TRAVELS IN TIME

Your fine article on the ‘Heart of Wales’ line (September issue) brought back vivid memories of the day in December 1954 I set off from home in Gloucester. I travelled along a railway route via Ross long since disbanded – I recall we picked up a goat somewhere between Fawley and Ballingham – to Shrewsbury, HQ of Mid West District, to a posting as an Education Corps Sergeant (National Service). On arrival I was told that, with a name like Jones I should be posted to Manorbier – to my shame I’d never heard of the place! – and that I must catch the train to Swansea pronto.

I was mesmerised by the beauty of the route on that journey through mid Wales and round the Carmarthenshire coast to Pembrokeshire, reaching my destination late that night. I spent my service in Manorbier and Pembroke Dock attached to the Welch Regiment watching the Sunderland Flying Boats taking off in Milford Haven and developed a lifelong love of West Wales. What a place to spend one’s National Service – and I never forgot that glorious train journey across the country. Terry Jones , via email Author Rachael Stiles responds: It’s wonderful to hear that the article sparked such fond memories. I’d love to have taken that journey in the 1950s to see what it was like when the market towns were thriving and the countryside was alive with more wildlife. Thankfully, it’s still a mesmerising trip.