The Talyllyn Railway – David Mitchell

The Talyllyn Railway by David Mitchell

David Mitchell, one time Managing Director of the railway, gave us a superb presentation with video and still images. He explained the beginnings of the line showing early owners and employees, some of whose names appeared on locos. We started with a delightful 1953 film ‘Heart of Gold’ showing the tasks ahead for early volunteers after the years of rundown.

This was followed by ‘stills’ showing the history of the line including locos and infrastructure prior to the 1950s. David explained how the railway evolved for the transportation of slate from Bryneglwys, high above Abergynolwyn and down to Towyn Wharf. As the slate industry declined the railway fell into disrepair and after a number of changes of ownership it was all but, mothballed - but never closed !

As we all know it became derelict and in the hands of Sir Henry Haydn Jones, until his death, aged 86 in 1956.

Enter Tom Rolt (the man who put our waterways back on the map)! Tom persuaded Haydn Jones widow to give up the land and what was left of the railway. Tom gained investment from Birmingham businessmen and volunteers enabling ‘The Talyllyn’ to be reborn. As they say “The Rest is History’.

We thanked David for a superb show who had able assistance from our digital wizard, Derek Huntriss.