Westheads face a mountain slog with some spectacular views

* The lads with the fellow cyclists they've teamed up with for the latest leg of their epic journey.

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand for charity reached country number 15 along the long trail the other day.

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham - known as the Westheads - are now heading deeper into Asia through Tajikistan, the third most mountainous country in the world and, according to the group in their daily video log, the friendliest they been in so far.

On this latest leg of the mammoth trip they've teamed up with another group of cyclists heading in the same general direction, which they've hailed as a success.

After crossing the border from Uzbekistan, which as usual held them up a little as they completed the necessary formalities, they found themselves confronted by a massive mountain range as they made their way towards the capital of Dushenbe.

Although facing a climb of around 2,800 metres, they reckoned they were enjoying the best viewpoints of the trip to date.

The trio are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of a friend 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 eight months ago.

* 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

Eisteddfod chairman pays tribute to Humphrey Gibson who died last Friday

* Humphrey Gibson, second from left on front row, with fellow volunteers at his beloved Eisteddfod in 2024.

John Gambles, Chairman of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, has paid tribute on behalf of the Eisteddfod to much-loved volunteer Humphrey Gibson following his passing on April 24. (See obituary in llanblogger: 

https://llanblogger.blogspot.com/2026/04/well-known-llangollen-figure-humphrey_24.html

Saying that the Eisteddfod had lost a great friend, supporter and loyal volunteer, he went on: "Humphrey often spoke of the wonder and excitement he felt as a child, visiting Llangollen from Bangor with his mother, and seeing performers from across the world. 

"That early experience stayed with him throughout his life. He could scarcely believe his good fortune when, in 1965, he secured a post as a Physics teacher at Dinas Brân School. It marked not only the start of his teaching career, but the beginning of a lifetime of service, joy and dedication as a volunteer at the Eisteddfod he loved so deeply and regarded as a true blessing.

 

"A man of peace, Humphrey’s values and genuine love for people found a natural home in Llangollen. He immersed himself in community life and gave his time generously to many groups and causes. Within the Eisteddfod, he was a valued member of the Grounds team, though many will remember him most fondly as a Steward, always ready with a warm welcome and eager to help visitors from near and far.

 

"All who knew Humphrey respected his kind and gentle nature, his thoughtful and measured way, and his quiet willingness to support others whenever needed. His presence enriched us all, not only through what he did, but through who he was.

 

"Each of us will hold our own memories of Humphrey, many of them bringing a smile. He will be greatly missed.

 

On behalf of the Eisteddfod, John Gambles added: “Thank you, Humphrey. Rest in peace.”

Strade Sportive cyclists use Llangollen as stop-off point

A corner of St Collen's Church car park is being used as a feeding point for the Strade Sportive cycling event, organized by Velo29, today (Sunday).

The event is centred around Wrexham/Llangollen. The route includes the Llangollen stop after 24km and features challenging climbs such as the Horseshoe Pass and Church Hill (near Glyn Ceiriog).

Blistering start for man's fundraising walk in memory of his wife

* Eddie with his two sisters and brother at the start of their long walk in Leeds.

A man whose wife died from cancer at the age of just 46 yesterday (Saturday) completed the first leg of a 200-mile fundraising walk in her memory.

But he says the hot weather made the first day of the trek along the canal network from Leeds to his home in Llangollen tougher than expected.

Eddie's wife Sarah died on May 1 last year and he is doing the walk to raise money for Nightingale House Hospice, which provided her with care in her final days. He has set himself a target figure of £10,000.

Keeping him company along the way are his brother Mike and Sarah's sisters Becky and Beth.

* Eddie and his late Sarah.

He's keeping llanblogger readers updating on his progress and yesterday evening he emailed: "First day has been tough, the weather was a bit too hot and a few blisters have appeared already. Started at 8am finished at 5pm. That's 25 miles completed on day one."  

Eddie had earlier explained: "My wife Sarah was a wonderful wife and a fantastic mother to our four children. She always had a smile on her face and everyone felt better for spending time with her. 

"She had a love for life that was unparalleled and was always planning or doing something, from her love of afternoon tea, theatre, holidays and jigsaws. A lot of people in the area will remember her as she worked at Llangollen doctors."

Eddie chose the 203-mile route from Leeds as Sarah was born in the city and passed away in Llangollen.  

The walk will take nine days and means completing the equivalent of a marathon each day.

"The idea behind this was that when Sarah was ill she used to say getting up and down the stairs was like running a marathon," Eddie said.

"We are aiming to raise £10,000 for Nightingale house hospice. Although Sarah died at home, the hospice were on standby just in case we needed them and the work they carry out is vital for this community."

* To help Eddie reach his fundraising target, go to: Eddie Bather is fundraising for Nightingale House Hospice

BBC visits station to seek views on National Park plan

* Chem is interviewed on the platform.

A production team working on behalf of the BBC spent this morning (Saturday) at Llangollen and Corwen Railway recording views on the proposed Glyndwr National Park.

The controversial issue, which has split public opinion across the large area of north Wales it would occupy, will be the subject of a Radio Wales programme due to be broadcast in July.

Among those whose opinions were recorded by the team was former Llangollen Mayor and current town cryer Austin (Chem) Cheminais.

He spoke in favour of the park plan on the grounds of the extra resources it might be able to bring into Llangollen.

Taking the opposite view was another interviewee, llanblogger's Phil Robinson, who is also a town councillor. 

He said the park would bring many more visitors into the town whose infrastructure - mainly the road system and parking provision - was already struggling to cope.

More interviews were recorded both on the platform at Llangollen and aboard the train as it headed towards Corwen.

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson, right, gives his views on the proposed park.

* The BBC team on the left meets passengers on the train.

* Railway Trust Manager David Hennigan 

welcomes the BBC team to the station.

New outdoor gym at Riverside Park is ready for action

* County Councillor Karen Edwards shows Llangollen's Deputy Mayor, Damon Richards-Gwilliam, around the new outdoor gym at Riverside Park.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards gives an update on the new outdoor gym in Riverside Park, a project which she inspired has supported through to completion.

She said: "Following on from my statement on February 5, I’m pleased to confirm that the outdoor gym at Riverside Park is now fully installed and ready for use. 

"Pathway improvements have been completed, with additional fencing and handrails installed to enhance accessibility and improve safety, and new picnic tables and benches are in place to provide welcoming spaces for everyone.

“I have worked closely with Street Scene officers throughout this process, contributing to discussions and suggesting adjustments where appropriate.

“For clarification, the mini golf and café are managed separately by Countryside Services and are not part of this phase. 

“It’s encouraging to see Riverside Park evolving to support health, wellbeing and accessibility, while respecting the character of this valued recreational space.”

Railway ready to mark 30th anniversary of Carrog station's re-opening

* Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, re-opens Carrog station in May 1996. 

Carrog Railway Station will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its reopening on Saturday May 2 with a special community event marking three decades at the heart of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway. 

The station was formally opened by the late Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, and the late Bill Shakespeare, former President of the Railway on the same date in 1996.

The celebration will take place at 11am at Carrog Railway Station, when pupils from Ysgol Carrog will perform in a ceremony bringing together local residents, railway volunteers, and visitors to honour the station’s past and present. 

Children from Ysgol Carrog also attended the original reopening ceremony in 1996, making this year’s event a particularly meaningful full-circle moment for the community.

 

Communities from Carrog, Llidiart y Parc and surrounding areas are warmly invited to attend and be part of the occasion. 

As part of the celebrations, there will also be a special screen presentation showcasing photographs of Carrog Station across the decades, reflecting its rich history and the many memories associated with it.

 

To mark the occasion the railway is offering free travel for residents of Carrog and the surrounding area. Local residents can enjoy a complimentary return journey to Corwen, departing Carrog at 11.38am and returning at 12.20pm. To claim your free ticket, email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk

 

Originally part of the historic Ruabon to Barmouth line, Carrog Railway Station served the Dee Valley community for many years before its closure in December 1964, following flood damage. It had been due to close the following month, but its earlier closure marked the end of an era for local rail travel.

 

Carrog Station was brought back to life in 1996 as part of the preserved Llangollen Railway and has since played a central role in the success of the heritage line. 

While it originally reopened as the railway’s terminus, its role has evolved with the extension of the line and today it operates as an important intermediate station and passing point. The station also benefits from a campsite located right next door further strengthening its appeal as a destination for visitors to the Dee Valley.

 

Bob Creasey, Chairman of the Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Carrog Station is incredibly important to the railway, both operationally and as part of the community we serve. While many people know it for transforming into a magical Lapland setting during our Santa Specials and Sion Corn trains, it is also a vital station for the communities of Carrog and Llidiart y Parc.

 

“This anniversary is a chance to celebrate not just 30 years since reopening, but the role the station continues to play in connecting people, preserving our heritage, and bringing visitors into the Dee Valley. We would encourage people from Carrog, Llidiart y Parc and beyond to come along and join us on the day.”

 

Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Denbighshire Destination Tourism Partnership and a Director of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “As someone who lives in Carrog, I see first-hand just how important the station and railway are to the community. It is not only a vital part of our heritage, but also a key driver of tourism in the Dee Valley.

 

“The Llangollen Railway brings visitors from across the UK and beyond, supporting local businesses and helping to showcase everything that makes this area special. Celebrating 30 years since the station’s reopening is a proud moment for Carrog and a chance to look ahead to a strong future for both the railway and our local economy.”

 

During its earlier years, the station also supported tourism, including hosting a camping coach between 1956 and 1962, and handled a wide range of goods and passenger traffic, reflecting its importance to the rural economy.

 

The anniversary event is expected to attract railway enthusiasts, local families, and visitors from across the region, highlighting the continued importance of the railway to tourism and community life in the Dee Valley.

* A train prepares to leave the re-opened station in 1996.

* Queues always form at Carrog for the Santa Specials.

* Railway Director Ian Lebbon (left) with Trust Manager Dave Hennigan.