Railway takes official ownership of historic loco

* 03162 in Llangollen yard in the company of 31271 and 1566 in 2019. Photo by Robin Matthews.

* 03162 is seen working across the Duke Street swing-bridge on the road tramway section of the Birkenhead Docks Railway in the early 1980’s.

Llangollen Railway Trust has taken ownership of long-term resident Class 03 diesel-mechanical shunting locomotive Number 03162 from Wirral Council. 

This will allow fundraising for an overhaul and restoration project to commence immediately with a view to returning the locomotive to regular use as soon as possible.

Colin Simpson, Principal Museums Officer at Wirral Council, said “We are happy to transfer ownership of the loco to the Llangollen Railway Trust in acknowledgement of both the interest that has been expressed and the care that has been shown to 03162 over many years, and hope that they are able to use the loco to best effect."

The railway's Pete Edwards, who brokered the discussions with the council, said: “I first approached Colin back in 2019 regarding the loan status of 03162as it was becoming clear it was starting to deteriorate. 

"We are very grateful of Wirral Council’s recognition of the care we have provided to 03162 in the 33 years she has spent at Llangollen - longer than her original career with British Railways.

"Transfer of ownership to us presents a number of opportunities but first and foremost is the chance to embark on a restoration project to safeguard her future. 

"A fairly significant amount of work is required, so we are looking at a three to five year project with funding coming from donations. 

"We are well-aware of the loco’s popularity amongst enthusiasts and the much-needed revenue it could bring to the LR through use at our galas, driver experiences and enthusiast specials. It will also be a very useful addition to our shunter fleet.

Built in 1960 at Swindon Locomotive Works, 03162 has an interesting history. Along with classmates 03073 and 03170, in 1981 it was transferred to the Birkenhead Mollington Street Depot for use on both the Dock Railway and Merseyrail Electric Depot. 

When Mollington Street depot closed in 1985, the loco was transferred to Birkenhead North, repainted in as-built BR green livery with original number D2162 and inscribed “Birkenhead South 1879-1985”, to commemorate the closure ofher former home.

The Birkenhead 03s were often stabled at Duke Street and could be seen working at Cavendish and Pan Ocean sidings, the latter of which could not take the heavier Class 08. 

Railway operations on this part of the dock finally ceased in May1989 and the Birkenhead 03s were the last of the class in use on the mainland British Isles.

All three went on to be preserved and British Rail donated 03162 to Wirral Council’s Museum Service, who were developingthe Wirral Transport Museum & Heritage Tramway. 

As the museum was still some time off being able to receive the loco, it was loaned to the Llangollen Railway in 1989. 

Arriving in full working order, 03162 was quickly put to good use in North Wales, hauling engineering and works trains in support of the railway’s “Project X” extension to Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.

03162 remained a popular and useful member of the Llangollen Railway’s fleet, undertaking shunting work and putting-in popular appearances at diesel galas. 

The loco underwent routine maintenance and enjoyed a repaint back into BR blue livery in 2003.

Being in largely ex-BR condition and suffering from a worn final drive gearbox, the loco gradually fell out of regular use. It was last used to operate ballast trains on the Corwen extension in 2014, but has been in storage at both Carrog and Llangollen since then.

Pete added: “Now we have confirmed that Wirral Council no longer require 03162 for display at Birkenhead, we look forward to ensuring she is restored to fully operational condition. 

"All being well this will be in time for her to celebrate her 65^th birthday in fine style in 2025. 

"Anybody interested in supporting the restoration project through either donation of funds or practical support would be very welcome and can contact us through our website or Facebook page.”

 

Fringe announces two more acts for this year

* Talisk.

Organisers have announced two more acts for this year's Llangollen Fringe. 

The festival runs from Friday July 22 to Saturday July 30.

Appearing at Llangollen Town Hall on Wednesday July 27 is Talisk, described as "a ground-breaking, chart-topping, genre-bending, instantly enthralling".

The Fringe adds: "It's little wonder that Talisk rank highly amongst the most in-demand folk-based groups to emerge from Scotland in the last decade.

"Alongside extensive touring, and appearances at leading festivals across multiple continents, Talisk have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic, artfully woven sound. 

"Mohsen Amini, Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris fuse concertina, guitar and fiddle to produce an innovative, multi-layered signature that captivates audiences worldwide. 

"At its core, three seemingly acoustic instruments - in the hands of three master craftsmen; one unmistakable, bold sound and captivating live show."  

* Tickets are available here.

* Warmduscher.

Second act announced for the Town Hall on Friday July 29 is Warmduscher of whom the Fringe says: "Warmduscher have never taken to the term supergroup, but it’s safe to say that their unique, potent blend of raw musicianship, down ‘n’ dirty rock riffs and devil-may-care party attitude was borne from the union of Clams Baker and The Witherer of Paranoid London; Quicksand of Fat White Family; and Mr. Salt Fingers Lovecraft & Kid Whispers, hailing from Insecure Men."

Warmduscher's line-up is Clams Baker III - vocals, Benjamin Romans Hopcraft aka Mr Salt Finger Lovecraft - bass, Adam Harmer aka Quicksand - guitar, Marley Mackey aka Kid Whispers - keyboards, Quinn Whalley aka The Witherer - noises, Bleu Ottis aka Baby Bleu - drums.

* Tickets are available here.

Short breaks fund set up for unpaid carers in Wales

Unpaid carers of all ages are set to benefit from a short breaks fund after a £9m investment by the Welsh Government.

The scheme, which will benefit from funding for the next three years, will increase opportunities for unpaid carers to take a break from their caring role.

It will support unpaid carers in Wales to enjoy regular periods away from their caring responsibilities, in an effort to prevent burnout and boost their mental and physical wellbeing. 

It will help them to take part in hobbies or activities, including a chance to visit the gym, learn a new skill or de-stress by going for a walk or reading a book.

A short break could also be a trip away from home with family or friends and could also involve spending time with the person they support and care for.

Throughout the last two years of the pandemic many carers have struggled to take breaks to help them cope with the pressures of their caring responsibilities.

Restrictions during lockdown have limited where they can go and what they can do, and also meant carers were unable to access support from family and friends, leading to further fatigue and, in some cases, pushing them near to breaking point.

Taking a break, whether through support, a service or having an experience, can help unpaid carers cope with stresses and strains, helping to provide much needed rest, enjoy activities they have been unable to do and complete other day to day tasks.

It can also help them to catch-up with family and friends.

A survey of more than 700 unpaid carers found 7 in 10 carers have been unable to take any breaks since March last year.  

Another survey of 1,500 unpaid carers also found more than half had to give up on hobbies or personal interests because of their caring role.

This new short break scheme, which will be co-ordinated by a third sector organisation working with others across the public and third sector, will enable more unpaid carers across Wales to have access to the right break for them, at the right time.

Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan said: "I know a lot of unpaid carers have struggled to access short breaks during the pandemic and how this has impacted on them.

"We’re investing in this respite and breaks scheme as we recognise how important these short breaks are from their caring responsibilities, supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing, and how they can have a positive impact on their lives.

"We want to make it easier for unpaid carers of all ages across Wales to access a break and by working together we believe this is the most effective way to do so."

llanblogger tries out railway's drive-a-train experience

* Phil Robinson at the controls of the old 08 loco.

Llanblogger's Phil Robinson samples Llanollen Railway's Driver-for-a-Fiver experience 

Like lots of young boys I imaged myself one day as a driver of a train speeding along the country’s permanent way.

And yesterday morning I had the chance to do just that as I got a slice of trackside action with Llangollen Railway’s current Driver-for-Fiver offer.

The aim is to allow budding Casey Joneses to take the controls of a vintage diesel engine for a short chug on the famous Dee Valley line over the Easter weekend and beyond for just £5.

The venerable machine being used to provide a taste of what it’s like to be in command on the footplate is a 66-year-old shunting locomotive that can usually be found doing unglamorous jobs like moving locomotives and carriages around in sidings.

The Class 08 diesel-electric engine number 13625 affectionately nicknamed 'Gronk' due to the distinctive noise made by its 350hp English Electric diesel engine, was built in 1956 at Derby Locomotive Works as a plaque on the side says. 

According to Mike Williams a longstanding volunteer guard and Board Member for Operations at the railway, the 08, as she’s also known, had quite a hard life while working out of the Great Western Railway’s Cardiff depot before rattling into another tough career as the chief workhorse at Llangollen heritage railway around 30 years ago.

Mike explained that 08 spent lockdown handling a wide variety of heavy chores on the local line and actually won the distinction of being the first loco to run buffer to buffer from Llangollen to the new Corwen terminal of the line after the rails were finished being laid.

The first Driver-for-a-Fiver services ran on Saturday and drew quite a deal of business despite the grim weather.

Things were much drier, brighter and busier on Day Two yesterday when I went along at the invitation of railway bosses.

The idea is for people who fancy it to turn up and register for their ‘go’ on the footplate and by late morning a queue was forming on the platform with both young and not-so-young would-be drivers.

My instructor was Charlie Brook who has been driving the old 08 for the past seven years and has also had plenty of experience in charge of the railway’s steam engines.

Stepping up onto the open ‘cockpit’ he invited me to take a seat on a little stool on the side of the big control panel, which looks like something from a submarine with all its array of heavy metal and brass knobs, levers and switches.

It’s all a bit daunting until Charlie runs through things and explains that novices like me only have to deal with a few of these to get things underway and, more importantly, bring them to a safe halt again.

There’s a large brass direction lever which is pulled back or forward to get 08 moving ahead or in reverse.

There’s then a purposeful-looking power lever to pile on the speed – maximum is only 15mph - the air brake, operated by a big handle painted in red just above your head and, most important and fun of all, the whistle which you sound by tugging on a chain to let the outside world know you're heading in its direction.

Just like the driving instructor for a car, Charlie has duplicates of all the same controls easily to hand in case he’s called upon to take over in an emergency, which thankfully he didn’t have to do for me.

Under his watchful eye I pulled all the right controls at the appropriate times and got us safely a little way up the line and back again, all within an action-packed 10 minutes.

The only surprise is that although you have to apply a little power to get things going at a reasonable rate as you head towards Corwen due to the slight gradient on the line, hardly any ‘gas’ is needed in the opposite direction as you coast back into Llan station.

Obviously, they don’t let a complete amateur drive the engine with any passengers aboard and both the carriages we are hauling today - one closed and the other open-topped - are reassuringly empty.   

The whole thing was lots of fun and, if I hadn’t spent my entire career doing something else, well who knows?

Apart from its stints as a training vehicle, the 08 is also working a new and shorter shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn Stations, which will operate between the three daily steam and diesel trains that run between Llangollen and Carrog.

Mike Williams who said: “I’ve spent a lot of time working on the 08 over the last year. The old girl really has been invaluable to us, shunting our yards and also hauling the works trains to get our railway back in business. 

"It’s a popular loco that doesn’t get much use on public trains and we’re often asked when there might be a chance to sample a ride behind it. Well, now people can – and they can even have a go at driving it too!”

Driver-for-a-Fiver is aimed at everyone aged over 12 and under 16s who must be accompanied by an adult .

The experience is available between 11:20-12:05, 13:15-14:15 and 15:35- 16:15. Tickets can be purchased on the day. 

With a return journey time of 50 minutes, the Berwyn Shuttle allows those looking for a shorter trip the chance to travel to the beautiful Berwyn station in the scenic Dee Gorge. 

There is a station tearoom and it is also possible to take a walk to the Chain Bridge or nearby Horseshoe Falls and return back to Llangollen on a later train if desired. 

Departures from Llangollen are 10:20, 12:15, 14:30 & 16:30, with returns from Berwyn at 10:50, 12:16, 12:45, 14:26, 15:00, 16:31 & 17:00. 

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £5 for a child and £7.50 for seniors, purchasable from Llangollen station on the day. 

Mike added: “The rolling stock the shuttle will use is also interesting and quirky, adding a bit of character to the experience. 

"There is a converted open freight wagon, which has seating and a canopy. Travelling in this is a real outdoor experience and you’ll be able to hear the river as well as see it. 

"There is covered accommodation for the less adventurous – a converted LNER pigeon van, which is fully enclosed but with nice, large windows. This vehicle is nearly 100 years old and was built to carry racing pigeons around the country. 

"Don’t worry though, it’s had a lot of work done on it since then to make it suitable to carry people, including those who have mobility issues."

The events will run in April on Sat 16th, Sun 17th and Mon 18th, Sat 23rd and Sun 24th and Sat 30th. In May they will run on Sun 1st & Mon 2^nd.

* Phil with instructor Charlie Brook. Pictures by Jeanette Robinson.

* Above and below: the Class 08 diesel-electric engine number 13625 being used for Driver-for-a-Fiver.  

New Dot Cinema brings Disney Magic to the town hall

New Dot cinema are set to bring Disney's Encanto to the big screen in Llangollen Town Hall this Easter weekend.

The film will be the first family matinee screening, with New Dot volunteer, Jen Rush, explaining "This is quite different to our usual events, but after the last couple of years - which have been so difficult for families and children - we really wanted to offer the community something fun and uplifting for all ages."

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto.

The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

The volunteer-led cinema will also be putting on a £1 tuck shop for the occasion, with soft drinks, hot drinks and sharing bags of sweets and popcorn for just £1 each.

When? Saturday 16th April 2022

Time? Doors open at 2PM, film begins at 2.30PM.

Where? Llangollen Town Hall

Tickets: £5 per person / £18 Family Ticket (4 people - adults or kids!)

Click here to buy your tickets

Next week's work planned for 2020 project

Work planned for week starting April 11 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

• Begin paving Yorkstone around Town Hall
• Remove lamp columns on the west side of the bridge.
• Three-way traffic management to remain on the bridge but removed by Thursday evening for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
• Complete drainage works on n
  
  
  
  orth side of Abbey Road and Mill Street.

Welsh Government provides £2.8m to repair collapsed Newbridge road

* Ken Skates (centre) with campaigners Frank Hemmings (left) and Derek Wright at the site earlier this year.

Work to repair a collapsed road between Cefn Mawr and Chirk could get under way soon after the Welsh Labour Government announced further major funding of £2.8m to Wrexham Council. 

The Welsh Government had already awarded Wrexham Council £175,000 for ‘ground investigation and detailed design of remedial works’ for the B5605 at Newbridge, which suffered a landslip following severe storms last year. 

And after the council submitted a bid for more money from the Welsh Government in late February, Ministers have now confirmed funding to repair and reopen the road. 

Ken Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, welcomed the news after pushing for action alongside local campaigners Frank Hemmings and Derek Wright. 

He said: “I’m thrilled that the Welsh Labour Government has approved Wrexham’s bid for further major funding to resolve this issue. It’s caused major problems locally, and a great deal of frustration, but after thorough and necessary investigations this is the news we wanted. 

“I’d like to thank the First Minister for taking a personal interest in this matter, and Minister Lee Waters for providing Wrexham Council with such a significant sum of money to fund the work.” 

In response to Mr Skates’ most recent representations to Welsh Government on the issue, the Minister said: “I am pleased to advise that we have awarded funding of £2.805m to Wrexham County Borough Council from the Resilient Roads Fund for the remedial works.”

Mr Skates also praised Frank Hemmings, Derek Wright and David Bithell for their work on the issue.

He added: “I'm pleased that by working together – instead of trying to score political points – we have been able to help secure this vital funding for our area.” 

Mr Hemmings said: “This is fantastic news for people in Chirk and further afield. This has been a huge headache for local people and has caused a lot of disruption and inconvenience, and I’m really grateful to the Welsh Government for approving the council’s funding application.

“As a B-road it’s actually the council’s responsibility to repair it, but given the level of funding needed we were reliant on the Welsh Government. I’m delighted they have delivered for our area.”

Mr Wright said: “The road is a vital link between our communities and the closure has left some people, particularly those without their own transport, cut off. We have been on and on about this to Ken, and I know he’s been doing the same with Welsh Government.

“This is a massive win for our area and I’m really pleased the repairs can now go ahead.”