Care boss says home residents should get priority for Covid jabs

* Mario Kreft, chair of Care Forum Wales.

A social care leader has warned of "catastrophic consequences" if care home residents are not given “absolute priority” in the roll-out of the newly approved Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, spoke out because of concerns that the vaccine might be too late in reaching uniquely vulnerable residents at a time when care homes across Wales were at crisis point and the spread of the virus was rampant.

The Oxford vaccine is the second to be given approval by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency whose head, Dr June Raine, said it would save tens of thousands of lives, adding "no corners have been cut" in assessing the safety and effectiveness of the jab.

Mr Kreft said: “It’s clearly fantastic news that the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine has been approved  but it’s vitally important that it is rolled out very quickly because were are now in a desperate race against time, especially since this new super-strain of Covid-19 is so highly infectious and out of control, with community transmission rampant.

“Every care home manager will have everything crossed that the vaccine reaches their residents before the virus. There is great trepidation in the social care sector that it might not come soon enough.

“Residents in all care homes should be given absolute priority – along with the staff who provide care for them. Because of their age and infirmity, our vulnerable residents are uniquely at risk from this deadly virus.

“All residents and staff in care homes need to be vaccinated immediately – even in homes where they have had cases. Wherever they can be vaccinated safely they should be.

“If we fail to urgently protect care home residents we will be faced with catastrophic  consequences. This really is a matter of life or death.

“The situation could not be more urgent because this new mutant strain of the virus is even more dangerous because of its frightening ability to spread so quickly .

“In the meantime, I am appealing to people across Wales to adhere to the hugely important safety protocols, including social distancing, wearing masks and frequent handwashing.

“This is a civic responsibility. We will only suppress this virus and get back to some kind of normality when approximately 80 per cent of the population are vaccinated, otherwise we will never get rid of it.

“The sector is facing unprecedented pressure. We are in a perfect storm because of the risk of transmission by asymptomatic staff at a time when many staff are isolating and agency staff are hard to come by to provide cover. Many care homes throughout Wales are at crisis point.

“It may well be that Christmas has turbo-charged this virus and the exponential growth of community transmission is the greatest threat of all at the moment and this is something we must suppress, otherwise the vaccine will come too late for many people.

“Everybody in social care have worked unbelievably hard for the past 10 months and now the  vaccine is within our grasp – we just need a final push to get over the line.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "Very pleased that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been given the go-ahead. Over 25,000 vaccines have already been administered in Wales and this second vaccine will start to be rolled out here in the New Year."

Llangollen awakes to falling snow

* Llangollen awoke to a covering of snow this morning (Saturday). Here is the scene just before 9am on a deserted Regent Street with the snow still falling.

Still time to sign petition, says recycling campaigner

* The pie chart produced by Phil Jones to illustrate his argument.

The Llangollen resident who started a petition for the return of full-time recycling site to serve the area has thanked all those who helped it reach over 600 signatures.

But Phil Jones has said there's still time for people to add their names to the list before he hands it into council bosses later this month.

Mr Jones said: "I decided to start a petition to re-establish access to a full-time recycling facility just one month ago. 

"I did this because I saw no sign of progress by Denbighshire County Council in negotiating access for DCC residents to the Plas Madoc facility after it reopened to residents of Wrexham CBC last spring. 

"Our council had set out to negotiate an access agreement after it closed our site at Wenffrwd back in 2007, but it never completed the task. 

"Although some people expressed the view that the pop-up at the Pavilion was adequate for our needs, I had the feeling that everyone must be using Plas Madoc for all their serious recycling needs. 

"It would seem I wasn’t wrong. In just four weeks our online petition has, at the time of writing, hit 590 signatures. In addition to this, we put out paper petition forms in Watkin and Williams, Gwyn the Butcher, Lilly Rose, and Fouzi’s. We have well over 100 signatures from these locations."

He added: "We have always maintained that the service we receive in the Dee Valley falls well short of what DCC provides in other towns and so to illustrate this point, we looked at the number of households in Ruthin and compared that to the number of households in Llangollen. 

"There is not much difference, and yet the Ruthin facility is open for 152 hours per month, while we get four hours per month. The pie charts above show how badly we are served when compared to Ruthin.

"We will be submitting our petition sometime in January, and I would like to thank everyone who has already signed it. 

"We would like to get the online version over the 600 mark. So, if you are a DCC resident living in the Dee Valley and would like to support this campaign please take the time to sign the petition. "We are not asking for donations. 

"You can do this by clicking this link. http://chng.it/DBqy8jTh   

Town mayor sends out New Year message of hope

* The mayor, Cllr Austin Cheminais.

Llangollen will "rise like a phoenix" into the new year after the tribulations of 2020, says the town's mayor. 

In a positive message to residents as 2021 dawns, Councillor Austin Cheminais says: "What can you say about 2020?

"It’s summed up perhaps by some of the words that we’ve learned use over the last nine months self-isolating, pandemic, quarantine, lockdown, support bubble, social distancing. 

"Let’s hope that a new, more positive and optimistic vocabulary emerges as we move into 2021.

"Covid 19 has surely tested our resilience!

"All our lives have been affected and changed by the pandemic and our thoughts and prayers go out to those families and friends who have lost loved ones, and those who continue to endure separation, illness, and job losses.

"Thank you to our amazing NHS, the emergency services, our health centre staff, care providers, shop workers and those involved in the many other essential public services that we now appreciate more than ever.

"What 2020 has demonstrated is that that our community is resilient, resourceful and caring.

"Llangollen’s relentless community spirit has brought out the best in us. Thank you for all your kindnesses big and small."

He adds: "A special thanks to those individuals who have stepped up and taken a lead and have mobilised and organised us to help.

"Many of you have volunteered and have shopped for each other, delivered medicines and meals.

"You have checked-in on each other, walked your neighbour’s dogs and crossed the road to let others walk safely.

"All without self-reward, only seeking to make life a little safer and better for those that need help!

"Thank you!

"Llangollen is a special place and it is a privilege to be part of the community. We should be proud and honoured that so many people from all over the world want to come and share our town with us.

"We will emerge Phoenix like in 2021. There are great days ahead, so let's get ready to greet our visitors and show them what a fantastic place Llangollen is.

"I look forward to the future with hope and optimism and to welcoming the World back to our wonderful town.

"Happy New Year, Llangollen."

"Let's hope we can all look forward to a better time in 2021."

Happy New Year 2021 from llanblogger

 

Health Minister gives coronavirus update

Today's coronavirus update from Health Minister Vaughan Gething (pictured) is:

"I indicated in yesterday’s session in the Welsh Parliament that I would provide a further update on the current pressures being experienced across the health and care system in Wales. The approval of the Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday was very welcome news but the benefits are still some way off. The current situation across our health and care system remains exceptionally challenging.

I want to take the opportunity once again to thank our front line staff for their continued effort in the face of this relentless pandemic and to recognise their commitment, compassion and hard work. The last year has taken its toll on many front line workers and we have seen high levels of sickness that inevitably impacts on services for patients. The situation has become particularly acute with the surge in the transmission of the virus. At present there are more than 2,000 fewer staff available to work in late December than there were in September before the current surge. This has been exacerbated over the holiday period with increasing numbers of our workforce returning to shielding. 

Many aspects of our health and care system are stretched to the limit as they seek to provide essential care and treatment. Routine activity in hospitals has had to be limited and domiciliary care and care homes are experiencing similar constraints on the services they can provide. Together with normal winter pressures, this has resulted in very high levels of pressure. The situation is compounded by the significant increase in the numbers of patients suffering from covid that are now in hospital beds and in critical care.

Critical care is now operating at 141% of its normal capacity and is the most serious concern over the next few weeks into the New Year. While we always planned to increase capacity, the current position is precarious as adequate staffing becomes a real issue. We continue to see patients in critical care for long periods of time and sadly many deaths. In the last few days there has been an overall increase in covid-related hospital inpatients to more than 2600 – critically, for the first time, this has now exceeded the 2500 patients we anticipated. Sadly we now have a record number of more than 1600 confirmed covid patients in our hospitals across Wales.

Patients that are still very ill but beginning their recovery in hospital are now up to more than 800. This has an increasing impact on available beds, as these patients may need to stay in hospital for long periods of time.

Primary care services also continue to deal with exceptional levels of demand as does the 111 service and the ambulance services. On Monday the 111 services had over 4000 calls in just one day, which is the highest seen in a single day. We know that high community prevalence leads to higher hospital admissions, serious illness and the loss of our loved ones. It takes several weeks for changes in the community transmission of the virus to start to impact on the pressure on our hospitals. We are currently still seeing increases in hospital admission and the latest 7 day average is close to 120 hospital admissions per day, twice the level we saw in September.

This statement provides an honest picture of the scale and significance of the challenge we face across our NHS. However it is important to share following my oral statement yesterday to help describe the specific pressures that are being managed. It reflects a system that is managing its most critical period of the year with over 2600 less beds than normal and with 119 less ICU beds available than would normally be the case, as they are occupied by covid patients and are therefore not available to support our usual winter pressures activity.  The NHS is having to adapt during this intense period by reducing other activities and limiting access. The coming weeks present genuinely unprecedented challenges and no effort is being spared to combat them.

The impact of the virus is across all health and care services and we appreciate the collaborative effort that continues across sectors in Wales. We know there is a delay between the impact of lockdown and any reduction in pressure. It remains more important than ever that the public stay at home and help save lives. Together we can keep Wales safe.

This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so."

See in New Year safely at home, says ambulance service

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to see in the New Year safely at home.

With Wales in a full Alert Level 4 Lockdown and the wider UK on the verge of mass vaccination against Coronavirus, now is a critical time.

The Trust is asking the public to keep their community safe by not venturing outside their household or support bubble and risk spreading or contracting the virus.

Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, Lee Brooks, said: “We would ask the public to please only leave your home for the essential reasons as set out in alert level 4.

“The entire healthcare sector is currently under extreme pressure and we strongly urge you to keep 999 and hospital emergency services free for only the most serious injuries and illnesses.

“You can do this by not taking any unnecessary risks around the home, only consuming alcohol moderately and of course not hosting or attending any gatherings.

“Please heed the Welsh Government’s advice to keep Wales safe and remember, ‘No party is worth the risk’.

“We would like to thank all our staff working tonight who, of course, wish for a very different New Year’s Eve.”

Whilst celebrating from home, the Trust is also urging people to take extra care if using fireworks.

Not only do they present a risk of burns injuries, smoke from fireworks can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.

People with asthma are at a higher risk of getting very sick from Coronavirus which highlights the double medical risk from meeting with others not in your household.

Speaking of demand on the Trust, Regional Utilisation Manager Gill Pleming said: “Traditionally, tonight is one of our pinch points, and last New Year’s Eve alone we received 946 emergency calls.

“We would appeal to people to help us drive this figure down.

“Should you find yourself requiring non-urgent medical advice, the NHS Wales 111 online service is available at https://111.wales.nhs.uk/.

“But, in the case of a genuine life-threatening injury or illness we are still here for you on 999.”

Tonight's the night for live New Year's Eve event

Llangollen-based Orb Sound and Lighting has teamed up with party band Rhythm Train to stage a live stream New Year's Eve entertainment event tonight.

The aim is to raise the spirits of the community after a tough year by showcasing local talent.

The action-packed three and a half hour show, which runs from 9pm until 12.30am next morning, will be produced from one of the venues in Denbighshire the company usually works closely with but the exact location is being kept secret due to Covid regulations. 

On the bill along with Rhythm Train will be the Fron Male Voice Choir, The Hollywood Swingers, Delta Academy Ladies' Choir, Ifton Colliery Band, Lleisiau'r Afon Ladies' Choir and more.

An ORB spokesperson said: "The stream will include three live 45-minute sets from the band, interspersed with some pre-recorded content and adverts from local sponsors and local community groups

"We will also encourage people to send in messages to friends and family using a hashtag which can be moderated and shown on the bottom of the stream.

"The event will be shared across our own website, YouTube and Facebook  

https://www.facebook.com/ORBsoundandlighting sites as well as being broadcast on Radio Deeside.

"We aim to reach as many people as possible as we realise New Year's Eve can be a hard and lonely time for many people - this year more so than before. 

"We want to bring people together virtually, lift spirits as we enter the new year, and to give back to the community."

ORB Sound and Lighting provides staging, equipment and technicians for the outside stages of the International Musical Eisteddfod and Llangollen Fringe Festival each July.

They also support Llangollen Operatic Society, Young 'Uns and the pantomime group with all their equipment alongside technicians, who installed all of the new upgraded equipment for the Ysgol Dinas Bran ‘Curtains Up’ appeal, and who most recently gave up their time and equipment weekly during lockdown to beam a ‘Thank You’ message across the town during the Clap For Carers campaign.

The spokesperson added: "We have chosen a venue which we can adhere to Covid regulations and will have a number of measures in place including strict social distancing between all persons present.

"All equipment will be thoroughly sanitised before and after use, face coverings will be worn by the production team, and sanitiser will be provided throughout. 

"The building will also be locked during the entire evening to ensure we can remain safe inside, and that no members of the public can enter.

"Although the event is free we are asking for people to buy tickets for it to help us cover the costs. 

"We are asking them to pay what they can and the link is on the event's Facebook page at: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-year-eve-live-stream-featuring-rhythm-train-tickets-133473720491?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Today's coronavirus update from the Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated today, Wednesday) is:

·         A second Covid-19 vaccine has been given the go-ahead and its roll-out across Wales will start next week, the Health Minister has announced today.

o   The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now authorised the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine as safe and effective on the basis of detailed independent expert review of evidence from large scale clinical trials.

o   The UK Government has procured vaccines on behalf of the four nations and around 100m of these are of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, with Wales receiving its allocation based on population over the next weeks and months.

o   https://gov.wales/second-covid-19-vaccine-given-go-ahead and https://gov.wales/written-statement-covid-19-vaccine-deployment-wales-1  

o   Questions about Covid-19 vaccines https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/

·         Health Minister Vaughan Gething has provided an update about the latest coronavirus situation in Wales as the Senedd was today recalled to discuss the UK-EU trade agreement: https://record.assembly.wales/Plenary/11170#A63478

 

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 2,281 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 146,706 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   Sadly, there were 13 further deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 3,429.

o   These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

·         The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving Covid-19, for the week ending 18 December.

o   The cumulative number of deaths involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents up to 18 December was 4,479.

o   Of the deaths registered in the week ending 18 December, there were provisionally 256 deaths involving Covid-19, 33 more than the previous week. Numbers are now at a similar level to early May.

o   There were a total of 3,593 (14%) excess deaths between 29 February and 18 December above the five-year average.

o   ONS figures are different to those reported by Public Health Wales as they include all reported deaths.

o   https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest 

  Where to find the latest information

·         Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4

·         Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/

·         Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws

·         Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/

·         Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/

·         The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   The next press briefing will be held on January 4, 2021.

Clwyd South MP votes in favour of post-Brexit deal

* Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has today voted in favour of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s UK-EU post-Brexit deal, which will govern the UK’s trade agreement with the EU.

Members of Parliament, who were recalled from their Christmas recess, backed the agreement by 521 votes to 73.

The Bill will now progress to the House of Lords where peers will debate it and vote. 

Once the Bill passes both the Commons and Lords, as is expected, it will receive Royal Assent late tonight or early Thursday morning.

Simon Baynes said: “As a longstanding supporter of Brexit, I was very happy and proud to vote in favour of the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal today, and to deliver on the promises I made to my Clwyd South constituents last year when they placed their trust in me in the General Election.

“The deal itself is very good news for Clwyd South, the rest of Wales and the UK. 

"It will allow us to take back control of our laws, borders, money, trade and fisheries and provide Welsh businesses with exceptional access to the EU’s market – the first time the EU has ever agreed a zero tariffs, zero quota deal.”

New First Responder emergency vehicle hits the road

* The new car is handed over by staff at Mitchells Skoda to 

First Responders Effie Cadwallader and Adam Salomonson.

A new rapid response vehicle is being deployed to deal with life-threatening medical emergencies along the Wrexham-Shropshire border in an area including Llangollen.

The Skoda Fabia estate car is the first of its kind to be used by Community First Responders volunteering with the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust

The car has been bought with a £10,000 grant from the Wales Lottery and sponsorship from the Cheshire-based Mitchells Skoda dealership group.

It follows an online crowd-funding appeal by volunteer Effie Cadwallader on behalf of the Wrexham Rural Community First Responders group, which raised more than £2,000.

The keys to the vehicle were handed over at a socially-distanced ceremony at Mitchell’s Cheshire Oaks headquarters. 

Effie, a long-serving Community First Responder from St Martins, near Oswestry, raised more than £2,000 with a crowd funding appeal which attracted more than 100 donations. The appeal has paid for car’s instantly-recognisable bright livery, plus necessary accessories and running costs.

Several business and organisations also supported the campaign, including Stan’s Superstore, Perrys of Gobowen, Ifton Garage, The Keys at St Martins, Selattyn Community Group and Ellesmere Probus Club.

Wrexham Rural Community First Responders will use the car solely for attending 999 emergencies assigned by the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust around the border area communities of Chirk, the Ceiriog Valley, Llangollen, Acrefair, Ruabon, Overton, Penley, Bettisfield and the outskirts of Ellesmere. 

When it is ‘off duty’ the car will be used by volunteers for visiting groups and community centres to undertake basic life support and public access defibrillator awareness courses.

Wrexham Rural Community First Responder Team Co-ordinator Terry Brownhill said: “The acquisition of this response car is a major step towards increasing the visibility of our volunteer Community First Responders who operate across the whole of Wrexham county borough in support of the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

“ We are hoping to gain the support of our local communities when the car is seen out and about performing its dedicated role.”

* More information about the work of Wrexham Rural Community First Responders, and how to support the group, can be found at www.wrexhamruralcfr.co.uk

Major A5 roadworks due to start on Monday

* The section of the A5 where work will begin next Monday, January 4.

Major roadworks will begin next Monday on the A5 east of Llangollen, between Birch Hill junction and Tyn-y-Wern.

Starting on January 4 and lasting until March 31, 2021, the works will involve retaining wall strengthening and parapet upgrade. 

Traffic Wales says: “The existing wall was temporarily strengthened in 2015 but this measure is now life-expired and needs to be reinforced using permanent rock anchor system with a 120 year service life.

“The existing parapet is sub-standard in height and strength and is to be upgraded at the same time.

“Following the completion of the retaining wall and parapet works, the carriageway is to be re-surfaced during over-night closures.

“The new surface will restrict surface water ingress which will enhance the integrity of the retaining wall.

“The works are being carried out in the winter and early spring when traffic flows are historically lower to minimise disruption.

“The road will be fully closed over-night commencing on 4th January at 20.00 (8pm) for installation of the temporary safety barrier which will protect the workforce and allow traffic to travel past the works at the permitted speed of 40 mph.

“From 5th January 2021 until 22nd March 21 one lane of the carriageway is to be closed over a length of approximately 400m with control of traffic using temporary traffic signals. During this period there will be two over-night closures to install and relocate the safety barrier. 

“Over-night closures for removal of the safety barrier and resurfacing of the carriageway are planned to start on 22nd March 2021 for 6 nights. 

“The diversion route for over-night closures will be via Llangollen – A539 – Ruabon – A483 – A5. The existing A5 roadside footway will be closed at the Birch Hill junction.  Pedestrians will be diverted via Birch Hill.

Proposed programme of traffic management restrictions: 

Details of Restrictions	Start Date &Time **	End Date & Time **	Notes
Full closure of A5 between Birch Hill and Maesmawr Road. Traffic will be diverted via Llangollen - A539 – Ruabon – A483 – A5	20.00 04/01/2021	06.00 05/01/2021	Temporary barrier installation and relocation.
Full closure of A5 between Birch Hill and Maesmawr Road. Traffic will be diverted via Llangollen - A539 – Ruabon – A483 – A5	20:00 25/02/2021	06:00 26/02/2021	Temporary barrier installation and relocation.
Full closure of A5 between Birch Hill and Maesmawr Road. Traffic will be diverted via Llangollen - A539 – Ruabon – A483 – A5	20:00 08/03/2021	06:00 09/03/2021	Temporary barrier installation and relocation.
Full closure of A5 between Birch Hill and Maesmawr Road. Traffic will be diverted via Llangollen - A539 – Ruabon – A483 – A5	20.00 22/03/2021	06.00 28/03/2021	Resurfacing from 20:00 – 06:00 each night.
Single way traffic using temporary traffic signals from east of junction with Birch Hill to Tyn-y-Wern ( approximately 400 m ). Lane width narrowed to 3.25m.	06:00 05/01/2021	20:00 22/03/2021	Wall strengthening and parapet upgrade

** dates provisional, may be subject to change

MP highlights Llangollen Canal as great place for leisure

* Simon Baynes MP in the House of Commons. 

Before the holidays Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes highlighted the area around the Trevor Basin and Llangollen Canal as a great place for walking and cycling, as well as the work of local councils in encouraging residents to make use of the sites.

Mr Baynes asked Minister of State for Transport, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, to join him in praising Denbighshire and Wrexham councils and the Canal and River Trust for their work in encouraging walking and cycling by the Llangollen Canal and for promoting those activities in the newly announced master plan for the Trevor Basin and surrounding area.

In response, the Minister said: “Cycling and walking policy is a devolved matter for the Welsh Government, but I am happy to congratulate those councils and the Canal and River Trust on their work in and around this globally significant site and the canal world heritage site. 

"We will follow in the steps of Thomas Telford, who designed the beautiful aqueduct there, to deliver high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure for future generations with the £2 billion that I just mentioned.” 

Speaking later, Mr Baynes said: “We are incredibly blessed to have a UNESCO World Heritage Site right on our doorsteps. 

"And organisations like Denbighshire and Wrexham councils and the Canal and River Trust are doing an excellent job of encouraging people to take full advantage of the Trevor Basin and Llangollen Canal, not only for their magnificent scenery but also for walking and cycling. I am very excited by the opportunities offered by Wrexham Council’s newly announced master plan for developing the Trevor Basin and surrounding area.”

Llangollen Railway says Corwen station will open next May

* Mark Isherwood SM, left, with project leader Richard Dixon-Gough, 

on a recent visit to Corwen station.

Despite the major financial setbacks of 2020 Llangollen Railway still aims to have trains running regularly to Corwen by May of next year.

Currently closed for the third lockdown this year, the heritage railway has lost out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of fares from major crowd-pullers such as the annual Santa specials.

But in his annual festive message its press officer George Jones says: “As we end this most peculiar year, I send greetings to all my contacts in the press and media with thanks for your support in reporting progress with the Corwen Project and other events at Llangollen Railway during these challenging times.

“Whilst there is now a further unfortunate turn of circumstances as we end 2020, the hope is things will improve next year and we will see the new station at Corwen open on a target date of 28 May.

“The support obtained from donations to allow the renewal of timbers for Dee Bridge has come from near and far thanks to the publicity given to the appeal and the response to it. 

“The success of the fundraising also allows for the renewal of sleepers in Berwyn tunnel. 

“If CV19 restrictions permit, this engineering work will allow the passage of ballast trains to Corwen and the tamping of the station loop in time for an official inspection of the new station prior to opening, all of which will provide further exciting news reporting to conclude the challenge of the past ten years to extend the railway westwards from Carrog." 

As llanblogger revealed in October, the railway put out an urgent call to its supporters for £15,000 to revive Dee Bridge, built in 1865 and now in desperate need of new timbers if it is to continue to carry services over it next year.

Two locals make it to the 2021 Guide Pub Guide

* The Corn Mill in Llangollen.

Two pubs in this area are amongst 13 from across north Wales which make the recommended list for the Good Pub Guide 2021 after a "nightmare year" for the hospitality sector.

Lockdowns and restrictions have put pubs under threat as the pandemic gripped the nation - with inns in Wales barred from serving alcohol and now closed in the latest firebreak.

The latest guide says: "Despite being battle-weary and worried sick about keeping their businesses up and running – I am pleased to say that these plucky/extraordinary people retain a teeny spark of hope.”

In with a mention is The Corn Mill in Llangollen of which the guide says: "Fascinating riverside building with fine views, personable young staff, super food all day and good beers."

* The West Arms at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.

Also mentioned is the West Arms at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog which the guide describes as:  "Idyllic location for 16th-c inn with reliably good food and picturesque gardens; comfortable bedrooms."

In the narrative the guide goes on: “All know that the road into 2021 (or until a vaccine is widely available) is going to be frighteningly rocky. But they do believe that if they are able to pull together with loyal customers, local suppliers, a helpful bank and a great deal of energy and luck, many will survive.

"But – and I cannot stress this strongly enough - it is imperative that we support them because the British pub is special.

"It is the beating heart and focal point of countless communities, where customers from all walks of life come together and where you can be sure of a warm welcome, a frothing pint and a friendly smile. It makes us happy to be there and we have to do all we can to ensure their survival."

MP praises work of Llan adventure business

* From left, Tom Robinson, Simon Baynes MP, Richard Witheridge and Adam Robson at TNR Outdoors.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to TNR Outdoors in Llangollen to meet with the directors and to discuss the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on outdoor adventure and training experiences.

TNR has three business areas: TNR Coaching, TNR Outdoors and TNR Targets. 

TNR Coaching specialises in running first class coaching and training courses, TNR Outdoors provides high quality outdoor adventure experiences in Llangollen, North Wales and across the UK, Europe and sometimes further afield, and TNR Targets is a recent venture: a specialist, purpose built indoor target sports centre on the top floor of TNR’s premises in the converted 19^th Century Industrial Mile End Mill in Llangollen.

During the visit, Mr Baynes, who is also a Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Outdoor Learning, discussed some of the issues facing the industry and the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic as well as TNR Outdoors’ future plans for the Mile End Mill premises.

Tom Robinson, Director of TNR Outdoors, said: “TNR is run by my business partners, Richard Witheridge, Adam Robson and myself. 

"We share a passion for the outdoors and for giving our customers the best experience they can have. Founded in 2015, we wanted TNR to be different, we wanted to offer activities to suit every budget so we looked at offering a wide range of time scales from an hour to a day to a full week.

“In 2019 we relocated to our current location, Mile End Mill on the A5 in Llangollen, the gateway to North Wales. 

"We were the first tenants since 1983 and as such it was in a poor state of repair. We invested heavily in the building's infrastucture, repairing windows, completely renewing the electrics and building our office, a toilet, a shop and of course our fantastic target sports facility. We continue to improve everything we do from the equipment we use, the facilities we have and the experiences we deliver.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “I was delighted to make a socially-distanced visit to TNR Outdoors and see the impressive facilities they have on offer. 

"I understand that like so many industries and sectors, the pandemic has impacted their activities. So I was grateful to be able to gain a greater insight into just how important this sector is for our local people and economy.

“I was particularly impressed to hear about the training that they provide in Llangollen for the emergency services from not only Wales but across the UK. They are one of only four emergency services training centres in the UK, and therefore play a vital role during the Covid-19 crisis.

“As a Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning, I know just how beneficial facilities like TNR Outdoors are, not only in providing educational opportunities, but also for physical activity and mental health. And I want to thank the team at TNR Outdoors for welcoming me to their venue and for showing me just how much the site has to offer.”

Merry Christmas from llanblogger!

Castle says merry Christmas in lights

* The castle ablaze with colourful lighting thanks to ASG.

Castell Dinas Bran got all lit up by surprise last night (Christmas Eve).

The illuminating exercise was the work of ASG Entertainments who first announced it on a Facebook post just before 6pm.

This said: "Merry Christmas, Nadolig Llawen from ASG.

"Tonight we have decided to light up Castell Dinas Bran to bring a bit of joy to the local community that is having to go through Christmas in lockdown.

"We hope everyone has the best Christmas they possibly can under the circumstances!

"Scott, Anna and Grace.

"Also a big thank you to

Josh Gowing

,

James Hunt

and

Karen Edwards

for helping with this.

"This was not advertised in advance in order to avoid any gatherings due to COVID-19 regulations."

The castle was last lit up by ASG, that time in blue and white light, back in May as a salute to NHS and other frontline staff.

ASG was helped on that occasion by Chris Davies of Eastwood Media helped by Llangollen's Karen Edwards.

The previous evening there had been a similar lit-up message of thanks to the NHS, this time in red, on a nearby section of the Panorama overlooking the town.