It's out of Serbia into Romania for Llan's three cycling heroes

* Getting ready to enter a dark road tunnel as they head into Romania.  

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand made it out of Serbia and into Romania on the latest leg of their mammoth journey.

Known collectively as The Westheads, Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

* Next stop Romania.

Their daily video logo shows that on day 58 and in one of their last stops in Serbia the woman running the shop where they stopped for supplies offered to cook them their evening meal - which they reckoned was typical of the friendliness they had encountered in the country.

The following day saw them take a ferry over the river Danube and head onwards into Romania. Not long afterwards they were battling through pouring rain, which failed to dampen their spirits but did break Dyfan's mobile phone.  

Soon after crossing into the next country they had to go carefully around a pack of "massive" stray dogs.

Next problem they confronted was a broken pedal on one of their bikes, which they managed to temporarily fix with the help of a local. 

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Llangollen Railway welcomes new Trust Manager aboard.

* David Hennigan (third from left) with some of the Llangollen Railway Board, management and commercial team on Llangollen Station.

Llangollen Railway Trust has announced the appointment of David Hennigan as its new Trust Manager, working with the team at one of Wales’ most cherished heritage attractions as it looks ahead to its next 50 years.

David brings a wealth of leadership experience across the cultural, heritage and local government sectors, including his role as a Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and senior leadership positions in local government. 

He has a proven track record in transformation, fundraising, volunteer engagement and community partnership building.

Speaking about his appointment, David said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed Trust Manager of the Llangollen Railway during a landmark year. This is a hugely exciting time as we celebrate 50 years of heritage railway running in the Dee Valley and look forward to our next half century. 

"My focus will be on strengthening our sustainability, supporting our volunteers and ensuring the railway remains at the very heart of our community and visitor economy. Together, we can make sure that Llangollen Railway continues to inspire and delight for generations to come.”

He added, “What makes this railway truly special is its incredible volunteer family. Their dedication and passion keep the railway running day-in, day-out and it’s a privilege to work alongside them. This is an especially busy and exciting time as we ramp up for our ever-popular Santa Special Season, which brings joy to so many families every Christmas. 

"I also can’t wait to see the railway play a big part in the Llangollen Food Festival this weekend (October 11 and 12), where we are hosting eight tempting food stalls and running our final evening Real Ale Train of the 2025 season on Saturday 11^th”.  

Chair of Llangollen Railway Trust, Bob Creasey, welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome David as our new Trust Manager. He brings not only strong leadership and financial expertise but also a real passion for Llangollen and the wider Dee Valley. David is determined to work with us to increase footfall across the town and the wider region, ensuring the railway plays a central role in supporting the local economy. This is an exciting new chapter for the railway, and under David’s stewardship we are confident that Llangollen Railway will go from strength to strength.”

Special events will mark Baby Loss Awareness Week

Special events will take place in Llangollen to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place between October 8 and 15.

One of the local organisers said: "From Wednesday October 8, we invite you to visit our Tree of Remembrance at St Collen’s Parish Church, a special space where you can hang the names of the little ones who are forever loved and never forgotten. The tree will be there all week.

"To mark the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week, there will be a Wave of Light on Wednesday October 15, between 7–8pm.

"This means there will be a visible wave of light in Llangollen, where part of the landscape will be lit up in blue and pink."

Dance extravaganza at 2026 Llangollen Eisteddfod

* Nachda Punjab Youth Club were the Eisteddfod's 2025 dance champions. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has today unveiled its 2026 competitions syllabus.

This marks a landmark expansion of opportunities for performers at next summer’s world-renowned festival, which runs from Tuesday-Sunday July 7-12.

A standout highlight is the huge increase in competitive dance categories, increasing from just five in 2025 to 14 distinct classes. 

This unprecedented expansion opens the door for soloists, ensembles, and cultural dance groups from across the globe to showcase their artistry. 

From the elegance of ballet and contemporary performance to the colour and vitality of folk and traditional dances, the Eisteddfod stage will host more variety than ever before.

The changes come directly in response to feedback from performers and audiences who expressed a strong appetite for more opportunities to celebrate the diversity of global dance traditions. 

At the same time the festival says it will continue to honour its most cherished competitions, including male voice choirs, the Choir of the World, and many other established favourites. This ensures that the heart of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod remains as strong as ever.

* New Zealand Youth Choir, 2025 Choir of the World winners.

In 2025, the festival welcomed over 4,000 competitors from around the world, all coming together to celebrate culture, creativity, and international friendship. With the 2026 syllabus now published, organisers anticipate record-breaking interest, cementing Llangollen’s reputation as one of the world’s most inclusive and dynamic international arts festivals.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “The Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance has a very special role in that mission. By expanding our competition categories, we are creating space for more traditions, more performers, and more stories to be shared on our stage. We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity that dancers will bring to Llangollen in 2026.”

Fiona Brockway, a Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and a former First Soloist with the Royal Ballet, said: “Throughout my dance career I have been privileged to have performed on stages across the world, witnessing the extraordinary power of dance to transcend language barriers and unite people of all cultures. 

"That is why I am so excited that in 2026, the Llangollen Eisteddfod will significantly expand its Dance program, embracing styles from Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Heritage and Traditional Folk, to Ballroom, Hip-Hop, and Street Dance. 

"Dancers will have the amazing opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistry, to tell their stories on a unique stage where many world famous artists have performed before them, and to receive invaluable feedback from a panel of esteemed industry professionals.

 “Llangollen is a place where dancers and musicians can come together to share their culture and their love of performance with others from across the globe. It’s a celebration of connections and I can’t wait to see the incredible and inspiring talent here in 2026!”

The full 2026 competitions syllabus is now available to view online with details of all classes and entry requirements. Performers and ensembles are encouraged to apply early to secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable week of music, dance, and friendship in the heart of North East Wales.

Story says reopened Newbridge 'eased' storm travel disruption

* The headline on the story in the Advertizer.

A story in the Oswestry Border Counties Advertizer says a long-awaited road reopening in Wrexham "came just in time to ease travel disruption caused by Storm Amy".

The B5605 in Newbridge reopened last Saturday (October 4) after being closed since a landslip during Storm Christoph in 2021.

For the full story, see: Storm Amy shows the need for reopened Newbridge route | Border Counties Advertizer

* However, despite the re-opened Newbridge, there was still considerable disruption in Llangollen on Saturday due to the diversion as the pictures below show.

* Congestion in Castle Street at lunchtime on Saturday after traffic was diverted through Llangollen by the viaduct closures.

* At one point around 12.30pm on Saturday an ambulance with 'blues and twos' on had to reverse out of a congested Castle Street where it had intended to go and continue instead along the  A5 instead.

New major roadworks begin in town centre

* Sign of the times ...

Gas works at the junction of Regent Street, Hill Street and Chapel Street which are due to last until October 25 have started this morning (Monday). 

Temporary three-way traffic lights acting on both sides of the permanent lights on the A5 and on Castle Street are in place along with diversion signs.

The same stretch of Regent Street was the scene of major sewer works only in May.

* Barriers at the Regent Street end of Hill Street.

* Temporary traffic lights in place of the permanent ones at the Castle Street/Regent Street junction.  

* Sewer works at the same spot on Regent Street last May.

Operatic to stage charity afternoon tea next Saturday

Llangollen Operatic Society will be holding their annual Afternoon Tea on Saturday October 11 at St Collen's Community Hall.

An organiser said: "For a modest entrance fee, there will be a feast of home-made goodies on offer, with unlimited tea or coffee, convivial company and a chance to take a breather after perusing the food festival in the town.

"Two very worthwhile charities stand to benefit from the fundraiser, with all monies raised going directly to them.

"This year the chosen charities are North West Cancer Research and North East Wales Mountain Rescue.

"Since its inception several years ago, a very impressive £6,203 has been raised and we hope to substantially add to this sum.

"So do please pop along from 12 noon onwards where a very warm welcome awaits you! 

"Dogs are welcome with well behaved owners, and there's even a doggy treat for them!"