by Osian, age 9 from Newport, Wales, asks Santa about the 2006 remake, the River Usk, and the Newport Transporter Bridge.
Dear Santa, my name is Osian, and I am nine years old. I live in Newport, Wales, where my tad says an unusual old bridge here actually carries cars across the river on a moving platform.
Dear Osian, a bridge that clever deserves a very curious flyover, your tad picked a truly inventive hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a 2006 film The Year Without a Santa Claus? My mam says there is a newer version besides the old cartoon one.
There is, Osian, a live-action version of that story was made in 2006, offering a fresh take on the same classic tale. Your mam is right, the story has been told more than once over the years.
My tad says Newport sits along the River Usk. Is that true?
It is true, Osian, the River Usk flows right through your city on its way to the Bristol Channel. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My tad says Newport’s Transporter Bridge is one of only a few working ones like it left in the whole world. Is that true?
It is true, Osian, the Newport Transporter Bridge is a rare surviving example of that unusual style of bridge, carrying cars across on a moving platform. That kind of clever old engineering, still working after all these years, is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Osian Pritchard
Newport, Wales
P.S. Do you ever ride the bridge platform yourself?
Only when the sleigh needs a rest, Osian, it makes for a rather relaxing crossing.
