
A look back at Llanrhaeadr life in the 2000s in pictures
WELCOME to bygones and a community close up on Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant.
These pictures were all taken between 2000 and 2010.
The border village lies near the foothills of the Berwyn mountains on the river Rhaeadr. At the top end of the valley is the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, one of the traditional Seven Wonders of Wales.
One mile north of the village is the hill Moel Hen-fache which stands at 1,690ft.
The Norman church of St Dogfan is a Grade II* listed building, restored between 1879 and 1882, but with parts dating back to the 13th century.
The parish is best known for its former vicar, William Morgan who first translated the whole Bible into Welsh in the 1580s.
The village was at one point served by the defunct Tanat Valley Light Railway which served Pentrefelin, Llanrhaiadr Mochnant and Pedairffordd Halt but sadly the line was closed as part of the devastating Beeching cuts of the 1960s.
Castle Fine Art, Llanrhaeadr Open Day. Pictured is Steve Page working on one of five Fountains that are being made for Blackburn City Centre. (Image: BCA/CT.)
The Tanat Theatre stages a one off performance of Old Time Musical Hall to raise money for the village hall. (Image: BCA/CT.)
Eleven-year-old Lauren Edmunds of Llangedwyn won the Matthew Morrison Memorial Award at Llanrhaeadr Primary School for being the most helpful pupil in the school. (Image: BCA/CT.) Tanat Valley Theatre Club of Llanrhaeadr staged a production of Snow White.
(Image: BCA/CT.) Lee Williams entered and won football shirts for the school by entering a Walkers Crisps competition for the pupils from Llanrhaeadr YM Primary School.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales
Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales Matt, filming for a new series of Channel 4's Matt Baker British Isles, is not the first TV celebrity to visit and be enchanted by this secret treasure Channel 4's Matt Baker visits one of Wales' hidden gems (Image: Channel 4 ) When you wander through the south Wales valleys you might never know that, occasionally, you are walking on top of a hidden treasure that links to the past but could be a beacon of prosperity for the future. Rhondda Tunnel is one such gem - a relic of the area's past industrial heritage but a unique feature that has been mesmerising those lucky enough to be allowed down it with permission and assistance from the Rhondda Tunnel Society. They are a group of local people set up in 2014 with the dream of one day getting the tunnel open again for bikes and pedestrians, and spearheading tourism regeneration in the area. One such person who has recently explored the tunnel - and was, of course, enchanted by it - was Channel 4's Matt Baker, who visited as part of episode one of a new series of Matt Baker's British Isles, where the popular presenter visits some of the country's most unique and loved locations - and Rhondda tunnel certainly ticks those boxes. For more home and property content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts says 'something real is going to happen' as he shares Welsh project update YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: You can stay in the idyllic house that features in Matt Baker's Our Dream Farm Article continues below Matt Baker meets Rhondda Tunnel Society founder member Steve Mackey (Image: Channel 4 ) Before meeting the passionate members of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, Matt said: "I've been drawn to this part of the Welsh valleys to see something that's been hidden from the rest of Britain for decades - it's a two mile secret that could make this part of Wales, and the country, world famous." The tunnel was originally built by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway under the engineering expertise of Sydney William Yockney, son of Samuel Hansard Yockney, who had previously worked with Isambard Kingdom Brunel on other tunnel projects. Matt is ready for the descent into the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) Work on the two-mile long tunnel commenced from both ends in 1885, at Blaencwm in the Rhondda and Blaengwyfni in the Afan Valley. The tunnel first opened its doors in 1890, serving as a route for coal trains heading to Swansea Bay until it was closed in 1968, with entrances at both ends now buried. But the society, founded in 2014, has been working tirelessly to gain awareness and funding for the project to re-open the tunnel If converted into a cycle and pedestrian tunnel, it would be the longest in Europe, second only globally to the Snoqualmie Tunnel near Seattle in the USA, which spans 2.5 miles. An old photo of when the tunnel was being bricked up and the stone where Steve wrote his message when he was a boy (Image: Channel 4 ) But it could have been buried and hidden for even longer if founder member of the society, Steve Mackey, hadn't stumbled across the entrance, literally, and it was almost as though it was meant to be. Steve told Matt he remembered the tunnel being closed up when he was a child and being mischievous but intrigued he visited it and graffitied on the stone his name and the words, 'please open me'. Both entrances were landscaped over and buried deep below ground and the tunnel faded from Steve's memory until the day he lost his job a decade ago. He was upset and so went for a 'long, long walk' and stumbled upon a huge bramble bush - he could see something under it and after clearing the foliage away discovered it was the stone with his words on it - the tunnel had 'spookily' reconnected with him. Matt is winched down an air shaft (Image: Channel 4 ) Matt discovered that a hard core of society members, from all walks of life and ages, now spent their time underground working towards giving the tunnel a new lease of life. Society member Brian got Matt ready for the descent into the tunnel that included a boiler suit, hard hat and harness to lower him down the air shaft - currently the only way to gain access. Matt said: "What a brilliant group of people, honestly they're so passionate about their cause - it's bonkers but it's brilliant!" Matt is amazed at the brickwork and condition of the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) As soon as Matt descended into this unique slice of Welsh heritage he was in awe. He commented: "It takes your breath away - you just can't quite believe it, that it's going on for two miles. It feels incredibly special to be experiencing this, honestly I just can't get over it, I can't get over the workmanship, (you can see) the trawl marks. The brick work is absolutely beautiful, pristine." Whilst down the tunnel, Matt helped the team lay a new communication cable as well as being only the second person to ever ride a bike along a section of the structure, he also discovered that the 'band of believers' were down the tunnel every week working on it. Matt arrives in the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) He said: "I love the drive, I love the passion and I love that you're all in it for the same reason - you just want to show the world the potential of this two mile secret. But this lot have only just started and they've got a long journey ahead but they've got the passion, pride and determination to make it happen. That is something that I will never forget - I'll be back when it's open." But Matt is not the only TV celebrity to have been enchanted by the tunnel, and the potential of what could be achieved at the site. Society member Steve Jones takes Matt on a tunnel tour (Image: Channel 4 ) Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts became such an advocate for the work of the tunnel society after being invited to climb down and explore the structure that when the group asked him to become a patron he was thrilled - and since then has been working hard in conjunction with the society to raise awareness, support and funds to eventually realise the vision of the tunnel re-opening and rejuvenating the area. Find out more about that here. Matt is not the first TV celebrity to go down into the tunnel - Martin Roberts beat him to it and is now the society's patron (Image: Martin Roberts / Rhondda Tunnel Society ) Martin is no stranger to Wales, having filmed here multiple times for Homes Under The Hammer as well as owning a stunning farmhouse that is currently a holiday let and continuing to renovate the Hendrewen hotel and pub in Blaencwm, located at the top of the Rhondda Fawr valley. Article continues below But he has told WalesOnline that there will be more progress to announce on the tunnel's development and future very, very soon. For more home content, including products, join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.


Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Wales Online
Strictly's Amy Dowden sends message to Jessie J after breast cancer news as she gives stark warning
Strictly's Amy Dowden sends message to Jessie J after breast cancer news as she gives stark warning The professional dancer wrote she was "sending all the love and strength" to Jessie J Amy Dowden has consistently spoken openly about her journey through cancer treatment two years after diagnosis (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror ) Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has sent a heartfelt message to Jessie J, after the singer confirmed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. On Wednesday, June 4, the Price Tag and Domino singer explained she had been diagnosed with "early breast cancer" and will be undergoing surgery later this month. The former The Voice UK judge, 37, said in an Instagram post that she had spent some time "in and out of tests" before being diagnosed with the disease, which you can read more here. In response, Welsh professional dancer took to her Instagram story to implore others to "check yourselves". While sharing the video of the singer explaining her diagnosis on her Instagram story, Amy Dowden wrote: "Sending all the love and strength! Please all this is a reminder to check yourselves! "You know your body better than anyone else! Jessie J the pink sister club is not a club anyone wants to be a part of but the community is so strong and supportive, there is so much love, help and support for you!" In 2023, the professional dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led to her undergoing a mastectomy and intensive chemotherapy. While sharing the video of the singer explaining her diagnosis on her Instagram story, Amy Dowden wrote: "Sending all the love and strength! Please all this is a reminder to check yourselves!" (Image: Amy Dowden / Instagram ) Article continues below During her cancer journey, Amy decided to document her experience through the BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which focused on her battle for her health, a future family and a return to the dancefloor. Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me was described as a "powerfully honest" documentary. Recently, the documentary was nominated for the National TV Awards (NTA) in the 'Authored Documentary' category alongside Love Island star Molly Mae's documentary, Molly-Mae: Behind It All, Freddie Flintoff's documentary, Flintoff, which followed his recovery from a near-fatal car crash while filming Top Gear in 2022, Boyzone: No Matter What and Sir Chris Hoy: Finding Hope amongst other documentaries. The National TV Awards' winners are based on public vote, with the ceremony taking place in London this September. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Recently, the dancer said it had been a "tough decision" to let a film crew document her "raw emotion". In February 2024, Amy received the uplifting news of 'no evidence of the disease'. Article continues below Since then, the ballroom dancer has been unwavering in her commitment to raising awareness of the disease, providing regular heartfelt updates to her followers.

Leader Live
17 hours ago
- Leader Live
Holywell & District Arts & Crafts Tour to take place
The two-day event will feature more than 40 artists and crafters, along with displays, talks, and workshops. Transition Holywell & District has organised the event. Heather Jones, a jewellery maker and member of Transition Holywell & District, who is described as "the driving force" behind the two-day event, said: "Everyone is warmly invited to come and discover what we have in this culturally rich and beautiful area." Calligraphy, stained glass, tie-dye, and silver ring making will be among the activities on offer on Friday, and there will also be tai chi in the town centre. On Saturday, activities include juggling, basket weaving, and woodland skills, and there will also be "the opportunity to do something creative in Welsh." A park-and-ride scheme using dedicated buses will be available to facilitate travel between locations. READ MORE: Event at Park in the Past on the Wrexham-Flintshire border Wrexham residents issue plea to address Hafod landfill site Organisers recommend booking lunch in advance at venues such as the Stamford Gate in Holywell, the Druids' Inn in Gorsedd, the Pets' Cemetery Café in Brynford, and the Basingwerk Tea Rooms in Greenfield Valley. Further details will be announced nearer the event. For more information, email or robowen29@