Key Points
- Fifty residents from care homes at Pendine Park’s Wrexham took the inaugural Memory Train running from Llangollen to Corwen.
- This train ride was arranged by Llangollen Railway and Pendine Park to commemorate the World Alzheimer’s Day.
- The train ride was organized to revive the nostalgia associated with train journeys from past years amongst residents suffering from dementia.
- A musician from Corwen named Chris Sims sang popular songs like Blue Moon, Blueberry Hill, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and Show Me the Way to Go Home.
- Guide Louise Scotcher from Dee Valley Tours gave information about railways and local history on the train ride.
- The initiative was suggested by Llangollen Railway manager Dave Hennigan whose grandmother passed away after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dementia Aware Denbighshire helped organize the inaugural Memory Train.
- Residents Gwen Davies and Irene Bishop described how the ride had reminded them of old happy times.
- Other Memory Train rides will take place on 30 October, 26 March and 1 April.
- For more information, bookings and inquiries contact Llangollen Railway at 01978 860979 or email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk.
Wales (Wales Times) October 17, 2026 – Around 50 residents from Pendine Park’s care homes in uk/local/wrexham/">Wrexham have travelled through the Dee Valley on the first dedicated Memory Train service between Llangollen and Corwen, in an event organised to mark World Alzheimer’s Day.
As reported by Wrexham.com, the journey was arranged by Llangollen Railway and Pendine Park and was intended to create a nostalgic experience for residents living with dementia by recalling rail travel from years gone by. The Leader reported that the trip was described as the first-ever Memory Train and that residents were also given snacks and drinks in Corwen, followed by tea and cake back at Llangollen station.
The service ran along the Llangollen and Corwen Railway through the Dee Valley, giving passengers views of the surrounding countryside. Wrexham.com reported that the experience was designed to help residents remember and discuss their own experiences of travelling by train.
Who organised the Memory Train?
The Memory Train was organised jointly by Llangollen Railway and Pendine Park, with support from Dementia Aware Denbighshire. The event marked World Alzheimer’s Day, an annual awareness occasion focused on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
As reported by Wrexham.com, the idea originated with Llangollen Railway manager Dave Hennigan, whose grandmother died after suffering Alzheimer’s. Mr Hennigan said:
“My grandma had Alzheimer’s and I felt strongly there was not enough support and not enough engaging things for her to do when she was suffering.”
He added that the idea developed during a discussion with Mario Kreft, owner of Pendine Park.
“That stuck in my head and the idea for the Memory Train came from a discussion with Mario,”
Mr Hennigan said, according to Wrexham.com.
Mr Hennigan also said the first Memory Train was made possible through support from Dementia Aware Denbighshire, which he said helped raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
What entertainment and activities were provided?
Corwen musician Chris Sims provided entertainment on the platform, playing piano and singing nostalgic songs. The songs reported by Wrexham.com included Blue Moon, Blueberry Hill, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and Show Me the Way to Go Home.
During the journey, Dee Valley Tours guide Louise Scotcher told residents about the history of the railway and the region, while also speaking with them about their own memories of train travel. The Leader reported that residents exchanged memories during the trip and were provided with refreshments in Corwen and at Llangollen station.
Ms Scotcher, who qualified as a guide with the North Wales Tourist Guide Association three years ago, said she was “thrilled” to guide the first Memory Train on the Llangollen Railway. As reported by Wrexham.com, she said: “Because it was a Memory Train, I spoke about the train being from the 1950s and spoke to the residents about what they could remember about trains from that era.”
She added that she had guided groups on the railway six or seven times before and also worked on other railways, describing herself as “something of a train enthusiast”.
What did residents say about the journey?
Residents who took part said the journey helped bring back positive memories. Resident Gwen Davies said: “The journey was absolutely lovely, you get wonderful views of the countryside from the train.”
“I would go on trains years ago, but nothing like this, it is a nice way to spend the day and brings back some very good memories,”
Ms Davies said, according to Wrexham.com.
Another resident, Irene Bishop, said:
“I loved the train trip, it felt like I was out looking for my friends.” She added: “I love trains, though I never want them to go too fast, so this journey was lovely. It is nice for us all to be together and enjoying the day.”
Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft MBE described the trip as “a fantastic experience” for residents and called it “a real trip down memory train”. He praised Mr Hennigan and the railway trust in Llangollen for organising the occasion.
“This is the first Memory Train, and we have supported in various ways the Llangollen trust that runs the railway, and they are all volunteers, just a group of hugely committed people, so it is fantastic to be working with them on this new venture,”
Mr Kreft said, as reported by Wrexham.com.
When are the next Memory Train journeys?
Further Memory Train events are scheduled for 30 October, 26 March and 1 April. The Leader reported that the journeys will run from 10am to 12.30pm, except on 1 April, when the service will run from 10am to 12pm.
People interested in travelling with a loved one can contact the Llangollen and Corwen Railway on 01978 860979 or email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk.
Background of the development
The Memory Train was created as a dementia-friendly heritage railway experience, combining a journey on the Llangollen and Corwen Railway with music, guided local history and opportunities for residents to discuss past travel experiences. The first service was linked to World Alzheimer’s Day and supported by Dementia Aware Denbighshire.
Llangollen Railway is a heritage railway in North Wales, operating between Llangollen and Corwen through the Dee Valley. The railway has previously worked with Dee Valley Tours on heritage experiences, including the “Tren a Thref” Corwen Heritage Adventure, which also featured guide Louise Scotcher.
The initiative reflects a wider interest among heritage organisations in making railway travel accessible and meaningful for older people and those living with dementia. The organisers have said they hope the first Memory Train will become the first of many such trips for people with dementia.
Prediction: How could this affect dementia care audiences?
For care home residents, families and dementia support organisations in North Wales, the Memory Train could provide a repeatable model for community-based reminiscence activity. The organisers’ plan for further journeys on 30 October, 26 March and 1 April suggests the service may become a regular option for residents and relatives seeking shared, low-pressure outings.
For families, the scheduled trips may offer a practical way to spend time with relatives living with dementia in a familiar, structured setting. The availability of booking details through Llangollen Railway could make it easier for carers and family members to plan participation in future services.
For local care providers and heritage attractions, the partnership between Pendine Park, Llangollen Railway, Dee Valley Tours and Dementia Aware Denbighshire may encourage similar dementia-aware events elsewhere. The reported positive responses from residents Gwen Davies and Irene Bishop indicate that organisers may continue to use music, local history and scenic rail travel as central elements of future Memory Train journeys.
