Free half-term events at Pengwern Community Hub

Free events on at Pengwern Community Hub next week during half-term plus a men’s fishing trip in June:

Fancy a part in Twenty Club's big anniversary production?

To mark its 80th anniversary year Llangollen Twenty Club - established 1946 - is aiming to stage a classic from that era as part of the celebrations. 

It has therefore organised two read-throughs of the potential scripts before making the final decision on exactly which play makes it to the stage as its November production.

The first of the read-throughs, which are open to anyone interested who can just turn up on the night, took place at the RAFA Club last week and was the Agatha Christie drama And Then There Were None.

The second reading is due to be held at the same venue on Tuesday May 26 at 7.30pm and is another Christie classic, Murder on the Nile. 

This timeless whodunnit takes place on board the paddle steamer Lotus where wealthy heiress Kay Ridgeway is honeymooning with Simon Mostyn - the man she “stole” from her best friend, Jacqueline de Severac. 

Jacqueline follows the couple, culminating in a public confrontation in which she shoots Simon in the leg.

When Kay is found murdered the following morning, Jacqueline and Simon appear to be ruled out due to their injuries and alibis. Canon Pennefather must investigate a boatload of suspects, each with hidden motives. 

This taut adaptation of Christie’s classic novel replaces Hercule Poirot with the Canon, focusing on a deadly conspiracy driven by obsessive love, greed, and calculated deception.

A club spokesperson said: "We’re also looking to recruit new members, whether as actors, or to assist behind the scenes with set building, costumes, stage management, or committee roles. Anyone interested in getting involved in any capacity would be very welcome."

Town mayor to appear in live BGT semi-final on Saturday

* Aled on stage, back row, second from left, with the Hawkstone Farmer Choir.

The Mayor Of Llangollen is getting ready to appear in the live semi-final of the Britain's Got Talent (BGT) on Saturday.

Back in March Aled Morris ploughed to victory in the audition for the hit TV talent show's 19th series as part of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir after a dazzling Golden Button success, which also won them a free pass around the boot camp stage.

Performing a soaring rendition of the Elbow anthem One Day Like This at the Birmingham Hippodrome, the choir moved a celebrity judging panel led by Amanda Holden, guest judge Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon, and KSI.

Aled, 33, swaps the council chamber for the stage to sing with the choir which is part of Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone brand and brings together people from across the UK farming community who share a connection to agriculture and a love of singing.

The aim is to use their national platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention within the agricultural community.

When Aled isn't tending to his 50-acre family sheep farm at Pen-y-Rhagfryn he is teaching the next generation of farmers as a lecturer in agriculture and land-based engineering at Llysfasi College. 

He has sat on the town council for four years, helps organise the annual Llangollen illuminated tractor run, and serves as the steam section steward for the Malpas Yesteryear Rally. 

Aled reveals the reaction in his home area since the audition aired has been nothing short of overwhelming and he admits he wasn't quite prepared for the scale of the response. 

"I expected maybe a few odd messages but my phone literally blew up," he said. 

For Aled, being part of the 32-strong choir has been a transformative personal experience. 

"The choir means everything to me," he explains. "It’s like having a large family. We might only meet every few months, but we fall back into conversation as if we’ve never been apart."

Preparing for the BGT semi-finals has required some creative rehearsal techniques. "There’s been plenty of singing in the shower and plenty of singing in the workshop just to keep the vocal cords in check," he laughed. 

                        * Aled Morris in his role as Mayor of Llangollen. 

The logistical challenge is significant, with rehearsals taking place in Oxfordshire - a 300-mile round trip from Llangollen. 

"It definitely takes its toll, but the joy everyone has when they get together makes it all worth it," Aled noted. 

Speaking about the mental health benefits of the choir, he said: "Only farmers really understand other farmers. When you’re feeling down or lonely, it can be difficult to talk to someone who doesn't get it. Being surrounded by people who know exactly what you’ve been through offers such a comforting time in what can be an unforgiving industry."

Aled is acutely aware of the stakes on Saturday night. 

"If what we are doing saves only one person, then that is the biggest prize we could ever hope to receive," he said.

Llangollen residents and the wider Welsh agricultural community are being urged to register on the ITV website early to support Aled and the choir this Saturday night.

* Aled isn't the first member of Llangollen's mayoral team to appear on TV. Mayoress Sarah Griffiths, Aled's long-term partner, was one of the Big Brother housemates back in 2024. 

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

JUNCTION REGENT STREET, HILLSTREET, until 22/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RNR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

BEECHLANDS, FRON BACHE, 15/06/2026 - 17/06/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Carriageway, COED AFON, 22/06/2026 - 26/06/2026, Clytio/ Patching  (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE LYNWOOD ON PENYCOED ROAD, 27/05/2026 - 28/05/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole GT WILLIAMS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

ADJACENT SIDE OF THE LAURELS GERAINT, 01/06/2026 - 02/06/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RPO WILLIAMS CIVIL ENGINEERS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Carriageway, A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 10/06/2026 - 12/06/2026, Clytio/ Patching DCC HIGHWAYS

A539 Wharf Hill / Castle Street/ Mill Street, ABBEY ROAD, 24/06/2026 - 12/07/2026, Goleuadau traffig i reoli traffig yr Eisteddfod / Traffic signals to manage Eisteddfod traffic

Full extent TOWER ROAD, 24/06/2026 - 12/07/2026, System Unffordd ar gyfer Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen / One-way System to support, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Un Ffordd/ One Way

MAES BACHE, 27/05/2026 - 29/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works BT, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET,  until 22/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RNR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

A539 DEE LANE (46700342) LLANGOLLEN, 15/06/2026, Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works SAPPHIRE UTILITY SOLUTION, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Outside Bryn Goleu, HORSESHOE PASS, until 12/06/2026, Gwaith ar y preifat / Works on Private VISION HIGHWAYS LTD, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A542 APPROX 108M FROM YEW TREE COTTAGE, TYN DWR ROAD, LLANGOLLEN, 15/06/2026 - 15/06/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole GT WILLIAMS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

67M EAST TO BRYNIAU BACH GERAINT, 19/05/2026 - 20/05/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole GT WILLIAMS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Thailand-bound lads have a sweaty but trouble-free week

* The lads have been coping with the mountains and heat of Uzbekistan.

It's been a relatively trouble-free but sweat-soaked week for the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand to raise money for heart research.

After a bout of illness and visa problems the trio have been making their way through the vast mountainous area of Ukbekistan as they head in the general direction of China.

First objective for them is to cross the order into Kyrgyzstan after battling up some awe-inspiring peaks with an elevation of 1,700 metres and in uncomfortable temperatures of around 33 degrees. 

In their daily video diary they admit that's been like riding inside a microwave oven at times, with one tough, sweaty climb following another.

But their spirits are high and buoyed up by the occasional highlight such as being invited to take part in a five-a-side football tournament against local lads, which saw them win some and lose a few, too.

Again, it's been the amazing generosity of the Uzbekistan people that has delighted them, with drivers stopping frequently to top them up with supplies of essential drinking water.

* Latest stop was the town of Asaka in the Anjan region of Uzbekistan. 

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham - known as the Westheads - are making their 1,000 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.

So far they've raised more than £27,000 of their £50,000 charity target since leaving Llangollen last year.

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

Night of steam, spectacle and fireworks coming to the railway

* The GWR Heavy Freight 3802 at last year’s event. Picture: Tim Hines.

A magical evening of steam, spectacle and fireworks is set to light up the Dee Valley this autumn as the Llangollen Railway launches ticket sales for its hugely anticipated “Ride the Rocket” experience on Saturday, November 7. 

Departing from Llangollen Railway Station at 6pm, passengers will enjoy a return steam-hauled journey to Corwen aboard a beautifully restored vintage locomotive, travelling through the stunning autumn scenery of the Dee Valley as dusk settles across the countryside.

 

As the train makes its way westward through golden woodland, rolling hills and picturesque riverside landscapes, passengers will experience the unique atmosphere of heritage rail travel by night, creating a memorable evening for families, couples, railway enthusiasts and visitors alike.

 

The special event culminates in what organisers describe as North Wales’ biggest fireworks extravaganza, delivered in partnership with the Corwen Fireworks Committee. On arrival in Corwen, visitors will witness a spectacular display of pyrotechnics illuminating the skies above the town in a vibrant celebration of heritage, community spirit and seasonal entertainment.

 

The annual fireworks event has become a much-loved tradition in the region, attracting visitors from across North Wales and beyond, with organisers expecting high demand once again this year. There will also be hearty warming food served at Llangollen Railway Station from 5pm including stews, hotdogs, jacket potatoes and much more – setting passengers up for a thrilling night.

 

Anita Piatkowska, Senior Administrator for the Llangollen Railway, said: “Ride the Rocket is set to be a truly magical evening for visitors of all ages. There is something incredibly special about travelling through the Dee Valley behind a steam locomotive on a crisp autumn night before arriving in Corwen for such an amazing fireworks display.

 

“This event has proved hugely popular in previous years and tickets always sell out very quickly, so we would encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment. We are delighted to be working alongside the Corwen Fireworks Committee to create an unforgettable experience that brings together heritage, community spirit and spectacular entertainment.”

 

“The combination of a traditional steam train journey and one of the region’s biggest fireworks displays creates a really unique experience for visitors, and we are looking forward to welcoming passengers on board for another fantastic evening.”

 

The experience includes:

 

• A return steam-hauled journey from Llangollen to Corwen
• Exclusive evening departure at 6pm
• Admission to Corwen’s grand firework display
• A unique night-time steam railway experience through the autumn countryside
• The opportunity to enjoy one of North Wales’ most popular seasonal events

 

Tickets are priced at £28 for adults and £10 for children, with advance booking strongly recommended.

 

* For further information or to book tickets, visit https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/ride-the-rocket

Llangollen lady rediscovers value of 'worthless' wool

* The picture which appeared with the story in Nation.Cymru showing Gill Britten at the spinning wheel.

A Llangollen retiree has returned the “pride” in east Wales farmers by rediscovering the value of “worthless” Welsh mountain wool, according to an article in Nation.Cymru

It says that Gill Britten’s 10-year mission has galvanised farmers, growers and crafters by creating alternative uses for the coarse wool, and her inventions are now being trialled as plastic-free alternatives in growing and land management.

* For the full story, go to: https://nation.cymru/feature/how-one-welsh-community-is-working-with-farmers-to-find-new-life-for-worthless-mountain-wool/