Road from Dinbren Lodge to Dinbren Ucha closed for Openreach repairs

County Councillor Karen Edwards reports that the road known as Dinbren Lodge to Dinbren Ucha, Dinbren, Llangollen has been closed to facilitate urgent works to restore telecommunications services by Openreach.

Operatic picks up 11 nominations for amateur stage 'Oscars'

* The cast of Into the Woods.

Llangollen Operatic Society and its junior section have received a total of 11 nominations in this year's amateur stage "Oscars".  

The multiple nods for the 2026 North Wales and Ireland NODA Awards include five for individuals and six for productions from their two 2025 shows.

In the Outstanding Youth Performer category individual nominations have gone to Freya Mortimer for her role as Brit and Ethan Roberts as Jack in the Operatic Young 'Uns' production of We Will Rock You.

* The We Will Rock You cast.

In the Outstanding Adult category Stephanie Williams is nominated for playing The Witch in Into the Woods and in Outstanding Choreography, Rob Stevens for his work on Into the Woods.

Robin Crowley is nominated for Outstanding Support Role as a result of his portrayal of The Baker in Into the Woods.

We Will Rock You gets the nod for Outstanding Production as does Into the Woods.

Both Llangollen productions are nominated in the Outstanding Technical category and it's the same story for them both in Outstanding Musicality. 

A spokesperson for the Operatic said: "We are so excited and very proud to share the NODA nominees for both our adult and Llangollen Operatic Young 'Uns shows from our amazing 2025 productions.

"Congratulations to both cast and crew for both groups.

"We can't wait to hear who the winners are at the gala awards dinner on April 18."

Llangollen plays its part in Wales Dark Sky Week 2026

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape has published the programme of events for Wales Dark Sky Week 2026, which will run from February 13 to 22.

The week-long programme includes guided stargazing, bilingual storytelling, night-time paddleboarding and Welsh language events at locations across the Clwydian Range, Moel Famau and the Llangollen Canal.

Among the events planned are stand up paddleboarding sessions under the stars at Llangollen Canal, storytelling events in woodland settings, and a Welsh language “Cawl a Chytser” evening on Moel Famau, combining stargazing with food and hot drinks.

Local astronomer Rob Jones and Menter Iaith will lead the Welsh language event, while Adverse Camber Productions will host a series of workshops exploring stars through Welsh myths, legends and modern interpretations. SUPLass Adventures will deliver the night-time paddleboarding sessions.

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape is also working with Dani Robertson, Dark Sky Officer for Eryri National Park Authority, to present on the work of the NOS Gogledd Partnership and efforts to protect dark skies across North Wales.

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is leading a national, all-Wales Dark Skies project on behalf of the country’s eight designated landscapes.

The project is funded through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places programme and focuses on reducing light pollution through lighting upgrades and retrofitting schemes.

Andrew Bissell, partner at Ridge and Partners LLP, said: “We are excited to be working on the pan Wales Dark Skies project covering all eight designated landscapes of Wales, the ambition of the project is inspirational, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of the changes.”

Dani Robertson, Prosiect NOS Dark Sky Officer, said: “Together, the Designated Landscapes of Wales are all working hard to raise awareness of light pollution and how this impacts not just our view to the stars, but also our wildlife and health. We would love for you to join us on our journey around Wales’s protected landscapes to learn more about the work that is going on there to protect our Dark Skies and what you could do to help.”

Inspiring evening on the power of the bike at Town Hall

Becky Nokes of Llangollen's Drosi Bikes gives an account of the recent special event at the Town Hall which saw the screening of iconic bike film Chasing The Sun and a discussion by some powerful advocates on how the bicycle can be a a strong force for good ....

* The film's director Michael B. Clifford.

"On a winter’s evening in Llangollen, the Town Hall was filled with something special: warmth, conversation, inspiration — and a shared belief that the humble bicycle can be a powerful force for good.

"Hosted by Drosi Bikes, Chasing The Sun was more than a film screening. It was a community gathering that brought together local residents, organisations, cyclists, creatives and decision‑makers to explore how cycling can support wellbeing, strengthen communities and help us respond to climate change.

"The evening centred around the screening of Chasing The Sun, a documentary from two-times BAFTA‑winning director Michael B. Clifford. 

"The film follows ordinary people taking on the extraordinary challenge of the iconic sunrise‑to‑sunset ‘Chase The Sun’ endurance ride, revealing what cycling means to people on deeply personal levels — from mental wellbeing and connection, to purpose, resilience and hope. 

"As the film followed the cyclists across the country, it also looked at ways in which communities have made change, or are championing change for the future.

"Following the film, a thoughtful and engaging panel discussion moderated by Beth, co-founder of Drosi Bikes, asked a simple but powerful question: How can cycling be used as a force for good? 

"The conversation explored cycling through many lenses - leisure, commuting, repair, sustainability, storytelling and community action -and made a clear impact on those in the room.

"We were incredibly grateful to our panel for sharing their honesty, insight and lived experience. The panel featured Michael B. Clifford, director of the film, who said: 'It was my first time in Llangollen. What an experience! The setting, the people, the hugely warm welcome.

"'It was a thrill to see Chasing the Sun up on the screen in the town hall, with such a large and receptive audience. I met so many interesting people. Thank you so much Drosi Bikes and everyone involved with the event.' 

"Joining Michael on the stage was Ross Adams, with several hats on including Behaviour Change Practitioner and Chair of MB Wales, Ceri Belshaw, photographer and gravel bike adventurer and writer, Rosanna Watson, co-founder of Snowdonia Gear Repair and Nick Smith, co-founder of Alpkit, whose down‑to‑earth passion for doing business better really resonated with the audience. 

"This film was especially meaningful for Tracy Moseley, World Champion, Trek and Bosch Ambassador, during the filming. It marked the last time she rode with her dad, later inspired her to start a bike bus to her son’s school, and motivated her to take on Chase The Sun herself in 2024 to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, who cared for her father in his final weeks. 

"Tracy said: 'It is a great film that makes you think on so many levels and champions the bicycle.”

"The night was also made richer by the brilliant organisations who joined us in the hall. Alpkit brought a fantastic cycle gear swap, with all proceeds going to the Alpkit Foundation.

"Snowdonia Gear Repair showcased their beautiful repaired and upcycled kit - a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we choose repair over replacement. 

"We were also proud to have Dee Valley Clean Up and Clwydian and Dee Valley AONB as part of the evening, highlighting the importance of caring for the places we love to ride, walk or run.

"Behind the scenes, the event simply wouldn’t have happened without our incredible Drosi Bikes staff and volunteers, in particular, Becky and Geoff. From planning, set‑up and pack‑down, ticket sales to welcoming guests, their support kept everything running smoothly.

"The energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers helped raise more than £700 from raffle tickets, with generous prizes donated by Bearded Men Adventures, Bear Trax, Beics Brenin, Bosch, Drosi Bikes and Alpkit. The funds raised from the raffle will go directly into supporting Drosi’s Youth Programme.

"Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the night came from the audience themselves.

"Many shared how inspired they felt, how welcomed they were, and how the event encouraged them to think differently about their own role in creating positive change. As one attendee put it, “Small changes, when made together, really can make a big difference.”

"For us at Drosi Bikes, that’s exactly why we do what we do.

"Thank you to everyone who came along, contributed to the conversation, supported the event and helped make the night what it was. This one will stay with us for a long time."

* Chasing the Sun on screen at the Town Hall. 

* Tracy Moseley and Ceri Belshaw.

* Rob Hirst.

* Snowdonia Gear Repair.

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.