves so much.

Way into the special evening session out came a fantastic cascade of terrific tracks, from the Fab Four's Hey Jude to Chubby Checker's The Twist and from the Stones' I Can't Get No Satisfaction to the Monkees' I'm a Believer.

* A couple in period gear do a red-hot jive to the rhythm of the band.

As the crowd - many of them in period costume - rocked along, all this helped get Llangollen & Corwen Railway's Sixties Weekends off to the very best of starts and came after a full day of activities from the legendary decade - with more of the same to come today (Sunday).

Especially for the event the talented resident team are transforming the entire 10-mile stretch of line into a living recreation of Britain's railways during one of the country's most fascinating decades.

From heritage steam trains, heritage railcars and diesel engines to live music, vintage buses, historical re-enactments and family attractions, every station along the line is offering something different.

Visitors can travel as much as they like with unlimited heritage train travel, hopping on and off to experience the unique atmosphere created across Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

The event recreates the era of the Beeching cuts, when rural railways across Britain faced closure. Throughout the weekend, visitors will encounter anti-Beeching protests, railway porters loading luggage, parcels and milk churns, Beeching's survey teams counting passengers, and authentic British Transport Commission Police officers patrolling stations and trains.

One of the weekend's headline attractions is the visit of the Welsh Bobbies, whose recreated 1960s British Transport Commission Police Station at Corwen allows visitors to have their fingerprints taken, stand against the police height chart and discover an impressive collection of original police artefacts. 

A "Welsh politician" is also delivering a speech highlighting the impact railway closures had on rural communities.

Visitors can also explore the Trains to the Cambrian Coast Exhibition at Llangollen, showcasing original artefacts from the Ruabon to Barmouth line, 1960s memorabilia and an original copy of the Beeching Report, while Berwyn Station hosts a fascinating exhibition explaining why so many branch lines disappeared during the decade.

There is plenty happening beyond the railway too, with heritage Crosville bus tours departing from Corwen aboard a beautifully restored 1950s Bristol L5G. 

Live music forms a major part of the celebrations, with performances throughout the weekend at Llangollen Station. 

Apart from the Sixties extravaganza from Chris Burton, award-winning duo Rose & Jacob, the powerful vocals of Esme Sallnow, and on Sunday afternoon Jabberwocky, will bring the weekend to a close with an energetic mix of soul, blues and classic sixties hits.

Guests can enjoy drinks in Beeching's Bar, serving local real ales, lager, wine, bottled beers and soft drinks, together with hot food at the station. 

* For tickets and timetables - go to https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/1960s-weekend/

* Ravers line the platform to drink in the action.

* A Welsh "copper" does his rounds to see make sure the party isn't getting out of hand.

Railway ready to swing to the beat of the Sixties

* The duo Rose & Jacob will sing a variety of hits from the sixties, including a mix of pop and folk.

Llangollen & Corwen Railway is staging one of its biggest and most ambitious events of the year this weekend.

Taking place today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday), the Sixties Weekend will transform the entire 10-mile railway into a living recreation of Britain's railways during one of the country's most fascinating decades.

From heritage steam trains, heritage railcars and diesel engines to live music, vintage buses, historical re-enactments and family attractions, every station along the line will offer something different.

Visitors can travel as much as they like with unlimited heritage train travel, hopping on and off to experience the unique atmosphere created across Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

The event recreates the era of the Beeching cuts, when rural railways across Britain faced closure. Throughout the weekend, visitors will encounter anti-Beeching protests, railway porters loading luggage, parcels and milk churns, Beeching's survey teams counting passengers, and authentic British Transport Commission Police officers patrolling stations and trains.

One of the weekend's headline attractions is the visit of the Welsh Bobbies, whose recreated 1960s British Transport Commission Police Station at Corwen allows visitors to have their fingerprints taken, stand against the police height chart and discover an impressive collection of original police artefacts. A "Welsh politician" will also deliver a speech highlighting the impact railway closures would have had on rural communities.

* Llangollen band Dammit, starring legendary drummer Harry Barber, will e perform the hits of the era.

Visitors can also explore the Trains to the Cambrian Coast Exhibition at Llangollen, showcasing original artefacts from the Ruabon to Barmouth line, 1960s memorabilia and an original copy of the Beeching Report, while Berwyn Station hosts a fascinating exhibition explaining why so many branch lines disappeared during the decade.

There is plenty happening beyond the railway too, with heritage Crosville bus tours departing from Corwen aboard a beautifully restored 1950s Bristol L5G. The circular journey explores the historic landscape of Edeirnion, travelling through the Dee Valley countryside before returning to Corwen, offering passengers a chance to experience the area from a very different perspective.

The Crosville bus has a particularly special connection to the railway's history. Following severe flood damage to the line in December 1964, trains between Llangollen and Bala were replaced by a Crosville-operated rail replacement bus service until the railway's final closure on 18 January 1965. 

After the line closed, Crosville introduced the D94 service linking Chester and Wrexham with Barmouth, the forerunner of today's TrawsCymru T3 route. The story of Crosville's role in keeping communities connected after the railway's closure forms part of the Beeching Report Exhibition at Berwyn Station, adding another fascinating chapter to the weekend's celebration of railway history.

Visitors can also enjoy the Porter's Trolley Museum at Glyndyfrdwy, vintage vehicle displays, and the opportunity to experience Driver-for-a-Fiver, taking the controls of one of the railway's heritage diesel shunting locomotives. On Saturday, guided tours of the railway's Motive Power Depot will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the locomotives are maintained and restored.

Live music forms a major part of the celebrations, with performances throughout the weekend at Llangollen Station. Visitors can enjoy Beatles classics from Chris Burton, award-winning duo Rose & Jacob, the powerful vocals of Esme Sallnow, and on Sunday afternoon Jabberwocky, bringing the weekend to a close with an energetic mix of soul, blues and classic sixties hits.

When the daytime activities draw to a close on Saturday, the celebrations continue with the Saturday Night Dance at Llangollen Station. Gates open at 5.45pm, with entertainment from 6pm until 10.30pm, featuring Dave "Boss" Griffin and live band Dammit, featuring railway volunteer, the legendary Harry Barber on drums. 

Guests can enjoy drinks in Beeching's Bar, serving local real ales, lager, wine, bottled beers and soft drinks, together with hot food at the station. Special late-evening heritage train services will then return passengers to Corwen, Carrog, Glyndyfrdwy and Berwyn, making it easy to enjoy the whole evening without needing to drive.

Joe Walker, one of the organisers of the weekend said: "We've worked incredibly hard to make this much more than a railway gala. We wanted to create a truly immersive experience where visitors don't just see the 1960s, they feel part of them. Every station tells a different story, whether it's the live music, the historical re-enactments, the heritage buses, the exhibitions or the atmosphere on board our trains. It's one of the most ambitious events we've ever staged, and we can't wait to share it with everyone."

Mandy Towers, Llangollen Station Master and fellow organiser, added: "This is a weekend where people can really explore the whole railway. Every station has something unique to offer, from interactive displays and family attractions to live entertainment and fascinating pieces of railway history. Whether you remember the 1960s or you're discovering them for the first time, there's something here for everyone, and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend."

Day Rover and Two-Day Rover tickets include unlimited travel throughout the weekend, allowing visitors to experience every attraction while enjoying one of Britain's most scenic heritage railways.

* For tickets and timetables - go to https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/1960s-weekend/

Railway says 'same again please' on ale train specials

* There is always a party atmosphere on the railway's vintage carriages.

Following the success of its inaugural Ales from Wales Real Ale Trains, Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced two new themed events for 2026 - a Halloween Ales from Wales Train on Saturday October 31 and a Christmas Ales from Wales Train on Saturday December 12.

Ales from Wales attracted hundreds of passengers who enjoyed an evening of locally brewed Welsh ales, heritage rail travel and a fantastic atmosphere through the beautiful Dee Valley.

Every passenger travelling on the Halloween and Christmas Ales from Wales trains will receive an exclusive Llangollen Railway branded souvenir pint cup to take home as a keepsake of their journey.

The Halloween Ales from Wales Train gets underway at 5pm with live music at Llangollen Station, giving passengers the chance to soak up the atmosphere before boarding the train at 7pm. 

Guests are encouraged to come in fancy dress, while stations and carriages across the railway will be transformed with spooky decorations. During the journey, the train will make a special stop close to Berwyn Tunnel - widely regarded as Wales' most haunted location - creating a unique and spine-tingling experience.

Passengers should also keep a watchful eye out for The Phantom Signalman, who will be making mysterious appearances throughout the train as darkness falls.

To complete the occasion, passengers can enjoy a specially created Halloween-themed menu alongside a selection of Welsh real ales.

Throughout Halloween Day, the railway will be running Spooky Trains between Llangollen and Corwen, stopping at all stations, giving families the chance to enjoy a fun-filled day out. The first 100 children travelling on Halloween will each receive a free Halloween Party Pack, making it the perfect family day out during the school holidays.

The festive fun continues with the Christmas Ales from Wales Train on Saturday December 12. The evening begins at 6.45pm with live music at Llangollen Station, before the train departs at 7.30pm. 

Perfect for Christmas parties, friends, families and work colleagues, the railway will be transformed into a festive wonderland with seasonal decorations throughout the stations and carriages. 

Christmas anthems and festive favourites will be played both at the stations and on board the train, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a superb selection of Welsh ales and celebrate the festive season in style. Father Christmas will also be making a special appearance on board, adding even more festive magic to the journey.

The excitement continues on Saturday November 7 with the return of Ride the Rocket, combining a spectacular evening steam train journey with one of North Wales' biggest fireworks displays in partnership with the Corwen Fireworks Committee.

From late November through to Christmas Eve, the railway's popular Santa Specials will once again welcome thousands of families on board. Beautifully decorated steam trains, festive entertainment, a visit from Father Christmas and a magical journey through the Dee Valley make the Santa Specials one of North Wales' most treasured Christmas traditions.

Alongside the Santa Specials, the much-loved Siôn Corn Arbennig will also return, offering a unique Welsh-language Christmas experience between Corwen and Lapland (Carrog). With Siôn Corn travelling on board, a festive grotto, gifts for children and a warm Welsh welcome, it's the perfect seasonal celebration for Welsh-speaking families and learners alike.

And because Christmas shouldn't end on Boxing Day, the railway's popular Mince Pie Specials will once again run between Christmas and New Year, now extended to Friday January 1 for a special New Year's Day steam train. Passengers can relax with a complimentary mince pie and warming festive tipple while enjoying unlimited travel through the stunning winter scenery of the Dee Valley, making it the perfect way to welcome 2027.

James Veal, Events Coordinator at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: "The response to our first Ales from Wales Real Ale Train has been nothing short of incredible. We knew people would enjoy the concept, but the level of enthusiasm has exceeded all of our expectations.

"We've had so many people asking for Halloween and Christmas night trains that we simply had to make them happen. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends, a memorable Christmas party or simply an evening enjoying great Welsh ales on one of Britain's most scenic heritage railways, these trains offer something really special.

"Our Halloween event will be packed with atmosphere from the moment guests arrive, with live music, fancy dress, spooky decorations, a specially themed menu, a stop close to the haunted Berwyn Tunnel and appearances from The Phantom Signalman, who'll be keeping a watchful eye over the railway throughout the evening. Earlier in the day, our Spooky Trains will be running to Corwen, and we're delighted to be giving free Halloween Party Packs to the first 100 children who travel."

Tim Hines, from the Railway's footplate team, added: "Our Christmas Ales from Wales Train will be the perfect festive celebration, with live music before departure, beautifully decorated stations and trains, Christmas music throughout the evening, Father Christmas joining passengers on board and a fantastic selection of Welsh ales. 

"Together with Ride the Rocket, our Santa Specials, Siôn Corn Arbennig and our extended Mince Pie Specials running through to New Year's Day, we're offering our biggest and most exciting programme of autumn and Christmas events ever. We expect demand to be extremely high across all of our events, so I'd encourage everyone to book early to avoid disappointment."

Tickets

Tickets for both new Ales from Wales Trains are on sale now:

• The Corwen Special – Saturday 15 August – £20
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 September – £20
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 10 October – £20
• Halloween Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 31 October – £30
• Christmas Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 December – £30

Book online at:

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/real-ale-train/

Tickets for Ride the Rocket, Halloween Spooky Trains, Santa Specials, Siôn Corn Arbennig and the extended Mince Pie Specials are also available via the Llangollen and Corwen Railway website.

Autumn and Christmas Events 2026

• The Corwen Special (Ales from Wales) – Saturday 15 August (£20)
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 September (£20)
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 10 October (£20)
• Halloween Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 31 October (£30) Live music from 5pm. Live music from 5pm / Train departs 7pm
• Ride the Rocket – Saturday 7 November
• Santa Specials – Selected dates from late November to Christmas Eve
• Siôn Corn Arbennig – Selected dates during the Christmas season
• Christmas Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 December (£30) Live music from 6.45pm / Train departs 7.30pmTrain departs 7.30pm
• Mince Pie Specials – 27 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027, including the special New Year's Day service.

Healing Prayer drop-in at Penllyn Chapel tomorrow