A golden moment for track extension project

* Representatives of the Corwen community on site during their visit

to the railhead near Bonwm.

Representatives of the Cowen community joined volunteers from Llangollen Railway Trust for a landmark occasion in the track extension project yesterday (Friday).

Two separate lengths of track were joined together near the Bonwm Bends on the adjacent A5 road to complete two miles of track west of Carrog station.

A golden fishplate was ceremonially fixed to the final rail joint to mark the volunteer effort which has seen over a thousand yards of track laid eastwards from the restored overbridge, near Plas Derwen, towards the existing railhead at Bonwm.

A volunteer workforce has achieved this milestone working two days a week throughout the autumn to assemble panels of track on a prepared base.

Denbighshire county councillor Huw L Jones, who assisted with fixing the fishplate, said: “A most impressive length of straight track has been assembled in recent weeks by the volunteers.

"Their achievement is clearly visible to users of the A5 road and has raised hopes for the early completion of the project.

"Today’s link up represents 80% of the track work necessary to bring the railway to Corwen in 2014.”

Speaking for Llangollen Railway Trust, the Corwen Extension Project Co-ordinator, Richard Dixon-Gough, from Llangollen, said: “The work has been undertaken by a volunteer workforce varying from 6 - 20 workers on site, comprised mainly of members over 60 years old age. In the course of 16 volunteer working days they have laid 52 panel of track.

“We have to thank many people and organisations for their help with this project. The extension has needed administrative, financial, verbal and physical help which has been forthcoming from Denbighshire County Council, Welsh Assembly, councillors and community leaders, members of the community and the Railway’s members.

“We still have some way to go yet, but with continued support from everyone we will be at our temporary station site in the near future. The next challenge is to lay 46 panels of track, plus installation of our buffer stop. This further stage requires purchase of a thousand concrete sleepers and all their fittings, plus ballast, and will present a financial challenge for the Trust.”

A Corwen Sleeper appeal has been launched on behalf of the Llangollen Trust by member Paul Bailey, aiming to raise £20,000 to finance the acquisition of the material.

A generous response from supporters has so far raised half that sum.

Well wishers may contribute donations to the appeal c/o Mr P Bailey, Dolwen, Bryneglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY, cheques payable to the Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd.

Season's greetings from llanblogger

llanblogger would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas - and thank them for their continued support during our second year online.

During 2013 our total pageviews has soared past the 125,000 mark - and is still rising.

We hope you stay with us for lots more news and views from in and around our town of Llangollen as we head into 2014.  

Tips to stay safe from fire over festive period

On average North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attends between one to two fires within the home every day - but over the Christmas and the New Year period this rises to up to five fires in a day.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:

1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).

2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.

3. Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.

4. Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.

5. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed. Christmas is a time when we use more electrical items such as lights and decorations as well games etc - don't overload sockets and plugs but use correctly fused multi gang safety leads.

 6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

7.Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.

8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.

10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.

11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.

12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

- See more at: http://www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk/keeping-you-safe/current-campaigns/current-campaigns.aspx?lang=en?lang=en#sthash.oJSm6M7z.dpuf

Dee becomes raging torrent as rain continues

* A raging River Dee this afternoon (Monday).

High winds and rain have turned the River Dee through Llangollen into a raging torrent today (Monday).

Natural Resources Wales has issued a flood alert on the Lower Dee Valley from Llan to Trevalyn Meadows, which was last updated at 2.50pm.

Forecasters say persistent rain will clear during the early hours.

Things will become drier and clearer thereafter with scattered showers, possibly wintry over higher ground.

It will turn colder throughout the night and stay windy.

Railway's festive services go steaming ahead

*Santa with his special steam engine on arrival back at Llangollen station.

With the season of Santa Special trains coming to an end on Christmas Eve, Llangollen Railway is preparing for the running of daily services throughout the festive season, up to and including New Year.

The railway reports an excellent pre-Christmas season with full loadings on many days of the Santa Special trains which have taken families to see Santa in Lapland at Carrog.

Of the 42 Santa Special trains which have operated since November 30, most were fully booked weeks ago.

Family groups have come to Llangollen to see Santa on the steam train from the railway’s 50 mile catchment area drawing people in from a wide segment of England, as well as North Wales, and the visitors provide a welcome boost to the town in mid winter.

Mince Pie Specials Next

For those who missed out on a chance to meet Santa on the steam train, a series of Mince Pie Special trains will operate on the Dee Valley Line from December 26 to January 1.

Running three times a day, departing Llangollen at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, the steam trains will take visitors into a winter wonderland on the journey through to Carrog when mince pies and mulled wine are served to passengers as festive cheer.

George Jones, for Llangollen Railway, said: “A ride on the train followed by a brisk walk in the country from one of the railway’s stations is an ideal way work off any excessive eating or may be blow away the post Christmas blues!

"There are several short walks from all three stations along the line which provide easy opportunities to get out and enjoy the area of outstanding natural beauty which is the Dee Valley.

“Once again the Llangollen Railway will be providing the only steam hauled standard gauge train service in North Wales, and beyond, on December 26 when much of the National Network remains closed. 

"It is thanks to all our volunteers that these trains run and we can provide festive entertainment for those who wish to sample a ride on a preserved railway beginning from within the World Heritage site at Llangollen.”

12 tips for a healthy Christmas from NHS Direct

Christmas Day might only days away now but it is never too late to protect your family’s health, says NHS Direct Wales.

It has published its 12 top tips for enjoying a healthy Christmas.

 1. Plan AheadIf you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to see you through the Christmas period. Contact your GP before they close for Christmas for further advice.

If you are spending the festive season away from home, make sure you pack enough medication. It is important to find out what health services, including GP out-of-hours, are available in the area you are visiting.

If you are travelling abroad, make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To apply for a free EHIC, call 0300 3301350.

2. Get Your Flu Jab
Last year flu led to more than a hundred deaths in the UK, claiming 107 lives and affecting thousands more. If you are over 65 and have a long-term health condition, or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, you can get your flu jab from your GP.

3. Stock Up
Do you have a first aid box to manage minor wounds? Do you know what needs to be in it? For more information, visit our interactive first aid box.

It is worth checking that you have enough basic medicines at home to manage common ailments, such as coughs, colds, headaches, indigestion, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Visit our medicine cabinet to find out what should be in your cabinet.

You can buy a number of medicines over the counter at your local pharmacy, but remember to check the recommended dosage before taking any medicines.

If you use home oxygen therapy, check that you have enough oxygen supply for the Christmas period. If you are going away make sure you make arrangements for any oxygen you need.

4. List Useful Contact Details
It is worth making a note of all your useful contact numbers, like your ICE contact (In Case of an Emergency), dentist, GP and other useful local health services, especially if you are visiting an area you are not familiar with.

For details of pharmacies that are open during the Christmas period, click here or call NHS Direct Wales 0845 46 47.

5. Stay SafeCheck the weather forecast on the Met Office website if you are visiting friends or relatives, and visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website to ensure you are prepared for the drive.

If you go out keep your drink with you at all times, and avoid walking home on your own. Check how much alcohol is in your drinks by using our Units Calculator.

You should never drink and drive. Remember that you could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it is the morning after. Sleep, coffee and cold showers do not help to sober you up. Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. Visit THINK for more details.

Do not forget to check on vulnerable neighbours and friends during the winter period.

6. Keep Well
If you are in pain or are worried about a condition then make an appointment with your GP before the Christmas holidays. Check your GP opening times over Christmas in case you need to contact them in an emergency.

Visit the dentist if experiencing toothache, or visit our Dental Symptom Checker for further advice and information.

If you are feeling unwell and are unsure what to do, NHS Direct Wales is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 0845 46 47 or visiting NHS Direct Wales.

7. Keep ActiveSafe and enjoyable exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. It may be harder to exercise in the colder weather but do try and keep active as much as you can.

8. Keep WarmAs energy bills soar, more people are afraid to turn up the thermostat, but Age UK has good advice on keeping warm.

Wear several thin layers, rather than one thick layer and go for clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics. A lot of heat is lost through the head and neck, so if you are chilly indoors try wearing a hat and scarf. Wear warm clothes in bed, and when it is really cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat.

Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to stop the heat escaping and the draughts coming in, and keep any windows and internal doors closed when it is cold.

Your body keeps warm by burning food you have eaten, so make sure you have regular hot meals that contain carbohydrates, like potatoes, pasta, bread and rice. Try porridge with hot milk for breakfast and soups and stews for lunch and dinner.

If you are sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth. You should also try to keep your feet up, because air is cooler at ground level.

9. Food Safety
To help protect your family from food poisoning, remember to wash your hands before preparing food and cook your food correctly.

Meat is cooked properly when you cut into the deepest part and there is no pinkness left and any juices run clear.

Visit the Food Standards Agency website for more information.

10. Do A Good Deed
Pop into a neighbour and cheer them up by having a chat or ask if you can help them in any way.

Donate to charity, or donate a food item to a food bank.

11. Choose Well
Support NHS Wales’ Choose Well campaign to ensure busy emergency services are available for those who need them most urgently.

For advice and treatment of most illnesses, visit your GP, or call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for confidential health advice and information.

Treatment for minor injuries, such as cuts, bites, stings and muscle and joint injuries, can be provided at your local Minor Injuries Unit, where there is no need for an appointment.

Only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency, if someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk.

Click here for more information on the Choose Well campaign.

12. Have a Merry Christmas!Read our 12 steps to a healthy Christmas in full here.

Horseshoe Pass gets its own lifesaving machine

* Representatives of the Welsh Ambulance Service, including Public Access Defibrillation

officer Gerard Rothwell (front, centre) and trainer Claire Hurford (third from left) with representatives of North Wales Police, including Chief Superintendent

Jeremy Vaughan (far left) at the Ponderosa Cafe on the Horseshoe Pass.

ONE of North Wales’ premier beauty spots has taken delivery of a life-saving defibrillator.

The Horseshoe Pass in Denbighshire, a mountain pass popular year-round with motorcyclists, now boasts an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), as part of the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Public Access Defibrillator programme.

There are approximately 8,000 sudden cardiac arrests annually in Wales. A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body.

The person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs unless someone starts cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or delivers an electric shock through the chest wall, using a defibrillator.

Staffs at the Ponderosa Cafe were given training on the new device recently.

Claire Hurford, who delivered the training on behalf of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Once someone suffers a cardiac arrest every minute counts. They need immediate CPR from those around them, who will often be family members or passers-by. As well as good-quality CPR the patient needs to be treated with a defibrillator.

“An ambulance will obviously try and reach a seriously ill or injured patient as quickly as possible, but this defibrillator can be used in the minutes it takes for an ambulance to arrive. 

“The Horseshoe Pass is popular 365 days a year, and not just with bikers but with walkers and tourists too. Having a defibrillator nearby means people’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are vastly improved.”

Also there last Friday was North Wales Police Chief Superintendent Jeremy Vaughan, who was promoting the force’s Bikesafe scheme, which aims to drive down the number of bikers being hurt on the roads.

Mr Vaughan said: "North Wales Police and Bikesafe are proud to support the Welsh Ambulance Service with the instalment of the new defibrillator at the Ponderosa Cafe, which is a very popular spot with bikers.

"Bikesafe is a police-led motorcycle project that is run by most forces in the UK with the main aim being to reduce the number of bikers being hurt on the roads. FBoS courses (First Bike on Scene) are also provided which allows riders to receive training in motorcycle-related first aid.

“The installation of the defibrillator at this popular spot now also means Bikesafe trained volunteers will have an additional tool to provide life-saving treatment."

The defibrillator on the Horseshoe Pass follows an initiative launched last year to install Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) in churches across Wales.

The Welsh Ambulance Service joined forces with the British Heart Foundation and The Church in Wales to make defibrillators available for remote communities across Wales.

St James’ Church in Wick, Vale of Glamorgan, was the first church in Wales to install a PAD on a church building. Defibrillators are also found in train stations, museums and shopping centres, and even down the Big Pit mining museum and on the summit of Snowdon.

The Welsh Ambulance Service works in partnership with other organisations, including Welsh Government, to provide equipment and training on the use of defibrillators under the Public Access Defibrillator Scheme (PADS). So far it has trained more than 5,000 volunteers in the use of AED.

If you are interested in establishing a PADS site or joining an existing team, call the PADS office on 02920 932917.