Gweithdy workshop

The Gweithdy (workshop) at Minffordd is another unusual building to come into the competition. A well-known feature in Minffordd, it stands in the yard alongside the Ffestiniog Railway’s station, although it was not originally a railway structure. It started life 100 years ago as a chapel for the local community. This was not the first church to have been entered in the competition, as the ‘tin tabernacle’, aka the Midland Railway’s mission church that served its Westhouses MPD near Alfreton, was re-erected by the Midland Railway Centre at Swanwick Junction over 20 years ago. The Gweithdy chapel was bought in a dilapidated condition by the Ffestiniog Railway 25 years ago to serve as a workshop, and it was repaired and fulfilled that need. The railway’s highly regarded sign writing activities were based there until advancing decay made a thorough reconstruction of the building necessary. These structures were by nature temporary, but it was too important a survivor, as well as being part of Minffordd village’s heritage, to knock down and rebuild. Instead, the corrugated iron cladding was carefully removed (less needed replacing than was originally feared) and the timbers, both structural and cladding, were repaired or replaced as necessary, likewise the doors and windows. For these, use was made of long-lasting Accoya. Both the floor and roof needed thorough rebuilding and the opportunity was taken to modify access to suit current requirements. Insulation was also installed, along with updated electrics and kitchen facilities. For a long time, the project was masterminded by a long-standing member of the FR ‘family’, Mrs Eileen Clayton. Sadly, she died of a serious illness not long before it was completed. The renewed Gweithdy stands as a memorial to her as well as a useful community facility for the village and a base for railway activities. It brought home the Hendy & Pendle Trust Volunteers Award for the Ffestiniog Railway.