Pontypool gala success as new shed opens

THE PONTYPOOL & Blaenavon Railway’s gala saw almost 500 passengers attending over the two days featuring the railway's operational steam fleet.

The new PBR carriage shed was opened on September 10 by Torfaen MS Lynne Neagle, in a ceremony attended by Deputy Mayor Coun Jackie Huybs, Coun Alan Jones and assistant chief officer Kerry Jones from Blaenavon Town Council.

Last year, the council awarded grants of £1000 to the PBR for personal protective equipment and the installation of fencing at Blaenavon High Level Station. The shed is dedicated to the memory of Eric Edwards, a long-standing volunteer who died a few years ago, but left a substantial legacy to the railway, some of which paid for the shed.

Alistair Grieve Posed outside the newly-opened carriage shed on September 12 during the PBR’S gala are (from left) Jessie, Empress, Rosyth 1 and 1219 Caledonia Works.