Initial stage lottery success for Talyllyn developments

THE Talyllyn Railway (TR) has been successful in its initial application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for support towards developments at Tywyn Wharf and Pendre.

A full application will now be prepared for developments, including a heritage facility at Wharf to house and display the TR’s original carriages and wagons (RM Dec 2019).

The application will also encompass construction of new carriages to enable withdrawal of historic stock from daily use as well as increased volunteer accommodation.

Developments at Pendre, for which funding is being sought, include a new engineering works, replacement of the north carriage shed and conversion of the current (original) works into a heritage display area. The total project cost is expected to be in the order of seven figures.

The TR has for some time been looking at potential developments connected with its Pendre site. The options increased following the purchase early last year of two cottages in Frankwell Street, Tywyn, and associated land known as ‘The Orchard’ next to Pendre works site, followed by acquisition of the house known as ‘Trefri’, which adjoins the railway’s Tywyn Wharf terminus.

The two cottages are now being sold, with the TR retaining the ‘Orchard’ land. Pending development of its plans for the future, the TR has let ‘Trefri’ for a two-year term. The sale of the cottages will replenish funds to some degree.

Further fundraising efforts will centre on the tag Preserving our Past, Building a Future, the title of the NLHF application.

BARBARA FULLER The Talyllyn Railway managed to complete most planned trains chartered by David Williams between March 16-18 before deciding against public opening because of the coronavirus outbreak. The railway’s 0-4-2T No. 7 Tom Rolt pulls a mixed train into Rhydyronen, where the vista has been opened up following removal of some trees. The image also shows work in progress by the line’s hedge-laying team.