THE latest community news from Fairbourne

Locomotive birthday

STEAM train enthusiasts are going loco for an engine’s 40th birthday.

Fairbourne Railway’s locomotive Yeo is celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

Built in 1978 as works number 1078 by David Curwen as a half scale replica of a Lynton and Barnstaple Manning Wardle 2-6-2T, the loco first ran in France on the short-lived reseau Guerledan line in Brittany.

Fairbourne Railway’s publicity officer Graham Billington handed over a commemorative headboard to general manager Murray Dods in July.

The wording Yeo, Ruby Jubilee is a reference also to Yeo’s original name, Jubilee which the loco again carried during the 2012 season to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth the Second.

Hole in one

A GOLF club is enduring dramatic swings of fortune as it looks to bolster its membership figure.

Fairbourne Golf Club has been badly affected by both winter storms and unrelenting summer sun but one member still managed a notable achievement in parched conditions.

Mike Scott, vice chairman of the golf club, explained: “The club is suffering greatly this year through shortage of members and the course being closed over the winter due to weather conditions.

“Now we have conditions that are extremely difficult to play in due to the heat but this did not deter Susan Edwards obtaining a ‘hole in one’ last Saturday in a monthly competition.

“The golf club was formed in the mid 1890s and was resurrected by a willing band of volunteers in 1995 and still to this day is run mainly by volunteers.

“For those people that fancy having a go at golf, then the course is ideally suited to you as well as being a little challenging for the experienced golfers.

“The clubhouse is open during the season for refreshments and takes in the magnificent scenery of the Mawddach estuary whilst you are relaxing after your round of golf.

“If you do not have your own clubs and balls, these are available to hire for a nominal fee.”

For more information, please call 01341 250979.

Well-being shop

Friog and Fairbourne Village Hall will be hosting a ‘One-Stop Well-being Shop’ on Thursday, 12 July from 1pm-4pm.

A great opportunity to discover what facilities are available for you and your family.

Present will be the fire service, Stroke Association, Parkinson’s, Red Cross, RVS and Care and Repair.

There will be a chance to talk to agency workers and to get confidential welfare advice.

There will be a free cuppa, leaflets and other freebies.

Come along and see what’s on offer!

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]