Malcolm drives his final train after half century of service

* Malcolm Lees on his final day of volunteering with the railway. Picture: Oliver Lang.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway marked an emotional and historic day as Malcolm Lees, one of its most respected and long-serving volunteers, completed his final duties after decades of service on the railway. 

Malcolm drove his last services on the final operational day of the year, bringing to a close not only a remarkable personal contribution but also an outstanding 50th anniversary season for the railway. 

Volunteers, colleagues and supporters gathered throughout the day to thank Malcolm for his dedication, marking the occasion with the presentation of a painting of the railway he has helped shape for generations.

 

Malcolm is widely recognised as the railway’s last Steam Era footplate crew. A British Railways (Western Region) man, he was based out of Shrewsbury and Bescot during his BR days, before later becoming synonymous with Llangollen shed in the preservation era.

* Malcolm has driven trains on the heritage railway for a generation. Picture: Thomas Cusworth.

 

Speaking on his final day, Malcolm said: “It has been a huge privilege to be part of this railway for so many years. The people here are like family, and the railway itself gets under your skin. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the friendships, memories and moments along the way.”

 

Former railway boss Dave Owen paid tribute to Malcolm’s long railway career: “He started at Salop as a cleaner around the mid-1960s, reached the position of fireman, but was made redundant with the switch to dieselisation. I first knew him in the mid-1990s when he started at Llangollen as a cleaner, quickly moving to fireman and later to driver. His progression reflected both his ability and his dedication.”

 

The final day of service was marked by a real party atmosphere, with hundreds of people without a ticket turning out to see the trains depart and to celebrate both Malcolm’s contribution and the end of a hugely successful year for the railway.

 

Trust Manager David Hennigan paid tribute to Malcolm and the wider railway family, saying: “Malcolm represents the very best of this railway. He has been our last link to the steam era footplate, and I am personally grateful for his help, knowledge and advice. 

"His final day was a fitting celebration, not just of one man’s contribution, but of a railway powered by volunteers who care deeply about what they do. Our Christmas season was completely sold out and delivered by volunteers working at the very top of their game. We will be launching our 2026 season soon, and we do so from a position of strength and optimism. Enjoy your retirement, Mal.”

 

Mr Hennigan also highlighted the importance of partnership support: “None of this would be possible without the continued support of Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Senedd, including investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund. That support helps us invest not just in infrastructure, but in people, skills and community.”

 

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway now enters its winter period before reopening with its 2026 programme, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

* Malcom is presented with a painting by former railway boss Dave Owen. 

Voluntary services council seeks new chief officer

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council is seeking a new chief officer to guide the organisation into its next chapter, championing the voluntary sector and inspiring collaboration across the region. 

A job advert says: "Are you a values-led leader with the vision and emotional intelligence to strengthen communities across Denbighshire?  

"As the County Voluntary Council for Denbighshire, DVSC supports hundreds of charities, social enterprises, volunteers, and community groups. We empower local organisations through volunteering, sustainable funding, good governance, and influencing & engagement. 

"This is a senior leadership role where you’ll provide inspirational direction to a dedicated team, represent the voice of the sector locally and nationally, and drive forward strategies for sustainability, innovation, and growth. You’ll also build authentic partnerships with members, funders, and statutory partners, ensuring DVSC continues to deliver real impact. 

"If you’re a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and above all a values-driven leader committed to inclusive, resilient communities, we’d love to hear from you." 

* The closing date is midnight on January 8. The interviews will be held later in January. Interviews will be face to face in Ruthin. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/DVSCVacancyChiefOfficer 

Stay safe on New Year's Eve, says Welsh Ambulance Service

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to stay safe and use the 999 service responsibly this New Year’s Eve. 

This period is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the Trust which is encouraging the public to take simple steps to protect their health and wellbeing:

• Ensure you have enough prescription medication before GP surgeries close.
  
  
• Drink alcohol in moderation, eat before drinking and alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.
  
  
• Plan your journey home in advance and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  
  
• Avoid high-risk activities such as fireworks; burns and smoke inhalation from bonfires and fireworks can also worsen respiratory conditions, including asthma.
  
  
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home to treat minor injuries and common illnesses such as coughs, sore throats and diarrhoea.
  
  
• Take extra care in cold weather to prevent slips, trips, falls and road traffic accidents.
  
  
• Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable.
  
  
• If you’re unwell or injured and unsure what to do, visit the NHS 111 Wales website or try Albot - The NHS Wales Digital assistant, which can help you find answers to most questions and guide you to the right place for the health information and advice.
  
  

Judith Bryce, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations, said: “New Year’s Eve is always an extremely busy time for us, and last year we received 1,045 emergency 999 calls along with 2,272 non-emergency calls to our 111 service.

“The health system is under considerable pressure, and we all have a role to play in protecting vital services for those who need them most.

“By acting responsibly, you can help us help you.

“Please remember that 999 is for emergencies only. If your situation is not life-threatening but you need medical advice or reassurance, the NHS 111 Wales website should be your first port of call.”

The Trust is also reminding the public to treat emergency workers with respect.

Judith added: “While many people will be celebrating and enjoying themselves, our staff will be working tirelessly to keep people safe.

“Please remember that emergency workers are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.

“They are there to help, so we ask everyone to treat our ambulance crews with kindness and respect and not subject them to any form of abuse.

“We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve and good health in the year ahead.”

Annual Christmas Day community meal was a "huge" success

* Some of the festive diners get ready to tuck in.

This year's annual Christmas Day Community meal at St Collen's Hall was a huge success, says the man in charge of organising it.

Mike Connolly, who runs the venture in which a hearty seasonal plateful is served to whoever wants it, free of charge by a team of volunteers, said: "Seventy-four meals were provided of which 62 were eaten in the hall and another 12 were either home delivered or collected.   

"There was a wonderful atmosphere and everyone said they enjoyed themselves.  Two dogs dined with us as well.  

"Scott Bramall was the chef, very able assisted by Pam who came all the way from Oswestry to be sous chef, and the lovely Julie from The Cottage Tearooms worked like a trojan in the kitchen.   

"There was a choice of roast turkey, poached salmon or a vegetarian option. One of our guests, Vince Morris, started at The Community Hall as a trainee teacher 50 years ago.  

"People came from as far away as Pandy, Carrog, Trevor and Llantysilio. A lovely young Spanish couple married just a few weeks ago joined us and a Ukrainian family with four children and all living in Llangollen were there too." 

Mike added: "Ian Wright from Cefn Mawr came with his wife and granddaughter on Christmas Eve and dressed all the tables.  

"Marie, Lorraine, Lynne, Val and Tracey were helping with whatever needed doing. Tony and Simone washed up several hundred different items and Charlie Jones did home deliveries and rounded the day off by singing some festive numbers.  

"The dogs were Harry and Sian who came with a party of six who were staying on Llangollen Canal.

"The meal was supported by Clwydian Butchers, Liberty Tavern, Dee Valley Produce and Friends of Pengwern and I'd like to thank them for their kind assistance, which helped make the meal a huge success."

* Chef Scott Bramall with assistants and, below, other members of the kitchen crew. 

* Charlie Jones sings some festive songs for diners.

* Mike Connolly, the man in charge, and other helpers.

* The hall all set up and ready for the meal.

Season's greetings from llanblogger

llanblogger wishes everyone...

New session of Men Moving Forward planned for next year.

A new session of Men Moving Forward is to be held in Llangollen next year. 

Organised by Barod, Working Denbighshire in partnership with South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP), it will offer a relaxed, welcoming space for men to socialise, build confidence, and get support on their journey towards work, education, or training.

Open to men aged 16+ living in Denbighshire, the sessions will be held in Llangollen Library on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 11am-1pm, starting on January 14. Access is via the Tourist Information Centre.

Free transport is available on request from Corwen or Llangollen areas, which can be arranged by calling SDCP on 01490 266004. Refreshments will be available.

Organisers say: "Join us to shape activities, meet others, and enjoy a supportive space at your own pace."

* To book a place, go to: https://ow.ly/LZyh50XKR7R

Man has serious injuries after Glyn Ceiriog crash

The Oswestry Advertizer is reporting that a man is in hospital with 'serious injuries' following a crash involving off-road bikes in Glyn Ceiriog over the weekend.

* For the full story, go to: https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/25720806.man-hospitalised-following-glyn-ceiriog-off-road-bike-crash/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcAO3sMhjbGNrA7ewo2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHvBnyN_S74p0iFbf--ot-5se0KgXOvXq99KzoXgFCDAAYK8B3gCRyHE7tvTA_aem_Nev_VOnghiU-bmab4CqWmQ