Llangollen railway honours women who shaped the Dee Valley
A HISTORIC steam locomotive will be temporarily renamed this weekend as part of special Mother’s Day celebrations on a North Wales heritage railway.
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced that its Great Western freight locomotive No. 3802 will be renamed “The Lady of Llangollen” for the weekend to honour women who have shaped the history and culture of the Dee Valley.
The renaming forms part of a wider programme celebrating the “Women of the Railway”, recognising both historic and modern-day figures connected with Llangollen.
Among those being honoured are the famous “Ladies of Llangollen”, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, whose remarkable story remains a defining part of the town’s cultural identity.
Modern figures are also being recognised, including Mandy Towers, the station master at Llangollen Railway Station. She will spend Mother’s Day working at the station alongside her sons Joe and Cai, both of whom play operational roles on the heritage railway.
Another local mother helping deliver the celebrations is Anita Piatkowska, who will be serving guests on the railway’s popular Afternoon Tea services.
She said: “Mother’s Day is always a very special occasion on the railway. There is something truly magical about enjoying afternoon tea on a heritage train as it travels through the Dee Valley.
“It is lovely to be part of creating those memories for families, and I am proud to help deliver such a special experience.”
She added that the renaming of the locomotive reflects both the railway’s heritage and the strong family spirit that underpins the organisation.
The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea services have already sold out, but the railway confirmed that similar Afternoon Tea on the Dee experiences will run at selected dates throughout the year.
During the weekend, steam-hauled services will operate between Llangollen and Corwen, giving visitors the opportunity to take part in the celebrations and see locomotive No. 3802 carrying its special temporary name.
