Railway raises steam for the first time in many months

* The Kitson locomotive raises a test head of steam.

Enthusiasts at Llangollen Railway yesterday celebrated steam rising again from one of its vintage locomotives after months of cold boilers. 

The heritage attraction was one of the first to close its doors to the public when the pandemic began last spring. 

Apart from the loss of trade this meant the railway was then hit by an even greater crisis when its public limited company went into receivership with debts of around £350,000. 

But since then the separate and completely solvent railway trust has been involved in a massive fightback and fundraising campaign which has seen it buy up enough vital rolling stock from the receivers in an online auction to talk about re-opening the railway to paying visitors later this summer.

Now, full of confidence for the future, railway enthusiasts have been firing up one of the locomotives which they hope will haul them out of the financial crisis.

On the unofficial Llangollen Railway Facebook page they posted:  “With thanks to Lambert Smith Hampton [auctioneers] we have been testing the Kitson this afternoon following an insurance boiler inspection this morning.

“Thanks also to Head of Steam Rhys Lloyd for re-assessing a few of the drivers.

“All great progress toward running a railway again. Really enjoyed my go after spending the last eight weeks sanding and painting the loco. Onwards and upwards.”

Kitson is the name of the engine’s builder - it's an 0-6-0 saddle tank - the original motive power for the Llangollen Railway back in 1975. 

It worked initially at the Austin car plant in Birmingham. It was first known at Llangollen as the 'Burtonwood Brewer' on account of their sponsorship for acquisition and restoration of the engine. 

* The story about Josh Davies in the May 17 edition of the Railway Hub.

In another development, a young boy who raised £500 for the railway’s fight-back fund has been featured in a specialist railway publication. 

A story in the latest edition of the Railway Hub describes how eight-year-old Josh Davies made the money by cycling, walking and running 60 miles over his Easter holiday.

* For the full story, see: https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/60032/eight-year-old-josh-rides-to-the-aid-of-crisis-hit-llangollen-railway/

North Wales overlooked in trail spectator events, says MS

* North Wales MS Mark Isherwood.

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the First Minister to reconsider the Welsh Government’s decision to trial spectator sporting and cultural events to manage the return of audiences as Covid restrictions ease solely in South and West Wales. 

Mr Isherwood has written to Mark Drakeford following the Welsh Government’s announcement  earlier this week of a proposed list of pilot test events to take place over the forthcoming weeks. 

There are nine trial events on the list, but not one of them is in North Wales and Mr Isherwood has been contacted by a number of constituents asking why North Wales has been left out. He has therefore written to the First Minister asking this question and urging him to reconsider the decision.

His letter states: “I have been contacted by several concerned constituents in North Wales with comments such as the following:

'I read today that the Welsh Government is to trial 9 sport and mass gathering events in Wales for the safe return of fans to stadia and events. I also note that all events are in South and West Wales, with the furthest event North being in Brecon.

'I'd like to ask why events have not been considered for North Wales. 

'North Wales Crusaders Rugby League have recently started their season and have their first home game at Eirias Parc Colwyn Bay on May 15th. We have asked for consideration to be given to trailing our home games as a test event. There is an ideal opportunity for a game which will attract less than 1000 fans in a suitable stadium with Covid protocols in place.

'I would like you to investigate why our home games haven't been considered.

'The Welsh Government have announced that they are allowing spectators to watch football and cricket in South Wales. What about Wrexham football club. They have two critical home matches to play which if results are favourable could see them in the play offs. Will you do your best to get the decision reversed?'

Mr Isherwood added: “It is the Welsh Government who have decided where these trials will take place, and true to form they have completely overlooked North Wales. 

“The First Minister needs to remember that his Government represents the whole of Wales and he must therefore listen and act on the views of spectators and clubs here in North Wales. Clubs in North Wales have struggled just the same as those in other parts of Wales throughout the pandemic and It is grossly unfair that they are missing out.”

Mokka now oozes French flair

Vauxhall Mokka road test by Steve Rogers

When my neighbour is round to spy the latest test car before the engine has cooled it must be something tasty.

In this case it was the new Vauxhall Mokka and it was the front of the car that caught David's eye. No surprise there, whatever you thought of the styling of the old Mokka forget it. 

This is not an improvement it's a transformation. The designers have nailed it with razor sharp styling and a stunning front. It's called Vizor and you can bet your last quid this will be the new face of Vauxhall. They would be daft if it is not.

Vauxhall has been under the Peugeot banner for a couple of years so may be some of that French flair has rubbed off on the boys and girls in Luton.

What is certain is that under the Mokka skin is a bit of Peugeot 208 and Citroen C4 and that is no bad thing. If you can blend good design with decent handling then you are on a winner.

I was reminded of the 50 metre test coined by the late automotive titan Richard Parry Jones, who did wonders for Ford. That was all he needed to decide if a car met his demanding standards. I've always said I can judge a car after two circuits of a roundabout and it did not take long to like the feeling of Mokka, even though there were no roundabouts nearby to negotiate.

Let's not get too carried away. Mokka is not the best handling compact crossover on the market, that prize would probably go to its Peugeot 2008 cousin or more likely the Ford Puma but it has a nice blend of comfort and straight down the middle handling. I drive a short stretch of humpy back road which is a good suspension test and Mokka passed with honours. You tend to hear the bumps more than feel them.

It is not even the most practical either having lost 124mm in length so it is not going to be winning prizes for the most interior space which begs the question who is the Mokka aimed at?

Two groups that come to mind are older folk who like a higher driving position so they can slide on to the seat and not drop down so far that getting out is a strain, and families with a couple of young children because leggy teens will find back seat leg room tight. Boot space is a smidge less than before but drop the back seats and there is room for a couple of sets of golf clubs and trolleys so that makes the market even wider!

Inside has been transformed as well following the digital dashboard trend but shies away from Peugeot's oddball set up where the driver spends an age adjusting the seat and tiny steering wheel just to get a clear view of the dashboard.

If anything Mokka's widescreen layout is more akin to a Volkswagen Golf with a 12 inch digital driver's binnacle flowing into a 10 inch central screen for navigation and audio etc. Everything is clear and selecting the various options for the binnacle is easy. There are even physical switches for the heating controls. Yippee.

Trim quality has been upgraded and looks particularly impressive at the top end of the range. Vauxhall has always been generous with kit and that is a strength of Mokka even at SE entry level where they haven't skimped on safety features either to help give a stress free drive.

Engine choice is another strength with a brace of three cylinder turbo 1.2 petrols, a 1.5 diesel and an electric. My guess is the 98bhp petrol will be the favourite but my 128hp packed a mild punch and would tempt me. You can only tell it is a three cylinder from outside and is otherwise a smooth performer with the option of an eight speed auto.

The delivery driver did well on his trip from the Midlands recording 50mpg; I wasn't so good ending the week on 39mpg which probably had something to do with me enjoying the car's performance and the steering wheel paddle shifters.

It is early days for European Car of the Year candidates but with its excellent all round package and eye catching styling this new Mokka is definitely in with a shout.

Fast facts

Mokka Elite Nav Premium 8sp auto

£27,100 (starts £20,735)

1.2 litre petrol turbo; 128bhp

0-62mph 9.2secs;124mph

47.9mpg combined

137g/km. 1st VED £220

Insurance group 18

Boot 350 litres

A5 shut near Llan after vehicle overturns

The A5 has been shut in both directions after a vehicle overturned, the Daily Post is reporting. 

Police have urged people to avoid the area around the incident near Llangollen. 

Emergency services are at the scene, which social media says in near the golf course.

Social media also says: "Car upside down blocking the road.

"Traffic building up."

The Daily Post is reporting that the road is now clear, adding: "The incident is a single vehicle RTC, with just the one person involved.

"Awaiting confirmation on any injuries, but early signs point to it not being too serious, thankfully."

For the story, see:

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/live-a5-closed-both-directions-20625748

Rhug Estate to host colourful group of Evel Knievels

* Wrong Way Round Wales event organiser Jason Lewis.

Rhug Estate will host a group of Evel Knievels later this month as they embark on a five-day, 1,070 mile ride, the Wrong Way Round Wales to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

All the entrants will be dressed as 1970s stunt legend Evel Knievel. 

The event has become well known in motorcycle circles over the past ten years and is the only UK event endorsed by the Knievel family of Butte Montana, who follow its progress each year on social media. 

This year will see its first visit to Rhug Estate and the Cymru Knievels will be starting from Wrexham on Thursday, May 27. 

The group of approximately 30 riders will then follow the north Wales coast west and end the day with cape-flapping laps at the Anglesey circuit. 

Day two they will see them head south via Portmeirion Village and finish in Aberystwyth. 

On day three they will travel to Tenby then on day four they will go from Tenby to Monmouth. 

On the last day, Bank Holiday Monday, May 31, they will head back up north, stopping off at Rhug at approximately 3.30pm, before heading back to Wrexham to finish line.

Event organiser Jason Lewis said: “To mark the 10th year, for the first time since the event’s conception back in 2012, the ride has been entitled Wrong Way Round and will see the Cymru Knievels flapping our capes in an anti-clockwise direction around Wales.

"Since 2012 Ride Cymru has raised over £135,000 for charity. Entrants raise sponsorship ahead of the event and then fund their own journey around Wales - dressed as Evel Knievel. 

"Whilst the 2021 event cannot create any public gatherings please do give us a toot or a wave if we should pass you around the outer edges of Wales and we hope to see you at Rhug on Bank Holiday Monday.”  

The Ride Cymru event is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and people can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wales21?fbclid=IwAR0Qz-G-YMy-e8RqdphI8pRZeBO7oMByxVGa-MnhGJEeNwxH9Lwob09s4ng

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “We are delighted to be able to host the Cymru Knievels here at Rhug. 

"This is exactly the sort of event we want to encourage at Rhug as it is well situated and the carpark space is perfect for welcoming large groups. 

"We also have the Takeaway and shop for Cymru Knievel supporters to visit. 

"As a supporter of local charitable events and charities it is a pleasure to be able to offer all the Ride Cymru participants a hot drink when they stop off with us on Bank Holiday Monday. 

"It has been so quiet here during the lockdowns it brings a smile to my face to see visitors returning and events such as this taking place once again.”

Roadworks planned for Regent Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 20 May — 20 May   Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: OUTSIDE 36   Works description: REPLACE FRAME & COVER   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PE12595589223

Llangollen Railway's historic crane is saved from being scrapped

Enthusiasts aiming to get Llangollen Railway back on track have had some good news about the historic crane they have been trying to save from being scrapped.

Following the railway’s public limited company going into receivership with debts of around £350,000 in March various assets of the heritage attraction were put up for online auction to pay off creditors.

A massive fundraising appeal enabled the completely separate Railway Trust, which is perfectly solvent, to buy up sufficient assets, including rolling stock, to be able to press ahead with its plans to re-open the railway later this summer.

But there wasn’t enough money raised to buy everything, including a 50-ton Cowans Sheldon crane.

According to a post on the unofficial Llangollen Railway Facebook page on Saturday, this is a historic vehicle and the only one of its kind still in operation.

Despite it already having been sold for scrap, an appeal was launched to keep it at the railway.

But now, just a couple of days later, help has come from the scrap company which bought the crane.

On the unofficial Llangollen Railway Facebook page this afternoon (Monday) the enthusiasts say: “Some great news about our Cowans Sheldon crane. Allister Boote from Sandbach Commercial Dismantlers Ltd (SCD) has met with several Llangollen Railway representatives on site today.

“He has very kindly agreed to keep the crane in one piece and on the railway for the foreseeable future.

“The railway also have the option to buy it back over an extended period, including offsetting the value raised from supplying day-to-day scrap materials to SCD. A great idea!

“Our urgent priority obviously remains on raising funds for the re-opening of the railway later this year (and both the rolling stock and Full Steam Ahead appeals are still open), but watch this space for details of specific fundraising to support the crane.

“Sincere thanks to Allister. His kind support is very much appreciated.”

And one of the railway enthusiasts later added:“Allister Boote told me that he was very happy to try and help us and that railways are very much in his blood - his father was a fireman based at Alsager shed.”