Branch summer social

On 10th July, 32 members and guests gathered for the annual summer social featuring two presentations, the first by Dr. Louise Moon of Transport for Wales about its plans for Railway 200 in 2025, the second by local resident Tony Wardrobe covering some of his photography from 1997 and 1998. There was the annual ‘shout out if you know or want to guess the answer’ quiz organised and partly set by chairman Jeremy Segrott. Dr. Moon told us that there will be a 200th anniversary campaign to celebrate the growth, innovation and renewal of the railway while inspiring a new generation of professionals to take part in rail’s exciting future. Working with industry professionals, communities, academia and museums, 2025 will see a range of activities and events taking place throughout TfW’s area. Tony Wardrobe presented some excellent slides featuring the railways in and around Cardiff and also heritage line images featuring locomotives which aren’t currently operational. It provided a salutary reminder of the decline of heavy industry in South Wales since 1997/98 and the many changes to the Cardiff skyline. The quiz touched on many themes, the most esoteric being images of cab interiors taken by the manager of Landore depot, we were invited to guess the various classes of locomotives and units and afterwards identify items of equipment and their purpose. It was a successful evening to end another good year for the branch.