“Steam in South Wales in the 1960s” was the subject of Michael Clemens’ presentation on October 13th to 50members and guests. Also included were numerous images from the second half of the 1950s. Showing cine and still photographs from the Jim and Michael Clemens collection we were reminded how extensive and complex the rail network in South Wales was in those days. The sequence of still photographs took us west from Abergavenny to Carmarthen concentrating mostly on valley locations but also including Brecon and glimpses of the main line. Tickets purchased for the service trains and society specials used were also illustrated. BR steam in South Wales ended in 1965 but lived on throughout the decade at various collieries and we saw a number of these shunters including ex GW pannier tanks. The cine sequences took us to West Wales concentrating on the last BR steam special from Swansea hauled by the then unnamed Yiewsley Grange, followed by trips along the Newcastle Emlyn and Aberaeron branches off the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line. There was time at the end for us to join the last steam train from Glasgow to Mallaig in 1963. The idea of using four ex North British locomotives misfired because none were serviceable by the time the train reached Mallaig which meant diesel haulage back to Glasgow. However the fine weather allowed us to enjoy the magnificent scenery at its best.The subject matters and the high quality photography made it a first class evening for which we would like to thank Michael.
