Birkdale Signal Box Fire

THE Grade II listed Signal Box that is adjacent to Birkdale Railway Station, was seen billowing out smoke, shortly before midday, on 19 September 2019. 2 fire appliances attended to put a smouldering fire out and the incident was dealt with quickly. It thankfully also caused very little problems for the local area, especially as the crossing had been already closed for routine maintenance works, since Monday, 6 September 2019. British Transport Police later arrived to investigate the cause of the fire and they did not close the road, as some of the main stream media have reported. Train services were also only briefly delayed, but not stopped nor cancelled. We are told that the fire, thankfully, did not cause any major damage to the structure. It is of interest that the Signal Box was built in 1905 and was operational until right up to 1995 and it is still a much loved landmark

Therapy ponies' visit brings smiles all round

PATIENTS at both Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals this week enjoyed a visit from two tiny, beautiful therapy ponies. Wish upon a Star dropped into Ormskirk to spend time with the young patients on the children's ward and those waiting in A&E. Children waited nicely to take a turn stroking the tiny horse and to take her for a little walk. Blondie then dropped by Southport, where staff made an enormous effort to bring patients from the intensive care unit down the Garden of Reflection, to spend time with the therapy pony.

Juliette Cosgrove, head of nursing, midwifery and therapies explains:- "Having therapy animals meet our patients and staff really puts a smile on people's faces. One patient in particular had not really communicated with staff until she met little Blondie; it was the most anyone had seen her smile in sometime. We have recently been lucky to have therapy dogs visit on several occasions and they are really popular too, with staff and patients. But these little ponies were really something special. We look forward to seeing them again very soon."

The ponies were kindly brought to the Trust by KL Pony Therapy, and the Trust would like to say a heartfelt thank you for this.