Bala becomes firstWelsh line to return after lockdown!
THE Bala Lake Railway ( BLR) became the firstWelshheritage line to reopen following the Covid- 19 lockdownon Thursday, July9– and your deputy editor travelled on the line twodays later with his family.
The low- key reopening milestone was reached after alterations to rolling stock and the termini were carried out in order for staff, volunteers and visitors to be able to social distance.
BLR general manager David Jones said:“Wewanted tohave a ‘ soft’opening ahead of the school summer holidays.
“We are in such uncharted territory that it is important not only to exercise safe practice, but also to ensure everyone feels confident with the new safetymeasures. This was a good time to test out new procedures.”
News of the BLR’s reopening was confirmed a few days earlier following theWelsh Government’s relaxation of Covid- 19 restrictions for outdoor tourist attractions. Furthermore, Wales had lifted travel restrictions on July 6, allowing non- Welsh residents to cross the border on non- essential business – andWelsh residents to travel more than fivemiles from their homes.
Itinerary
During a routine catch- up withmy parents via video call on July 9, they asked where I thought they should visit at theweekend as they needed to‘ get out’. Much to their delight and surprise, I suggestedwe ( notethe keyword) travel on the BLR. Having not seenmy parents, who live inMontgomeryshire, for fourmonths almost to the day, it wasawonderful feeling to return tomy homeland to see them and to obtain a sorely needed‘ railway fix’.
In fact, it was the nearest thing to normalitywe’dhad for four months – a steam train trip, followedby lunch from a railway tea room, and a scenic drive, taking us out across the Berwyn mountains via Llangynog and home from Llanuwchllyn via Lake Vyrnwy.
I booked our tickets online on the Friday evening with ease. The process was intuitive. It generated a four- digit booking reference number to be presented to the guardon the day of travel. Adult return fares cost £ 12 each– withaminimum spend online being £ 20.
All journeys start and finish at Llanuwchllyn– with passengers required to occupy the same seat throughout.
Upon arrival at Llanuwchllyn to begin our journey, wewere greeted by one of the ever- friendly team, who explained the systems in place. Hand sanitising points and social distancing markers were in place around the site – remembering that at the time of writingWales, still has a two metre rule in place.
Llauwchllyn cafe and shop was open for take away refreshments with a one- way system inoperation. After our train trip, we enjoyeddelicious sandwiches, Welsh cakes and hot drinks on the platform.
In common with several other lines, the BLR is using Zoono, a long- lasting disinfectant surface sanitiser applied to the trains, cafe and toilets. It works differently to ordinary disinfectant and gives up to 30 days’protection from one application.
Zoono bonds to the surface to create a protective layer. This layer of tiny pins attracts pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The pathogen bursts like a balloon on contact, killing it. It doesn’t wipe off easily with rubbing or cleaning and continues to work.
Approved by the Australian Health Board, organisations it is used by in the UK include London Underground, Thameslink and the NHS.
Systems
In the saloon carriages ( those with doors at eitherend), some seatswere marked out of usetofacilitate safesocial distancing. Onone of the semi- open carriages, each compartmentwas available foruse, screens having been installed between them.
Hauled by Quarry Hunslet 0- 4- 0ST George B, we enjoyedour leisurely non- stop journey to Bala. While the locomotive ran round, wewere free to walk along the platformand take photographs.
In my mother’s words:“We felt safe, but it was also enjoyable– we didn’t feel like we’d entered a crime scene.”
Services for the remainder of the season will be handled by both George B and MaidMarian. The heritage centre at Llanuwchllyn is expected to reopenduring August.
Giving his reaction on the thirdday
of operation post- lockdown, David Jones told Heritage Railway:“Like all heritage lines, it’s been very tough over the last fewmonths. I’m glad we’re finally doing what we dobest – running trains to entertain the public.
“Since the announcement that outdoor tourist attractions could reopen, a lot of hardwork has gone into making the railway Covid- safe – including following ORR guidance, consulting and liaising with volunteers, and implementing all the changes necessary to operate safely in this new climate.
“I’ve been immensely grateful for the public’s support of our appeals and to our volunteers for all their input into things such as the virtual gala, our new ticketing system and with preparations for reopening after lockdown. It’s been nice to see people back on our trains.”
Reaction
Ailith Rutt, aguard, whotravels to volunteer at the BLR fromherhome in Birminghamsaid:“It’sgreat to be back out and about again. I’ve beenworking athomesince lockdownwas enforced. Crossing the border intoWalesagain wasawelcomefeeling.
“We’ve used online video tool Zoom to catch upwith fellow volunteers during lockdown, but it’s not the same as seeing them in person.
“I’ve found passengers have been very good about respecting the safe Covid- 19 systems, but they’re also enjoying themselves. We’ve had positive feedback about our online booking system too.”
Driver Peter Heywood said: “It’s great to get back into the swing of things. It’s so lovely to be here again. It’s definitely liftedmy spirits!”
Fireman David Rutt agreed:
“I’m delighted to be back here.
It’s wonderful!”
BLR Trust chairman Julian Birley, enthused: “It’s wonderful to be up and running again – and we’re delighted to be the first railway in Wales to do so. I’m pleased to report that passenger numbers are increasing day- by- day.
“We’re immensely grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a £ 40,000 grant ( as reported last issue) because therewas a strong possibility wewould have to face three winters on the trot.”
Extension
Asked about the latest on the BLR’s extension project, Julian replied: “Planning continues on the extension – the cost of the application alone so far has reached £ 140,000– asign of our commitment. By putting the railway back intoBala, it will lead to the regenerationof the economyand bring the railway, townand lake together.
“If anything, it’s now more important than ever for the extension to be constructed.
“I’m a great believer that in any crisis, there are always opportunities.” ➜ See also Next Stop, page 91.