An accountant who volunteers as a steam engine 'fireman' in North Wales has had her life turned into a song for a new BBC Radio 2 series.
Joanne Ormesher, who volunteers on the Llangollen Railway, is one of five people whose real-life experiences are featuring in the BBC Radio 2 project 21st Century Folk.
* For the full story, see the Leader at: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/story-of-north-wales-accountant-turned-railway-fireman-told-in-song/ar-AA1JCwxJ
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for an area which includes Denbighshire for early next week.
The Yellow wind warning covers a swathe of the northern half of the UK, from Northern Ireland, north Wales, northern England, and the whole of Scotland where the strongest winds are more likely to be recorded.
The warning will be in force from 6am on Monday 4 August until 6am on Tuesday 5 August 2025.
Denbighshire County Council says it has resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any weather-related incidents should they arise.
Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary, adds the council and it advises: "Report any issues to our Customer Service Team between 8:30am amd 5:00pm Monday to Friday, by:
1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk
2) telephone 01824 706000
3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.
4) use an online web form, available on Denbighshire’s website:
www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/online-forms/online-forms.aspx
"In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5:00pm and 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068."
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.
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.
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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."
* 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 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/
