Railway responds to 'upsetting' national paper article

Award-winning Llangollen Railway has officially responded to a national newspaper travel article that has upset its volunteers and which supporters have described as “shameful”.

Last Tuesday the Mirror ran a piece by senior audience writer Chanelle Georgina which also appeared in a number of its sister papers in the Reach group, including the Daily Post in North Wales.

The story was headlined: "I took a ride on one of the UK's most iconic steam trains - but I'd never do it again".

It began mildly enough by saying: “On group holidays, you often find yourself partaking in activities that wouldn't typically be your first choice. In my case, during the final day of my Welsh getaway, this involved boarding the Llangollen Railway – a heritage railway line.”

But then it went on: “The thrill of stepping onto an authentic steam train with enclosed carriages, reminiscent of those featured in the Harry Potter films, was initially exciting. However, for me, the magic ended there.

“Aboard the train, many passengers (myself included) leaned out of the pull-down windows to watch the steam train power forward, its plume of smoke trailing into the sky.

“Before entering a tunnel, we were advised to close all windows to prevent the black soot from infiltrating the carriages.

“While the journey was more enjoyable than a ride on the London tube, it didn't feel too dissimilar, in my view, to a train trip from London to the North.”

And as it ended: “To put it bluntly, I felt as though I had just forked out £23.50 to sit on a commuter train to a rather uninspiring part of town that only manages to stay afloat due to the unwitting tourists who find themselves there.”

The writer also criticised Yums Yums, the popular café at the Corwen end of the line where many train passengers from Llangollen enjoy a refreshment break before making the return trip.

In its response, which follows one on Facebook earlier this week, Llangollen Railway says: “We are rather disappointed by this story, particularly at the lack of opportunity for either the Railway or local business mentioned to respond before it was published.

“Many of our volunteers have found it pretty upsetting. Of course folk are entitled to their opinions, but we do not feel that Ms Georgina's article offers either a balanced view or a true reflection of what the vast majority of visitors to the railway and area experience.

“We are surprised that the Daily Post would look to publish and promote a story that appears to actively discourage people from visiting both the railway and Dee Valley right in the middle of the summer holidays, especially noting how much the local economy relies on tourism. 

“Nevertheless, we know there's always an opportunity from any form of publicity. We’d encourage folk to visit us this summer to make up their own minds. Our reply to the article received 167 likes and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment in support of the railway. It was cheering to see how many folk love the Llangollen Railway and totally disagreed with the article’s sentiment. 

“Of course, there is always room for improvement in what we do. Our volunteers and staff are working very hard to develop the railway as it approaches its 50th anniversary of preservation in the 200th year of passenger carrying railways. We are looking to improve our facilities, seeking further grant to do so and strengthen our relationships with local business and communities to build on our recent successes. This included winning the Go North Wales Awards Attraction of the Year in 2023.

“We are running trains every Wednesday and Sunday all month and the 2nd & 3rd of August sees our 1960's Weekend. (https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/1960s-weekend/). We are running real ale (9th August & 20th September), afternoon tea (all sold out) and fish and chip specials (6th & 7th September).

“Those with younger children can come and enjoy meeting the Gruffalo at Corwen on 11th August (advanced booking essential). We then have our 50th Birthday Weekend lined up for 12th-14th September.

“There really is something for everyone, even Ms Georgina, who we have reached-out to and invited back as our guest. We’d like to set the record straight and give her the chance to see the railway and our area as so many others do. We might have our work cut out though!”

Yums Yums in Corwen, which consistently attracts many "excellent" reviews on Tripadvisor, preferred not to comment when offered the chance to reply to the article by llanblogger.

Responding to the Daily Post version of the article on Facebook, on Railway supporter posted: “I have been on there with 3 of my grandchildren today. Usual great experience. I am sorry the Daily Post did this. Shameful.”

Another posted: “What happened to balanced journalism?

In 2024 The Railway won the Heritage Railway Association's Infrastructure Award for its new Corwen station. In 2023 it was named Go Attraction of the Year in The Go North Wales Tourism Awards for its recovery from major financial problems.

Do you want to be involved with Llangollen panto's next show?

Llangollen Pantomime group is to host  meet and greet session at St Collen's Community Hall between 2 and 4pm on Sunday September 7.

A spokesperson for the group, which will have Dick Whittington as its 2026 production, said: "We had a fantastic response to our last show, Beauty and the Beast, with sold-out shows generating the incredible amount of £2,500 for two local charities.

"Please come along if you would like to get involved in our amazing production of Dick Whittington.

"At the meet and greet, Dave our director will be introducing all the fantastic characters that are in the show and we need adults and children for all the parts.

"So if you are interested in having part in the show or want to get involved behind the scene roles, staging, props, costumes, set building, etc, there are lots of opportunity to chat and to get to know everyone involved.

"Please leave a message or comment via our Facebook page if you are interested or message for further information."

Choir plans to raise the roof at Methodist church

The choir Raising the Roof are giving a concert of popular songs on Saturday August 30 at Llangollen Methodist Church, starting at 2pm. 

This will be followed by a traditional afternoon tea. Tickets: Adults £10, children (11 and under) £5.

Tickets available on the door.

An organiser said: "We hope you are able to join us for a good sing and dance in the aisles and please invite your friends."

Hwb Petredwr celebrates a major milestone

* People enjoy the celebratory event.

A sunny Friday recently marked a milestone in the ongoing story of Hwb Pentredwr, as people gathered to celebrate the near completion of the centre’s exterior renovations.

Here project coordinator Siân Hughes describes the event:

"With the weather lending its blessing, the day became more than a mere event—it blossomed into a joyful testament to the spirit and resilience of our community.

The warmth in the air was matched only by the camaraderie on display, as neighbours, friends, and supporters came together to mark this moment of transformation. 

We were also treated to a wonderful buffet provided by Marian Morris and her helper in the kitchen, Linda. Thanks to Mr. John Picket, the oldest member of our community, who untied the opening ribbon to conclude the ceremony. Our deepest appreciation also goes to Arwel Davies, whose vision as our architect has shaped the transformation and also to the Lloyd Jones contractor team whose efforts have brought about a remarkable renewal, and we are profoundly grateful for your contributions.

None of this would have been possible without the steadfast generosity of our funders. The Community Facilities grant, provided by the Welsh Government, formed the cornerstone of our financial foundation for this renovation. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our vision. 

Supplementing this primary support, we were fortunate to receive funding from the Cronfa Fferm Wynt Coedwig (Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund), Bryniau Clwyd a Dyffryn Dyfrdwy (Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Natural Landscapes), and the Cronfa Gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaethol (The National Lottery Community Fund). Each of these contributions has left an indelible mark on our centre’s future.

* Part of the renovated Hwb Pentredwr.

Equally, we must shine a light on the local efforts that made these dreams a reality. Our own Cymdeithas Gymunedol Pentredwr a'r Cylch (Pentredwr and District Community Association) fundraising events demonstrated the power of collective action. Every raffle ticket purchased, every cake baked, and every hour given brought us one step closer to our goal.

Of course, at the heart of all we do are our volunteers. Their tireless commitment—often unseen, but never unnoticed—forms the backbone of Hwb Pentredwr’s success. Whether painting walls, tidying grounds, or welcoming visitors, they bring energy, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the value of shared space. Without them, the centre would not merely struggle; it would falter.

As we look upon the renewed exterior of Hwb Pentredwr, we see not just improved facilities, but a living symbol of what a determined community can accomplish. This transformation is proof that when people join hands with purpose and gratitude, remarkable things happen. Any ideas from people re outdoor activities they would like to see or run would be welcomed.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported, funded, and believed in our journey. The renovations may be nearly complete, but the story of Hwb Pentredwr—and the community that shapes it—continues to unfold, brighter than ever."

 

Two stretches of A539 could revert to 30mph this week, says story

Two roads commonly used by people from this area - the A539 Llangollen Road, Trevor and the A539 Llangollen Road, Acrefair - are amongst the 52 in Wrexham which will have been reverted back to 30mph by the end of this week, a councillor has confirmed to the Leader 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25346935.wrexham-council-issue-update-roads-reverting-30mph/

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Police find lock-knife in A5 vehicle search

A post on the North Wales Police Facebook page this morning (Wednesday) says:

"Officers from the #NeighbourHoodPolicing team recently had cause to stop a vehicle travelling along the A5 whereby checks led to officers searching the vehicle under stop search powers, specifically Section 1 of PACE - The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. 

"The search was positive and a lock knife was seized, resulting in a male being arrested and interviewed. 

"No good reason or lawful authority could be provided as to why the lock knife was in their possession in a public place, and the offence was fully admitted to with appropriate action then being taken. Possessing a knife can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike and will always be dealt with with the seriousness it deserves. 

"If you have any concerns in your area, you can report this via the appropriate #NorthWalesPolice channels or confidentially and anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800555111."

#StopKnifeCrime #KnivesTakeLives 

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Railway rocks 'n' rolls back to the 60s

* Steam-hauled passenger trains run during the weekend.

Llangollen will be full of Hippies, Teddy Boys, Mods and Rockers this weekend as Llangollen Railway shakes and grooves its funky stuff back to the 1960’s on August 2 and 3.

The ever-popular 1960’s Weekend is one of several that the railway is running this summer as it approaches it 50th anniversary of reopening and celebrates the 200th anniversary of railways. 

The 60’s Weekend has a packed programme of events and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Children travel for £5.

A busy timetable of steam, diesel and railcar trains, all of which would have been seen at work around the country in the 1960’s, is planned.

Heritage Crosville bus tours from Corwen also run approximately every hour each day.

A noisy re-enactment of the 1960’s protests against the line closure takes place at 11.40 at Glyndyfrdwy and at 12.35 at Llangollen each day. Bring a placard and be ready to shout for your railway.

There will be live music and DJs on Llangollen station with a Saturday 2nd August Evening Dance. DJ Dave 'Boss' Griffin will be rocking through Saturday evening and LR Volunteer Harry Barber’s Band will headline, playing a range of 1960’s hits. Entry is £10 (£5 for railway ticket holders). 

Also featured is a Pop-Up Pub at Llangollen station, serving Wrexham Lager and a selection of Welsh real ales from Magic Dragon, Hafod and Purple Moose, wines, and soft drinks. A fish and chip van will be visiting for the evening on Saturday evening.

An evening railcar service will take passengers from all stations to Llangollen for the dance and return to all stations to Corwen later in the evening to get everyone home.

Tours of the engine sheds at Llangollen in return for a £5 donation towards locomotive restoration and upkeep is another attraction.

An impressive display of vintages vehicles at Glyndyfrdwy station will be on parade. The station tea room and Porter’s Bar will also be open 10-5, serving refreshments and a selection of bottled beers and wines on both days.

The chance to drive a diesel shunting locomotive at Corwen station and see an exhibition all about Dr Beeching is planned.

Goods loading demonstrations will take place at Llangollen throughout the weekend. 

Visitors are strongly encouraged to join in and dress up in 1960’s outfits. Hippies, Mods, Teddy Boys and Rockers are all welcome.

The 1960’s saw monumental political, social and technological change. The railways in Britain were no different, seeing the end of steam locomotives, the birth of the famous "double arrow logo" and the controversial closure of a third of Britain's rail network, masterminded by BR Board Chairman Dr Richard Beeching and controversial Transport Minister Ernest Marples. The Ruabon-Barmouth railway was one of the victims of the Beeching Cuts, closing at the end of 1964. The closure of rural railways was extremely unpopular and attracted considerable resistance from the communities about to lose their transport links. 

Demonstrations were not uncommon and LR volunteers, dressed in period clothes and bearing placards, will recreate anti-closure protests at Glyndyfrdwy station over the weekend. Thankfully volunteers worked for nearly 50 years to rebuild 10 miles of the abandoned line between Llangollen & Corwen, with the first trains running in 1985 and a brand new station at Corwen finally opening in June 2023.

* Mandy and Joe in 60s gear ready for the weekend.

The event is being organised for the second time by mother-and-son team Mandy Towers and Joe Walker, who both volunteer on Llangollen station. 

Joe said: “We'll be showcasing our railway as it would have been in the 1960s. The decade was a very changing time for the nationalised 'British Railways', as steam locomotives were being phased out and replaced with new diesel and electric traction. Many main lines were being electrified, whilst many branch lines were being ripped up following Dr Beeching's 'Reshaping of British Railways' Report.” 

"The event is being organised by myself, my mum, Mandy and friends and fellow volunteers Suzanne and Mike Cocking. We are all very passionate about the Llangollen Railway and the fashion, music and technology of the 1960s, so it's great to be able to link our interests together collectively in a way that tells the story of our line to our visitors.

"This year, we are celebrating 50 years of the Llangollen Railway as a reborn preserved railway run by volunteers following closure in 1965, as part of the national 'Railway 200’ celebrations.”

Mandy said: "Our very own Berwyn station has recently been voted Britain's most scenic railway station, and our entire Railway is an authentic representation of a typical Welsh branch line. The charm and character of our rural stations, blended with a number of reenactments during the '60s Weekend, as well as vintage cars, local musicians performing the grooviest hits of the Swinging Sixties, heritage bus tours, re-enactors and educational exhibitions will really bring our Railway to life.

"There will also be the chance to drive one of our heritage Diesel Locomotives, and take a tour of our fascinating engine sheds, where our dedicated volunteers maintain and restore our fleet of Steam and Diesel locomotives.

"There will also be a well-stocked Real Ale Bar, and our Saturday Evening Dance at Llangollen, which will feature a Live Band and Disc Jockey performing the best hits of the decade!"

* Visitors can find out more and book tickets on the Railway’s events webpage: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/1960s-weekend/.