Newbridge Road is to benefit as part of a £30m funding boost from the Welsh Government, which will help pay for its reinstatement following the landslip which has kept it closed since 2021.
* For the full story, see the Leader at:
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25035990.work-continuing-repair-newbridge-road-wrexham/
Clair Abbott from Cynwyd, Corwen is taking on pancreatic cancer – the deadliest common cancer – through a non-stop 630 mile hike around the South-West Coastal Footpath starting on Monday 14th April.
She is determined to raise much needed funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as support for those affected by the disease.
Clair has chosen to support the charity because she has lost both her mother and husband to the disease, as would like to raise funds and much needed awareness of symptoms!
Clair said: “I think this could make a huge difference. I originally planned to complete this challenge in 2023, in memory of my mum on the 30th anniversary of her passing. But in a cruel twist of fate, my darling husband Richard Abbott was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer early that year. Before he passed away in July 2024, he told me it was his wish that I continue as originally planned and complete this mammoth hike, not only to raise funds but to raise awareness.”
Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with more than half of people with the disease dying within just three months of diagnosis. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in 50 years – in stark contrast to the welcome progress made in outcomes for many other types of cancer.
Vague symptoms – including persistent indigestion, back or tummy pain, unexpected weight loss and changes to poo – mean pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages and, currently, there are no screening programmes or early detection tests to help doctors. Tragically, 80% of people are diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is taking on this devastating cancer by investing in ground-breaking research, and by supporting patients and their loved ones through its Support Line staffed entirely by specialist pancreatic cancer nurses.
Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful that Clair is supporting us and we would like to wish her the very best of luck.
“Tragically, 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are currently diagnosed too late to receive the only potentially life-saving treatment for the disease, surgery. Decades of underinvestment in research has meant that the odds of surviving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is no better now than it was 50 years ago.
"The funds raised by Clair will help us offer support to patients and families, invest in vital research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”
*If you would like to support Clair, you can do so at justgiving.com/page/clair-abbott-2
For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise
Llangollen Railway kicks of its 50th anniversary year in fine style with a spectacular Branchline Gala this weekend, on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April.
A packed timetable will see 4 steam and one diesel locomotive in use, including two visitors alongside the railway’s home fleet. This will include No 6880 “Betton Grange”, the 81st member of the famous Great Western Grange class, which was built from new by a group of enthusiasts.8
The project started at Llangollen in 1998 and much of the locomotive was built and assembled in the railway’s workshops. 6880 left the railway in 2018 and was then completed at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham, hauling trains for the first time in 2023. 6880 arrived at Llangollen last week and has been put straight into use on two enthusiast photo charters this week.
Also visiting is Class 14 diesel No D9525, another product of the Great Western Railway’s world-famous Swindon works. Built in 1964, this little loco was designed to haul short freight trains between towns and goods yards. Unfortunately, with great change taking place on the railways at this time, the engine was largely redundant by the time it was built, so it was sold on to the National Coal Board, who found plenty of work for her in the Northumberland coalfields until 1987. Nicknamed “Teddy Bears” by Swindon Works, the Class 14 is staying on the railway for the whole season.
The line’s home fleet of locomotives will contribute two more Swindon-built GWR steam locomotives – 1938-built 2-8-0 “Heavy Freight” No 3802 and 1930-built 0-6-0 “Pannier” tank No 7754. Former Austin Motor Company Longbridge factory shunter Kitson 0-6-0 ST "Austin 1” will also play a starring role. This was the first steam locomotive to work a public train at the railway in preservation, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary since members of the Flintshire & Deeside Railway Society began restoration work at a derelict Llangollen Station in September 1975.
Austin 1 worked the first public trains on a short piece of track in the station in 1981, using two suburban coaches and a brake van – which are also taking part in the event. Visitors will be able to book footplate rides on “Austin 1” between 11am and 1pm on each day of the event and can also travel in a special brake van train (limited capacity).
The 2025 Branchline Gala is the largest event that the railway has put on for 10 years. It has been organised by longstanding volunteers Iain Ross and Matt Davies, working with new Commercial Manager Nicola Reincke.
Iain said:“Creating the right theme for the Branch line gala in our 50th anniversary year was very important. Matt and I looked at various options; locos that originally worked the line and locos that have either visited or been based at Llangollen during Preservation. We concluded that a star attraction would be a loco built at Llangollen.
"Many thanks to the Betton Grange Society for allowing it to happen!” Matt Davies added “6880 was what got me involved as a volunteer at Llangollen over 20 years ago. Seeing her in steam for a test run last Saturday evening was a very special moment and I can’t wait to drive her on our line during the gala.”
Aside from the busy timetable of trains, visitors can also undertake shed tours of the Llangollen Motive Power Depot and see the incredible work that has been put in by volunteers to improve the facilities for locomotive overhaul and maintenance.
Two further Great Western locomotives under restoration will also be on display – No 5967 “Bickmarsh Hall” and Prairie Tank No 5332. 5532 will be on display outside of the locomotive shed for the first time in 30 years and it’s owning group are launching an appeal to raise the final £55,000 required to return her to steam for the first time since 1962.
The Sunday of the event will have a special South Wales theme, with all the locomotives carrying “target” headboards with letters and numbers that helped signalmen identify busy passenger trains leaving Cardiff bound for destinations like Newport, Swansea, Rhymney and Rhondda in the 1960’s.
Named express trains like “The Pembroke Coast Express” also sped passengers away from this busy part of Wales for places like Fishguard or Bristol. Betton Grange will carry these express headboards, which have been recreated and hand-painted by Iain Ross.
Real ale bars and shops will also be open at Llangollen, Glyndyfrdwy and Corwen stations along with food stalls. Berwyn Station café, recently voted one of the top 10 most beautiful railway stations in the world, will also be open.
Nic Reincke said: “I have been at the LR for 18 months and do not have a railway background but love being a part of our team. You can feel the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers over the last half century all around the railway and it gets into your blood. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to our Branchline Gala. Betton Grange will only be with us for a short time, so anyone wanting to take a trip with her needs to come along this weekend.
"Our team have worked extremely hard to get our railway ready for the biggest gala we have put on for many years. This is the first of several events we are putting on this year to celebrate our 50th anniversary. The railway has come such a long way in that time – from a few hundred yards of track to a 10-mile heritage railway with a brand-new station in Corwen, which was built by volunteers and opened in 2023.”
llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in a few days ...
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Ysgol Bryn Collen are doing a sponsored walk and colour run for Hope House Hospice on Thursday.
They are doing it in memory of Vicky Jones who died recently and was a parent, governor and vice chair of the school's PTFA.
The children are doing:
* Year 5/6 - walk around Llangollen
* Year 3/4 - loops of Plas Newydd
* Infants - walk around Pen y Coed Woods
* Nursery - around the school field
The PTFA are running the colour run in the afternoon for the whole school.
Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:
Q; I’m worried about my debt and rising bills, and I want to know what support is available. Do you have any advice on managing rising costs and what to do if you fall into debt?
A: With energy, water and broadband bills on the rise, it’s getting increasingly difficult for many people to cover their expenses. It’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and that financial support might be available to help ease the burden.
Checking benefits eligibility
A significant number of eligible people don’t claim the benefits that are available to them, so it’s important to understand what you’re entitled to. You may be able to claim benefits if, for example, you’re at working age and on a low income, you’re sick or disabled, are of State Pension age with a low income or no income, or if you’re a carer.
You can check the Citizens Advice website for information on what benefits you might be eligible for.
Reducing outgoings
If you claim benefits or are on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax. Discounts can also be given to students, those living with a carer, or people who live alone, to name some examples. If you have children and claim certain benefits, or are on a low income, you may qualify for free school meals, transport to school, or support with the cost of uniform.
Your local council may be able to help you pay for things like energy and water bills, food or other essential costs. This is called ‘welfare assistance' or the ‘Household Support Fund’. Each council runs its own scheme, so you’ll need to contact your local authority to see what type of support you can get.
To reduce other expenses, you may be able to switch to a cheaper broadband deal, get a water meter fitted, or access discounted travel options. Find out more about ways to get help, including advice on saving money heating your home, on the Citizens Advice website.
Creating a budget and prioritising bills
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can be very useful in helping you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. If you're behind on bills, you should prioritise paying rent, mortgage payments, Council Tax and energy bills, as these are known as 'priority' debts which have the most serious consequences if missed.
Once you’ve got priority debts under control, you should look at credit card or store card debts, missed Buy Now Pay Later payments or payday loans. Whatever debt you’re dealing
with, it’s important to speak to the person or company you owe money to as early as you can. You could show them a copy of your budget to let them know what your financial situation is and then see if there are any steps you can take to start dealing with your debt.
Just remember, there’s lots of help out there and you’re not alone. If you feel you need support with this, get in touch with your local Citizens Advice or another organisation like StepChange.
Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:
A539 O/S NUMBER 20 CASTLE STREET 07/04/2025 09/04/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights
OUTSIDE PROPERTY CALLED 'MAYTREE' FRON BACHE FRON BACHE 07/04/2025 09/04/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure
Hall Street, Llangollen 2/04/2025 17/04/2025 Gwaith Draenio / Drainage Works NMWTRA (DCC) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure
Llandyn Hall Farm Culvert TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 28/04/2025 23/05/2025 Gwaith ar Gylfat/ Culvert Works, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure
OPP 10 Regent Street JNC QUEEN STREET AND CHURCH STREET Llangollen LL2 BROOK STREET 19/05/2025 06/06/2025 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure
28 MILL ST MILL STREET 10/04/2025 10/04/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN
