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/

Co-op gives strong support to Llangollen Repair Café

* Gavin Rasmussen talking to one of the repair Café volunteers Joe who does tool sharpening.

The Co-op are currently helping support Llangollen Repair Café, which its organisers say has been so beneficial, helping to keep them running.

Gavin Rasmussen,  a Co-op Member Activator supporting North West Wales, said: "I work locally to build connections between Co-op, its Member‑Owners and community groups. 

"I support Llangollen Repair Café each month, spending time with volunteers and local residents. The café is a strong example of people coming together to share skills, reduce waste and support one another, closely reflecting Co-op values around community, sustainability and co‑operation.

 

"While at the café, I have informal conversations about Co-op membership, member‑price savings and ways people can support local causes. 

"The Repair Café is also a welcoming place to talk about the Co-op Local Community Fund and how it supports community‑led projects like theirs. 

"From Summer 2026, community groups and local organisations, including Llangollen Repair Café, will be able to apply for the next round of funding. Since 2016, Co-op has shared £115 million with 39,500 unique community projects across the UK, with Member‑Owners choosing the local causes that matter most to them through the Co-op Membership App."

It's all aboard for railway's Dee Valley Volunteer Adventure

* Mandy Towers is Station Master at Llangollen.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is inviting local people to enjoy a unique day of free train travel on Saturday, June 6, through the stunning Dee Valley while discovering the rewarding world of heritage railway volunteering. 

‘Volunteer at our Stations – An Open Day on the Move’ aims to give visitors the opportunity to travel the length of the railway, meet station teams, and experience life at the line’s picturesque stations. 

Starting at Llangollen Station at 10am, participants will wave off the first train to Corwen before meeting Llangollen Station Master Mandy Towers and learning more about the history and future of the railway. 

Guests will then travel free of charge on the 11.05am service through the spectacular Dee Valley to Corwen, where they will be welcomed by Corwen Stationmaster Wayne Ronneback and his volunteer team for tea, and an informal chat about station volunteering.

 

The return journey departs Corwen at 12.20pm, stopping at the award-winning Berwyn Station, where Station Master Peter will give a guided talk about the UK’s most beautiful railway station. The event will conclude with a scenic walk back to Llangollen via the Chain Bridge and the Llangollen Canal.

 

Robin Crowley, Volunteer Coordinator for the railway, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience the railway in a completely different way. Not only can people enjoy free travel through one of the most beautiful parts of North Wales, but they can also meet the volunteers who make our stations so welcoming and special. 

"We are especially keen to hear from people who enjoy meeting others and would like to become part of the public face of the railway. Our stations are often the very first experience visitors have when they arrive, and our volunteers play a huge role in creating that warm welcome.

 

“With some amazing events coming up at the railway over the coming months, there has never been a more exciting time to get involved with the railway everyone is talking about.”

 

Corwen Stationmaster Wayne Ronneback added: “Volunteering at our stations is incredibly rewarding. You meet people from all walks of life, from local families to visitors travelling from across the world, and every day is different. Our stations are at the heart of the railway and there is a real sense of pride and friendship amongst the volunteers. We are particularly looking for people who would enjoy being the public face of the railway and helping visitors have a fantastic experience from the moment they arrive.

 

“There are also lots of jobs that need doing at our stations even when trains are not operating. The team at Glyndyfrdwy Station meet every Monday to carry out jobs around this beautiful rural station, while our volunteer teams at Corwen and Llangollen meet on Thursdays for gardening, maintenance and all sorts of other tasks that help keep the railway looking its very best. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or more, we would love to welcome new people to the team.”

 

The volunteer programme has been supported through funding from the WCVA Volunteering Wales Grant alongside support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund administered by Denbighshire County Council.

 

Further Information – Event Timetable

 

10.00am – Meet at Llangollen Station and wave off the first train of the day to Corwen.

10.05am – Welcome from Llangollen Station Master Mandy Towers.

10.20am – Short talk on the history of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

11.05am – Depart Llangollen for Corwen by train.

11.46am – Arrive at Corwen Station for tea, refreshments and volunteering information with Wayne Ronneback and the Corwen team.

12.20pm – Depart Corwen for Berwyn.

12.55pm – Arrive at Berwyn Station for a guided station talk with Station Master Peter.

1.15pm – Walk from Berwyn across the Chain Bridge and along the Llangollen Canal.

Approx. 2.00pm – Arrive back in Llangollen and conclude the event.

 

Places are strictly limited to 30 people, and interest is expected to be high. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to register early and arrive at Llangollen Station shortly before 10am on Saturday, June 6. Comfortable footwear is recommended for the canal-side walk back to Llangollen.

* There are volunteering jobs available right up the line including Berwyn Railway Station, the most beautiful in the UK.

We ask Wales's new health minister about Llangollen's 'lost' services

* Wales's new health minister led the campaign to save Llangollen Cottage Hospital back in 2012.

The man who spearheaded the campaign to save Llangollen's much-loved Cottage Hospital has just become Wales's new health minister.

llanblogger readers may recall that back in September 2012 Mabon Ap Gwynfor from Corwen, who was then a Plaid Cyrmu activist, called a public meeting at the Hand Hotel to form an action group to safeguard health services in Llangollen and halt controversial proposals by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which included closing the Cottage Hospital and replacing it with a new primary care health centre elsewhere in the town.

According to our report at the time, members of the new Keep Llangollen Health Services (KLHS) group were deeply worried the new facility would take years to complete and would not include the in-patient beds or minor injuries unit currently offered by the hospital on Abbey Road.

* Mabon Ap Gwynfor, at the microphone, speaks at the 2012 Hand Hotel public meeting called to prevent the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital.

Despite some hard campaigning and lobbying by KLHS, the hospital did eventually close two years later to be replaced by housing and the health board pressed ahead with a £5 million scheme to build a new health centre further along the A539 on the site of the demolished River Lodge in Mill Street.

To date, no in-patient beds or minor injuries unit have ever been provided although there are often demands from the public for these to be included in the health centre.

Mabon Ap Gwynfor, who went on to become a Denbighshire county councillor then a Senedd Member, is now one of the most important figures in the newly-formed Plaid Cymru government with 55% of the day-to-day Welsh budget being spent on the health service. 

His appointment was announced yesterday (Wednesday) as First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth revealed his ministerial team in Wales' first ever Plaid Cymru government.

llanblogger reckons it would be interesting to have the new minister's views on whether Llangollen Health Centre could be further developed to provide the lost services. We have therefore emailed him to ask and will let you know his response. 

Eisteddfod adds new 5-7 music slots for this summer

* Badenya Ensemble.

A new series of open-air performances running daily from 5pm to 7pm will debut this summer at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Th aim is to transform the early evening experience for audiences and create a seamless bridge between the daytime competitions and evening concerts. 

The Sound-Bridge Sessions have been developed following a successful pilot in 2025 led by Rhys Mwyn and the team at BBC Radio Cymru. 

The new programme has been shaped directly by audience feedback, which highlighted a desire for more to experience between daytime and evening events, says the Eisteddfod.

 

Supported by Arts Council of Wales, the series brings together a diverse range of performances co-curated by leading artists and organisations from Wales and beyond.

Tickets for the Sound-Bridge Sessions will be priced at £5, offering an accessible introduction to the Eisteddfod. 

The initiative also provides enhanced value for those attending daytime competitions, enabling audiences to extend their visit into the early evening with high-quality live music. Each session has been carefully curated to complement the evening’s headline concert, creating a connected and immersive musical journey across the day.

 

Dave Danford, Artistic Director, said: “Sound-Bridge Sessions are about creating a continuous musical experience across the day. We wanted to remove that lull between competitions and concerts, and instead offer something vibrant, accessible and artistically exciting. By handpicking co-curators to complement each evening concert, audiences can enjoy a richer, more connected experience of the Eisteddfod.”

 

Eisteddfod Chairman John Gambles said: “We are extremely grateful to our outstanding co-curators, whose creativity and vision have shaped this exciting new programme. We also thank the Arts Council of Wales for their support in making this ambitious project possible. Sound-Bridge Sessions are a direct response to what our audiences have told us they want, and we are proud to be delivering an enhanced experience across the Eisteddfod.”

 

The programme will run daily from Tuesday-Sunday July 7-12, with each session reflecting a different musical style and curated to align with the evening concert.

 

• On Tuesday July 7, Angharad Jenkins will present a celebration of contemporary folk music, ahead of the evening concert Uniting Nations: One World.

 

• On Wednesday July 8, N’famady Kouyaté will curate a global showcase featuring Korason, Bollywood Brass Band and Badenya Ensemble, complementing the evening concert Global Rhythms: Made in Wales.

 

• On Thursday July 9, Rushil Ranjan will present a programme exploring global fusion and contemporary classical music, ahead of the Orchestral Qawwali Project concert.

 

• On Friday July 10, Rhys Mwyn, in collaboration with BBC Radio Cymru, will showcase artists including Malan, Blodau Papur and Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18, ahead of the evening performance by Emeli Sandé with The Absolute Orchestra.

 

• On Saturday July 11, Sain Records and Klust will present a line-up featuring Elin a Carys, Nancy Williams and Martha Elen, preceding An Evening with Michael Ball.

 

• On Sunday July 12, Tŷ Cerdd will present a finale featuring Quartet Draig and a jazz trio led by Tomos Williams, ahead of the Choir of the World concert.

 

* Tickets are available from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/sound-bridge-sessions-5-7pm/

* Elin a Carys.

* Nancy Williams.

* The Bollywood Brass Band.