Cymdeithas TeithwyrRheilffordd CanolCymru

Heart of Wales LineTravellers’

Association

In This Issue...In This Issue...In This Issue...In This Issue...In This Issue... It’s All Go at Pantyffynnon ... 14Chronicles of LlangadogStation volume 9 ... ... 18News From HoWL Forum ... 20HoWL Passenger Survey ... 21A Word from the Chairman... 24

Lineside Information Signs... 3Friends of LlandoveryStation - an Update... ... 5HoWL Walk No. 4 ... ... ... 10Charter Train News ... ... 12

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Number 127

HOHOHOHOHOWLWLWLWLWLTTTTTAAAAA

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERWWWWWinter 2014inter 2014inter 2014inter 2014inter 2014

Where HoWL’s Sprinters jointhe big boys. No. 153312providing the 09.17 Swansea- Shrewsbury train at CheneyLongville on 23rd November2014. [Photo © Stephen Miles]

2 HOWLTA Newsletter

Coming Along the LineComing Along the LineComing Along the LineComing Along the LineComing Along the LineHere are some more dates for your diary of events taking place laterthis year that can be reached from the HoWL30th March 2014Last day of free travel on HoWL thisyear for bus pass holders28th April 2014Copy date for Spring HOWLTAnewsletter17th & 18th May 2014Royal Welsh Spring Festival at Llanelwydd(buses from Builth Road)14th June 2014Man v. Horse Marathon at Llanwrtyd Wells21st to 24th July 2014Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwydd (buses fromBuilth Road)29th July 2014Copy date for Summer HOWLTAnewsletter

From the Editor’s Desktop

8th to 9th August 2014Shrewsbury Flower Show8th to 25th August 20142nd World Alternative Games at LlanwrtydWells23rd to 31st August 2014Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival (tbc)20th September 2014HOWLTA AGM at Llanwrtyd Wells27th to 28th September 2014Llandovery Sheep Festival27th October 2014Copy date for Autumn HOWLTAnewsletter1st to 2nd December 2014Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwydd(buses from Builth Road)

This could turnout to be a veryexciting and sig-nificant time forthe Heart ofWales Line.

And this is reflected in some of the itemsin this issue of the Newsletter.We may well be on the verge of seeingsome new and encouraging develop-ments along our line. Developmentsthat, if they are indeed fulfilled, couldwell begin the long-overdue transforma-tion of using it into a much more pleas-urable, useful and worthwhile experi-ence.George Scarfe’s item on ProposedLineside Information Signs (pp. 3-4), if

implemented as outlined, will help en-courage tourism along the line. DavidEdward’s report (p. 20) of meetingswith the Minister responsible aboutgetting a better service all round on theHoWL also includes encouraging signsabout more frequent services, improv-ing visibility along the line for travellers,and even running a regular, dedicatedtrain for tourists.Remember, what do we need.....?

“We need more trains, fastertrains, comfortable trains...toserve the local community”

Peter Berry

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Map English Welsh Approx.Ref Version Version Location

1a WELCOME TO WALES CROESO I GYMRU 13m 31c nearWhitterleys

1b WELCOME TO ENGLAND CROESO I LOEGR Crossing,Knighton.

2 KNUCKLAS VIADUCT TRAPHONT CNWCLAS N end at 15m 06clength - 190 yards hyd - 190 o lathenni S end at 15m 19c

3 LLANGUNLLO TUNNEL TWNNEL LLANGYNLLO N end at 17m 76clength - 647 yards hyd - 647 o lathenni S end at 18m 31c

4 SUMMIT OF LINE COPA’R LEIN 18m 37c980 feet above sea level 980 o droedfeddi uwnh-

ben lefel y mor5 PENYBONT TUNNEL TWNNEL PENYBONT N end at 27m 67c

length - 190 yards hyd - 190 o lathenni S end at 28m 12c

6 SUGAR LOAF SUMMIT COPA DINAS Y BWLCH 50m 67c820 feet above sea level 820 o droedfeddi uwnh-

ben lefel y mor7 SUGAR LOAF TUNNEL TWNNEL DINAS Y BWLCH N end at 50m 76c

length - 1001 yards hyd - 1001 o lathenni S end at 51m 48c

8 CYNGHORDY VIADUCT TRAPHONT CYNGHORDY N end at 53m 59clength - 283 yards hyd - 283 o lathenni S end at 53m 76c

Proposed Lineside Information SignsHOWLTA is currently discussing with NetworkRail proposals which its Committee has madefor the erection of lineside information signsat eight significant sites on the Heart of WalesLine between Knighton and Llandovery.

At five of the sites, the signs will give basicinformation about notable engineeringstructures which exist there. These structuresare the viaducts at Cynghordy and Knucklasand the tunnels at Sugar Loaf, Penybont andLlangunllo/Llangynllo. See below for thesuggested wording of these signs.

The signs will be positioned at each end ofeach of the viaducts and tunnels named aboveand will be angled at about 45 degrees to

make them readily readable from the train.

The remaining three sites are:

--The place where the border betweenEngland and Wales crosses the Line, that is,a point situated about one mile north-westof Knighton Station - on a stretch of theLine in the Teme Valley extending towardsKnucklas known as ‘The Whit terleysStraight’;

--The overall summit of the Line (knownhistorically as Llangunllo Summit) which liesat a point about 200 yards south of thesouthern portal of Llangunllo /LlangynlloTunnel and

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< A selection of the proposed lineside informationsigns - the real ones would be approx. 6ft wide and 2fthigh, possibly with coloured backgrounds.

The sketch map below shows the locations for theproposed lineside information signs. V

Shrewsbury

N

Craven Arms

Knighton

LlandrindodWells

Llandovery

Llandeilo

Not to Scale

Llanelli

32 1a/1b4

86/7

5

Swansea

--The summit of the Line between LlanwrtydWells and Llandovery (known as Sugar LoafSummit) which lies at a point about 50 yardssouth-west of Sugar Loaf Halt.

At Llangunllo/Llangynllo Summit and atSugar Loaf Summit, two signs will be placedback to back in a ‘V’ formation and angledtowards the track so that the informationmay be read by passengers travelling in eitherdirection. At the border between Englandand Wales, there will again be two signs in a‘V’ formation but the wording which south-west bound passengers will see will be a bi-linguel Welcome to Wales, whereas thewording which north-east bound passengerswill see will be Welcome to England.

The signs themselves will be composed ofaluminium and plastic materials and will bemounted on metal poles. All the signs willbe bi-lingual. The style of lettering on thesigns will be close to that used by the formerLondon and Nor th Western Rai lwayCompany (LNWR) which between 1868 and1922 operated that part of the Line wherethe signs are to be sited.

It is hoped that these signs will be a focalpoint of interest for local passengers andvisitors alike for many years to come.

George Scarfe

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FFFFFriends ofriends ofriends ofriends ofriends of Llando Llando Llando Llando Llandovvvvvery Staery Staery Staery Staery Stationtiontiontiontion

of wonderfully tempting delicacies preparedby Joan Snaith and her daughter Tina wereon offer to warm the inner woman (and oneor two emboldened men as well!).

The Waiting Room then closed for the Winterbreak, but did not lay idle. Mike Blud andGlyn Evans took the opportunity to refreshthe wooden floor, firstly by sanding it downonce again and then applying a good newcoat of protect ive wax oi l. Our ladyvolunteers then gave the whole place an earlySpring Clean, with the result that a brightand shining room was ready to welcometravellers at the beginning of January.

This is a suitable moment to look back atwhat has happened at the Station over thelast few months. Firstly, perhaps, it is pleasingto note that the gardens are gradually

The suitabi lity of the Wait ing Room atLlandovery Station for Arts and CraftsExhibitions, with its clear l ight anduncluttered walls, was seen to its fullestextent over the Christmas period. Novembersaw us hold our now customary pre-ChristmasArt Exhibition, displaying a variety of seasonalscenes from Lon Owen and Marilyn Evans:and this was closely followed by a wide-ranging display of woven items created bythe students of Glasallt Fawr, Llangadog.Finally came the display of the art workwhich was entered for our traditionalChristmas Art Competition for local schools.The theme for this year was The TwelveDays of Christmas, and participants couldenter work devoted to one or more of thesedays. Unfortunately, however, and for reasonsstill to be identified, we received far fewerentries than for previous years’ competitions,and equally mystifying, we received no entriesin the 3D models section, such as card, clay,pottery, and papier mâché. We did, however,receive good support once again from YsgolRhys Prichard, with the overall winner, chosenas always by Mr. and Mrs. David Gealy,adjudged to be Megan Davies, of Yr. 5, whois a regular participant in our competitionsand whose artistic talents are becomingincreasingly recognised.

It was similarly surprising to find that veryfew children turned up this year to welcomeFather Christmas to the Station as he arrivedon the Lapland Express from the north at 430pm on Friday 21st December. But for thosefaithful souls who did attend, there were, asusual, presents and mince pies on offer anda blazing log fire (lovingly created, as alwaysby Reb!) to warm both heart and body. Theevening then merged seamlessly into ourVolunteers’ Christmas Party, where a host

Father Christmas at Llandovery Station.[Photo © Glyn Evans]

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maturing and are coming closer to the planthat we have in mind. The beech hedge nowseems to be established, and should growwell next year: Spring should bring wealth ofcolour from the host of bulbs that have beenplanted, firstly from a generous and variedcollection of bulbs sent to us by Arriva TrainsWales, and also from an unexpected but verywelcome gift from Ystrad Nurseries: the shrubbed is maturing quickly and should really bean impressive sight next Summer, while thethree fir trees which we have had felled havereally opened up the centre of the gardensand will create more light for our raisedvegetable beds. Two more remain to be felled,and we will then be looking for someenterprising wood carvers to transform thebare stumps into wooden statues – perhapsof Aztec gods or South Sea Island heads! Itwould seem that tree-stump carving is anincreasingly popular part of Young Farmers’activities in Wales, and we would be pleased

to hear from anyone who will lend us a handhere. We have had a strong new woodshederected in the gardens in the Station car park,where we have also placed a compost bin toreceive the biodegradable waste from the café,but at present the violent winds of winterare threatening the success of this particularinitiative – with the bin being carried awayon a number of occasions! The Hosta bedsshould also mature nicely next Summer, andperhaps we will be able to persuade HRHPrince Charles to come and cast his eye onthis, his most favoured of garden plants, whileon his annual holiday in Wales.

A further cause for satisfaction is the growthof the Llandovery Model Railway Club. Wehave a steady number of twelve or moremembers at our monthly meetings, and theycome from places along the HoW line as fardispersed as Swansea and Llandrindod. Goodprogress is being made with the constructionof two layouts in the upstairs rooms, one in00 gauge and one in N gauge, while theconstruction of our retro Hornby-Dublo 3-rail layout has received much attention andpraise. Access to individuals to come andwork on the developing layouts, and evento play trains, is usually available to membersduring the day, and our formal meetings areheld at 7pm in the Station Waiting Roomon the first Thursday of every month. Wewish to place on record our appreciation forthe items of railwayana which have beengiven to us over the last year or so, includingthe recent gift from the Thurgate family of aMamod steam traction engine of 1950’svintage, which Treasurer Alan Thomas hassuccessfully returned to (albeit intermittent!)working order.

As we go to press, we are delighted to recorda new initiative of the Club, and one whichhas tremendous potential for the future. EveryJanuary, Mr. and Mrs. Mike O’Shea go on aCollege pupils create a hosta bed.

[Photo © Glyn Evans]

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A model view of Cynghordy Station.[Photos © Glyn Evans]

well- deserved holiday after elevenmonths of constant work in the Caféand their other outlets in theLlandovery Craft Centre. This means,of course, that business is very quietfor the two other businesses in theCentre, Raven Scale Models and theFlorists. So this year, with Mike’s fullapproval, Sarah and Andrew haveorganised an at tract ive ModelExhibit ion in the Centre, whichincludes some hugely impressive modelaircraft made by local enthusiasts andtwo very interesting layouts from the

the Hornby-Dublo 3-rail layout of 1950’svintage, created by Austin Shackles and DavidWilliams. This is an excellent co-operativeventure, and we look forward to its futuredevelopment.

Sadly, on a less welcome note, we must voiceour concern at the amount of dog-mess weare finding in the garden. We hope all dog-walkers are responsible people, but to see apile of dog-mess in the grass, or in littleblue-bags in the hedge, or even in a littleblack bag securely tied to the railings, is verydispiriting, and all the more so when it iswell known that children make use of thegarden both to play and to grow vegetables.We appeal to all dog-walkers to showconcern for other people in this matter.

Finally, our warmest thanks go to JoanSnaith, our indefatigable Treasurer and Maid-of-all-Work. Joan has now officially retiredfrom her work with a firm of solicitors inLlandeilo, and to celebrate this momentoustime in her life has embarked on a worldcruise. Joan has been the most stalwart ofworkers on our Commit tee, and ful lydeserves her long moment in the sun. Wewish her Bon Voyage! Glyn Evans

Llandovery Model Railway Club, one by LenElliott showing Cynghordy Station as it wassome fifty years ago, and the other being

Model Aircraft display

Vintage Hornby-Dublo layout

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From the Passenger’s Pointof View further 21 stops on request. In addition,

on the CWL there are 4 severe speedrestrictions at level crossings and one ata river bridge, none of which are atstations

Then there is the thorny issue of thestark difference in passenger facilities ontrains on the two lines. Here are someof the main issues:

on trains via Cardiff there is air-conditioning, but CWL trains are not air-conditioned. Instead, as soon as onlyone droplight window is opened(especial ly in mid-w inter!), thetemperature in the coach plummets

on the trains via Cardiff, there aresliding doors between the passengersaloons and the external doors, so thatwhen the latter are opened, passengersare not subjected to draughts. CWLtrains do not have such comforts – again,we freeze!

the Cardiff route has cateringtrolleys – except for one morning trainbetween Swansea and Llanwrtyd andback (and then not consistently in myexperience), we do not

there are on-train cleaners on theCardiff route – needless to say such

A passenger’s perspective ofthe Central Wales Line

by 73097The other day I caught the 15.40 trainfrom Shrewsbury to Swansea via Cardiff.I’d missed the 14.04 via the CentralWales Line ( I can’t call it the Heart ofWales – it grates!) and did not have thetime or patience to wait for the 18.05.On the journey, I began musing on theuphill task HOWLTA faces in persuadingpeople to use the CWL as a throughroute: I wonder if you will agree withme?

Overall, the 15.40 is timed to arrive inSwansea at 18.38. By comparison, the14.04 leaves 96 minutes earlier butarrives only 21 minutes earlier – yet theCWL is 32 route miles shorter than theCardiff route!

Secondly, trains run at least hourly onthe Cardiff route but – as we all knowonly too well – there are 4 to 5 hourgaps in the “service” via the CWL

The 15.40 via Cardiff has 11 compulsoryintermediate stops, no request halts andno severely speed re stricted levelcrossings. In contrast, passengers on the14.04 via the CWL, while alsoexperiencing 11 compulsoryintermediate calls on the way toSwansea, also have to endure up to a

ADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREA 1/16th page advert like this costs just£15 for one issue (or £40 for a year).See page 29 for full advertising rates.

9HOWLTA Newsletter

Cynghordy Viaduct [Photo © Ray Jones]

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stalwarts are not seen on our line

most trains on the route via Cardiffare formed of class 175 diesel units,which give passengers ample legroom.In contrast, the class 153 units whichform most of our trains are ver ycramped to say the least. Possibly theironly advantage over the 175s is that theyhave more capacious luggage racks!

So – what can we conclude from thiscomparison of the two routes? In myview it shows that HOWLTA is absolutelyright to keep on hammering home themessage that we must have

MORE TRAINS - BETTERTRAINS - FASTER TRAINS

Only if radical improvements are madeon each of these fronts will we see astep change in the number of passengersusing our line for long distance journeys.HOWLTA exists to put pressure on therail industry and – especial ly – the

polit icians to make sure that th ishappens

What do you think?

10 HOWLTA Newsletter

Heart of Wales Line Walk No 4Arath. The old wall onyour left marks theboundary of CrymlynManor Estate

As the slope evens outyou arrive at the small Sunday schoolbuilding and the Chapel at Pont BrenArath 2 now sadly no longer used. Thetrack meets the main Ffair fach toBethlehem Road and, at the bridge, turnleft towards Llandeilo and it isapproximately 1.6 miles to the first PROsign on the right just past the farm (GR639225). This will take you across thefields and back to the suspension (KingsBridge) and to the station.

This route has more road walking than Iwould like but rights of way are difficultin the Towy Valley and it’s a good walkin muddy conditions.

Notes :1. Built in 1911 to commemorate thecoronation of George V, it was originallynamed the King’s Bridge but latterly hasbeen called the swing bridge. If you walkdown the short path behind the railwaystation you will find the shaky suspensionbridge spanning the Towy and providinga convenient way across to theBethlehem road. Kingfishers cansometimes be seen down here by theriver.

2. Pont Bren takes its name from thewooden bridge which was nearby. TheBaptist movement was started in the

A Walk from Llandeilo RailwayStationCircular walk of 7.7km (4.7 miles).Explorer Map Sheet No. 188. Allwalks are on public Rights of Way(PROW)At the Llandeilo Station (GR 6352270),on the Heart of Wales line, cross theline (with care) and take the (muddy) trackto the bridge over the Towy 1 (GR635225). Cross, keeping a look out forot ters who have a holt upstreamalongside the railway track. Walk rightalong the river (downstream) to the road(GR 637221) and left towards Bethlehemto the PROW sign on the right (GR637223) over the grid and past thehouse to join a rough lane. Turn left onthis lane to join the road to Gwynfe (GR622225). Follow this uphill for one anda half a miles to a sharp right hand bend(GR 666228) and a signpost‘Maesydderwen’. Turn left and in ahundred yards go left downhill at firston tarmac and then a rough track. Thisis a byway open to all traffic and the oldtarmac can be seen in places. It’s a lovelytrack with views over the Towy Valleyand to the right down to the Arathstream and waterfalls (GR 663237) (takecare if you go to the viewpoint to lookdown on the river, as the slopes aresteep). Keep a lookout on the right asbefore the track steepens there is a verylarge badger set on the right and thereare badger runs down to and across the

11HOWLTA Newsletter

area in 1794 by William Morris (whoseparents lived in a mill at Capel Tydist),f ir st by rent ing the old barn atLlwynmendy (now converted into aprivate house). This was used until 1840when the Baptist cause was strongenough to build, in 1864, the chapel atPont Bren (otherwise Pontbren) Arath inits present form at a cost of £500. Thesmall building adjacent to the Chapel wasthe Vestry built in 1963 at a cost of£200. Outside the Chapel is an oldmillstone brought down from the oldmill.

Before the Chapel was built thecongregation used to cross the Towy onstilts to attend the Chapels at Cwmiforand Taliaris to services.

Walks are designed by the DinefwrRamblers Group. Contact GeoffWilliams (tel. 01558-822960)

HoWLRoadRoute (on path)Route (on road)Point of interest

○ ○ ○ ○

Not to scale To BethlehemN waterfall

RiverTowy

ToGwynfe

Llandeilo

To Fairfach

1

2

PHOTOS FROM THE FIFTIESThis collection has been managed since 1972 by

HOWLTA member Hugh Davies and is operated on anon-profit making basis on behalf of 12 photographerswho explored the railways and tramways of the UK,

Ireland, the Isle of Man and Europe from 1947 to1967. Black & white postcard size prints are 60p each.

Lists cost 40p each and thefollowing cover lines in Wales

List BRE - British Railways in Brecknock and RadnorList CAR - British Railways in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and

Southern CardiganshireList GLA - British Railways in Glamorgan

List IND - Standard gauge Industrial Railways in Great BRitainList MIL - Military and Government Railways in the UK

List MON - British Railways in MonmouthshireList NG - Narrow gauge railways in Great Britain

List NWL - British Railways in North WalesList SHB - Railways in Shropshire and the Welsh Borders

List TRA - Tramways and Non-BR Electrified lines in Great Britain

Please add 70p for postage for every three lists.Payment in postage stamps is accepted.

Cheques should be made payable to HughDavies, and sent to 32 Charterhouse Road,

Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AQ

12 HOWLTA Newsletter

Charter TrCharter TrCharter TrCharter TrCharter Train Neain Neain Neain Neain NewswswswswsCharter Trains Planned to run along HoWL during 2014Compiled from information provided by George Scarfe (last updated to 1st February 2014)

News Along the LineLlandrindod Street MarketPlans are afoot to reinstate this ancientevent (Cefn Llys has had a marketcharter since the 14th century). The firstmarket will take place from 9am to 4pmon Thursday, April 10th in MiddletonStreet, and after that it will be heldweekly.

For further details people should contactAnne-Marie on 07504-597214 or emailderekgibbons@mail.com

National Cycle MuseumThe Nat ional Cycle Museum inLlandrindod will be holding an OpenDayand sale of surplus cycles and partson Saturday, 24th May. Entry will be freeof charge. For details of the museum seehttp://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk

The Museum is also keen to hear fromvolunteers and Freda Davies will behappy to hear from anyone who wouldlike to assist. Her number is 019938-552817

Saturday 15th March 2014‘The Heart of Wales Explorer’Train, powered by two DRS Class 20 diesellocomotives, starts from Derby and travels viaBirmingham New Street, Cardiff Central, SwanseaDistrict Line, Hendy Junction, Pantyffynnon,Llandovery, Llandrindod Wells [anticipated arrivalapprox.14.10, anticipated departure approx.16.20], Craven Arms, Shrewsbury, BirminghamNew Street to terminate at Derby.

[Tour organised by Pathfinder Tours of Inchbrooknear Woodchester, Stroud, Glos.]

Saturday 22nd March 2014‘The Heart of Wales Rambler’Train powered by two DRS Class 47 diesellocomotives, starts from Banbury and travels viaSwindon, Cardiff Central, Swansea District Line,Hendy Junct ion, Pantyffynnon, Llandovery,Llandrindod Wells [anticipated arrival approx.14.10,anticipated departure approx.16.20], Craven Arms,

Shrewsbury, Birmingham New Street, Swindon,and Oxford to terminate at Banbury.

[Tour organised by Pathfinder Tours of Inchbrooknear Woodchester, Stroud, Glos.]

Saturday 5th April - Steam hauled betweenShrewsbury and Newport

‘The Central Wales Explorer’Train starts diesel hauled from Manchester Victoriaand travels via Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms,Llandrindod Wells [anticipated arrival approx.14.40,anticipated departure approx.16.40], Llandovery,Pantyffynnon, Hendy Junction, the SwanseaDistrict Line, Port Talbot Parkway and CardiffCentral (motive power two LMS ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 steam locomotives Nos. 44871 and 45407). Trainreturns (diesel hauled) from Newport via Hereford,Craven Arms, Shrewsbury, Crewe, to terminate atManchester Victoria.

[Tour organised by The Railway Touring Companyof King’s Lynn, Norfolk]

13HOWLTA Newsletter

Saturday 12th April 2014 - Steam hauled

between Newport and Shrewsbury.

‘The Heart of Wales’Train starts diesel hauled from Slough and travelsvia Reading, Cardiff Central, Swansea District Line,Hendy Junct ion, Pantyffynnon, Llandovery,Llandrindod Wells [anticipated arrival approx. 13.30,anticipated departure approx. 16.20], CravenArms., to Shrewsbury (motive power two LMS‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 steam locomotives Nos. 44871and 45407). Train returns (diesel hauled) fromShrewsbury via Craven Arms, Hereford, BristolParkway, Swindon, Reading to terminate at Slough.

[Tour organised by The Railway Touring Companyof King’s Lynn, Norfolk].

Wednesday 7th May 2014‘The Heart of Wales Scenic Rambler’Details of diesel motive power not yet available (maybe one or possibly two Class 47 locomotives). Trainstarts from Darlington and travels via York, Crewe,Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Llandrindod Wells[anticipated arrival approx. 11.25, anticipateddepar ture approx. 11.45], Llandovery,Pantyffynnon, Hendy Junction, Swansea DistrictLine, Cardiff Central, Hereford, Craven Arms,Shrewsbury, Crewe, York to terminate atDarlington.

[Tour organised by Compass Tours by Rail ofLiverpool].

News from Arriva Trains Wales

Saturday 16th August‘The Heart of Wales Scenic Rambler’Details of diesel motive power not yet available (maybe one or possibly two Class 47 locomotives) –Train starts from Grantham and travels via Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms,Llandrindod Wells [anticipated arrival approx. 11.25,anticipated departure approx. 11.45], Llandovery,Pantyffynnon, Hendy Junction, Swansea DistrictLine, Cardiff Central, Hereford, Craven Arms,Shrewsbury, Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, to terminateat Grantham.

[Tour organised by Compass Tours by Rail ofLiverpool]

Saturday 6th September‘The Heart of Wales Scenic Rambler’Details of diesel motive power not yet available (maybe one or possibly two Class 47 locomotives) –Train starts from Barrow-in-Furness – travels viaLancaster, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms,Llandrindod Wells [anticipated arrival approx. 11.25,anticipated departure approx. 11.45], Llandovery,Pantyffynnon, Hendy Junction, Swansea DistrictLine, Cardiff Central, Newport, Hereford, CravenArms, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Lancaster, to terminateat Barrow-in-Furness.

[Tour organised by Compass Tours by Rail ofLiverpool]

[Editor : Please note only outline routes are listed. For full details contact tour organisers.]

Arriva Club 55We’re pleased to say that Club 55 is back for Spring2014!If you haven’t purchased this offer before, ArrivaClub 55 is an off-peak travel offer for everyoneaged 55 or over. From only £23 return, you cantravel anywhere on the Arriva Trains Wales networkand other selected stations.You can purchase as many Arriva Club 55 ticketsas you want, so why not go somewhere excitingtoday? Buy at any train station ticket office or at:www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/Club55

We have also teamed up with a number of othertrain companies to help you travel even furtherafield when using our special low cost add-on fare.Find out about all the places you can visit on ournetwork map:www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/Club55/MapDon’t forget, the Arriva Club 55 ticket is a timelimited offer and only available until 29th March2014, so start planning those amazing journeys nowto make sure you get the most from this fantasticdeal.

14 HOWLTA Newsletter

It’It’It’It’It’s All Go as All Go as All Go as All Go as All Go at Pt Pt Pt Pt Pantyfantyfantyfantyfantyffynnonfynnonfynnonfynnonfynnoncoal before onward transit to AberthawPower Station) Stephen Miles

Photo 1. In gloomy January weather thedriver of 2M57 13.15 Swansea -Shrewsbury picks up the token from thePantyffynnon signalman for the sectionto Llandeilo.

Photo 2. Network Rail Track AssessmentUnit 950001 forming 2Q08 07.01Shrewsbury - Llandrindod Wells (viaLlanelli) at Pantyffynnon.

Photo 3. DBS 66135 passes the formerBrynamman branch platform atPantyffynnon and heads south with 6B0513.55 Gwaun cae Gurwen - Onllwyn coaltrain.

I attach a few pictures taken on 14thJanuary at Pantyffynnon. Unfortunately theweather was a bit grim but three trains in30 minutes at one location on the HoWLwas too good to miss! (It was fortunate theNetwork Rail train was running about 2hours late).

Basically the sequence was :

14.04 No. 153312 (2M57) providing the13.15 Swansea to Shrewsbury service

14.25 No. 950001 (2Q08) 07.01Shrewsbury to Llandrindod via Llanelli(on its return from Llanelli) - Network RailTrack Assessment Unit

14.34/40 No. 66135 (6B05) 13.55hauling a Gwaun cae Gurwen - Onllwyncoal train. (The coal from GCG is takento Onllwyn where it is blended with other

2

15HOWLTA Newsletter

[All photos © Stephen Miles]

1

3

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Post Bag

Letters for possible inclusion on the Post Bagpages can either be posted to me at Twin Oaks,Castle Close, Llangadog SA19 9AH or emailedto psberry@tiscali.co.uk

Your letter, if selected forpublication, may be subjectto editor abridgment.

Please include your fulladdress, although this willnot usually be published.

Peter Berry

Porter’s Trolley (e-mail to Chairman)I have an old small upright porter’s trolley.It would make a nice addition to a stationplatform. I acquired it many years ago fromthe Farnham Maltings where they had amonthly sale of all kinds of lovely things,craft, antiques, etc. I had always envisaged itas a plant holder/decoration for mycourtyard garden but itseems a shame since itreally does belong in astation platformenvironment, so do youknow of a worthy area? Iwas thinking of askingDolau platform group orwould you like it forLlandovery? Builth Roadis not the right kind ofplatform for it really, itwould look a bit lost I

think. It would need chaining downwherever it went really, but would lookgood amongst other memorabilia.Jackie Lloyd[Chairman’s reply : What a kindthought. There are a number of stationdevelopments due to come to fruitionshortly. I am sure it will be a lovelyaddition to a station]

Sugar Loaf StationAfter adopting this lovely little station,Margaret and I realised there were no line

facing signs to indicate The Sugar Loaf.After contact with Network Rail, the signswere installed in November.Peter Joyce

Strange VisitorNoted at Llandrindod on 14th Januarytravelling south was yellow Network

Rail 2 car 950001 track testing unit,manned by several personnel.Lee Davies[Editor : Well spotted, see our centrepages for more information]

[Photo © Peter Joyce]

17HOWLTA Newsletter

Photographing the LineI should have contacted you before now,but this is just to confirm the image on thefront cover of the latest Newsletter (No.126) was not taken by myself. I expect thephotographer has long since been in touchwith you.

I have however submitted a number ofimages of the line via David Edwards forthe ‘library‘, although none have been used– should I also send copies of topicalhappenings direct to yourself?

I attach a recent image of 153312 atCheney Longville, just north of CravenArms, working the 0917 Swansea –Shrewsbury Heart of Wales Line train on23rd November 2013.

Keep up the good work!

Stephen Miles[Editor : Sorry about the wrongattribution for the cover photo in theprevious issue - nobody else hascontacted me about it so far, so I stillcan’t give the right credit.Yes, I’d be delighted to receive copiesof members’ photos of our line, bothpast and present, for possible inclusionin future issues.In the meantime, several of Stephen’sare included in this issue - see frontcover and centre pages]

Visiting the Severn ValleyRailway (e-mail to David Edwards)

I have been on many journeys last year onthe Heart of Wales line and thoughtpassengers would be interested in a dayout to the Severn Valley steam railwaywhich I did many times last year and willbe doing again this year.

The trip involves an early start at Byneatrain station just before 5am, arriving atShrewsbury for 8.22am, a quick dash tothe bus station (approx 5 mins walk, ifthat) and then board the 08.40am 436Arriva bus to Bridgnorth (45mins at anadult fare of £6 return). You arrive atBridgnorth town and have a good 50minutes to enjoy a full cooked breakfast inthe Wetherspoons.

Then it’s a walk down the hill to thestation to board the 10.20am steam trainto Kidderminster, stopping off at many ofthe fine stations for some light refreshment(the Ship Inn at Highley being my favorite).

You can enjoy many hours on this spec-tacular railway, and will eventually arriveback at Bridgnorth station to board the15.45pm bus to Shrewsbury. This leavesjust about time to grab yourself fish andchips outside Shrewsbury railway stationbefore boarding the 18.05 pm - the lasttrain of the day - Heart of Wales train backhome to Swansea.

A long day but worth every mile and only£11 return to Shrewsbury from Bynea withrailcard. £6 return to Bridgnorth and £16for a day’s travel on a steam railway whichis worth getting up early for in themorning. Cheers.

Paul Crook, Gorseinon

[Editor : It would be great to hear aboutother readers’ excursions that haveincluded a journey on the HoWL.]

ADVERTISEADVERTISEADVERTISEADVERTISEADVERTISEHEREHEREHEREHEREHERE

A 1/8th page advert like this costs just£25 for one issue(or £70 for a year).

See page 29 for full advertising rates.

18 HOWLTA Newsletter

Chronicles of Llangadog Station - vol 9Chronicles of Llangadog Station - vol 9Chronicles of Llangadog Station - vol 9Chronicles of Llangadog Station - vol 9Chronicles of Llangadog Station - vol 9We have been perusing the latest copy of ‘Connect’the Adopters newsletter from Arriva and looked atthe list of station managers on the front page. Whothen, on the Arriva staff manages the Adopters atindividual stations we wonder. We know that GillWright looks after us in a very able way but thenGill is not a Arriva employee, so, is each stationmanager responsible for what the Adopters get upto on that particular station - or what. We apparentlyhave a meeting of Adopters and Arriva in Marchand no doubt we will find out the answer to thislittle conundrum. Here at Llangadog we have hadvery good relations with Jez Williams but he isStation Manager Swansea andLlangadog is not perhaps on the topof his priority list, but thank you Jezanyway for past help andencouragement. We will try and erectyour statue on Llangadog platform onethis year.

The winter so far has not been kindto us aged Adopters with almostincessant rain and wind and westruggled to plant our allocation ofArriva’s kind donation of bulbs andwe still have a hundred or so Daffodilbulbs to get in on our little plot ofwaste ground. We also have to make a start on twonew planting boxes at the main platform entranceand we hope to have the timber for this before verylong - as usual this will be rough sawn six by onefrom the main supplier of such stuff in Llandoveryand our hopes are that we can get these on to theplatform by March. In fact the only exciting newswe have at the moment is that Networm Rail areputting up half barriers at our level crossing and wewonder if we will be invited to the openingceremony and partake of the Champagne. Thesemay or may not deter the boy racers with suicidalintentions but at least they will make them dospectacular reverse swerves to avoid them - as it isat the moment they only have to avoid the train andthe barriers will add spice to the sport. We hope tohave a superlative photo of the barriers in action in

the next edition of the Howlta Newsletter.

We have all had - or should have - an email from Gilldescribing a new project for the Central WalesLine. This is called - and here I quote - ‘120 mileStation Gardens’ and we go on in enthusiastic termssuch as ‘something special’ and ‘oases of pleasure’.Well, we at Llangadog have been trying to convertout little platform into an oasis of pleasure for yearsso I suggest that the management start with us afterfinishing with Llandeilo and Cynhordy. We needan attractive - or at least presentable - first impressionfor passengers and our little plot of waste ground‘aint exactly the bees knees in aesthetic appeal and

it would be a fairly simple matter totransform it into ‘something special’.First job is to remove the awfulconcrete post and wire fence whichsurrounds it and which has causesadverse comment from the locals, andwe have been doing our bit by hidingthe platform side of it with a hedgewhich is a complete success and alsotrying to plant a few ornamental treesand bushes on the bank leading upto this hedge. Second job is to keepthe grass down to a manageableheight so that we have more of a

lawn rather than Steptoe’s junkyard. We acquired arather good petrol strimmer to do this as it needsdoing about half a dozen times a year but have beenbanned from using it by Arriva. So, let Arriva do itand budget for the work involved. We just needgood communications with the contractor so thatwe could ensure that an Adopter is on site to makesure that only the grass is cut and not everythingelse in sight as has happened in the past when Arrivado their once a year grass cutting, and as any machoeighteen year old lad will tell you ‘once a year ‘aintenough’. Perhaps a more appealing solution toArriva would be to turn it into a car park withspace for possibly six cars. At least the prospect of aquarter acre of tarmac might be more appealingthan the jungle we have at the moment.

Eileen Mainwaring and Dennis Harrison

[Photo © Peter Berry]

19HOWLTA Newsletter

The Heart of Wales SpecialNumbers 45407 and 76079 on Knucklas Viaduct with Heart of Wales spe-cial. For more (colour) pictures of this charter special see back cover.

(c) Mike Evans

Llandovery Model Railway ClubThe club meets regularly at7pm on the first Thursdayof every month atLlandovery Railway Station.Members also meet upthere on other occasions towork on the three layoutsthat are being developed -a vintage Hornby-Dublothree rail layout, and moremodern 00 and N gaugelayouts.For more information aboutthe club contact Glyn Evansat glen@glynrevans.plus.com

[Photo © Peter Berry]

The photo shows Alan Stephens at work at the veryearly stages of building the 00 layout.

20 HOWLTA Newsletter

NeNeNeNeNews Fws Fws Fws Fws From the Heart ofrom the Heart ofrom the Heart ofrom the Heart ofrom the Heart of W W W W WalesalesalesalesalesLine FLine FLine FLine FLine ForumorumorumorumorumProgress report on getting a better Heartof Wales Line service

On January 16th Forum Chairman Cl lrMansel Williams and I met Mrs Edwina Hart,Welsh Government Minister for Econony,Science and Transport. The meeting was todiscuss Forum proposals for improvementsto the service – now and in the longer term- and related issues such as local managementaspirat ions under the for thcoming rai lfranchise agreement.

We also presented the extremely posit ivefindings of the passenger survey carried outin October 2013 (see opposite page), andshe commented that it was helpful to havesuch clear evidence that there was a need forservice improvements.

The meeting was very cordial and positive.The Minister has, since, writ ten to Cl lrWilliams confirming that she appreciates thehard work of the Forum in developing theproposals, especial ly our engagement withlocal communities.

She was sympathetic to the short term ideaof getting an improved service by makingbetter use of the current fleet of rolling stock.Arriva have devised a timetable that doesachieve this but will incur higher staff andother operating costs. Mrs Hart asked us to

invest igate the idea fur ther w ith WelshGovernment and Arriva, and to report backby early February: this matter is now in hand.

Our proposals had made it clear that, in thelonger run, the Forum’s aspiration is for a 2hourly service frequency but we acknowledgethat for a variety of reasons this cannothappen immediately.

Ideas to improve views by the selective de-vegetation of parts of the route, communityrail development on the line, and localmanagement aspirations were discussed andthe Minister indicated her continued supportfor them.

Consideration has also been given to aproposed Scenic Train, to be trial led insummer 2014. This has been supported inprinciple, on the basis of potential economicbenefits to mid Wales from increased visitornumbers. However the Visit Wales TourismAdvisory Panel has advised that a morebeneficial approach would be longer termsubstantial investment in specialist rol lingstock, line improvements and at tract ionsalong the line.

In summary: we are in a very posit ivesituation, but there is still much work to bedone before we see those extra trains!

David Edwards,Development Officer,

Heart of Wales Line Forum

120 MILE ST120 MILE ST120 MILE ST120 MILE ST120 MILE STAAAAATIONS GARDENTIONS GARDENTIONS GARDENTIONS GARDENTIONS GARDENThere is to be a gathering of Adopters together with people from ArrivaTrains Wales and Network Rail to discuss how we can all work together forthe benefit of the Line. It will take place on Saturday 22nd March at theVictoria Hall, Llanwrtyd Wells. Timing as usual will be in time for the trains.Anybody who would like to help in this project is welcome. Please let meknow if you would like to be there. Gill Wright

21HOWLTA Newsletter

[ Photo © David Rowe]

TTTTThe Heart ofhe Heart ofhe Heart ofhe Heart ofhe Heart of W W W W Wales Lineales Lineales Lineales Lineales LinePPPPPassengassengassengassengassenger Surver Surver Surver Surver Surveeeeeyyyyy October 2013

Similar findings emerged in the comments madeby respondents, with train frequency and moreconvenient timetabling the two most requestedimprovements.

There was also considerable disquiet aboutovercrowding, the quality of rolling stock andpricing.

Reasons for non-useThe current frequency and inconvenient timetablingof trains on the HoWL appeared to be having aneffect on levels of use. For instance, although 40%of respondents who had never used the HoWL hadnot done so because they had no need, more thanthat propor t ion (42%) cited frequency orinconvenient timetabling as amongst their reasonsfor non-use. By way of comparison only 1 in 10cited ticket price.

The futureThe vast majority of respondents (91%) thoughthaving a better HoWL service was important orvery important. Only 3% felt that it was not veryimportant.

Respondents wanted to see an increase in thefrequency of trains running on the HoWL and resultssuggest that doing so would increase passengernumbers.

Increasing train frequency was the improvementmost commonly requested by respondents to thesurvey. In terms of effect on usage, 8 out of 10respondents said that they would use the HoWLmore if the number of trains was increased.

More trains on the line could also lead to morebusiness and commuter use – now virtual lyimpossible. If the number of trains on the HoWLincreased, the results of our survey suggest that theproportion using it for either business or commuterpurposes (or both) would increase by about a third.

There appeared to be considerable demand for atourist train. Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents (86%)said that they would use a tourist train if provided.

After the Forum’s first meeting with Mrs Hart, WelshGovernment Minister for Economy, Science andTransport, we were asked to carry out a survey ofpassengers and others, to determine their attitudeto the line. A good number of HoWLTA members(and other people along the line) helped in theensuing survey work, and we are grateful for theirsupport.

Our consultants had told us that in order for it tohave some statistical significance they would wantthe sample size to be no less than 400. In the eventwe had 1106 completed responses from a mixtureof face to face interview and on-line surveys.

The results confirm what HoWLTA members havelong known: the current timetable is unsuitable anddoes not meet the needs of passengers. It is helpful,however, to have our anecdotal opinions confirmedby a systematic piece of survey work: a point thatMrs Hart made when we met her to discuss theresults and the way forward.

The key findings of the survey are as follows:

Current use of the Heart of Wales LineMore than 9 out of 10 (94%) respondents had usedthe HoWL service, with over one third (39%) usingit at least once a month.

Respondents were overwhelmingly using the HoWLfor leisure purposes. More than two thirds ofrespondents (69%) currently used the HoWL onlyfor leisure purposes (eg shopping, day trips etc.).

More than two thirds of respondents (69%) weremaking journeys entirely on the HoWL line (ie theywere not connecting with longer distance services).Shrewsbury, Swansea and Llandrindod were thebusiest HoWL stations in terms of trip origins anddestinations.

The helpfulness of staff was highly rated but otheraspects of the HoWL service were less well thoughtof.

The frequency of trains and the (un)suitability ofearly/late trains received the two lowest ratings.

22 HOWLTA Newsletter

Book Reviews

ADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREADVERTISE HEREA 1/16th page advert like this costs just£15 for one issue (or £40 for a year).See page 29 for full advertising rates.

RAILWAY BOOKS(Bought & Sold)

Over 4000 listed on my websitewww.nigelbirdbooks.co.uktelephone 01974 821281

Caersws. The CambrianRailways Village(published by The Oakwood Press,November 2013) by Brian Poole.ISBN 978 0 85361 722 8. 224pp(210mm x 148mm), illustrated withover 250 b/w photos, maps anddiagrams.Paperback £16.95

This book is No. 239 in The Oakwood Press’slong-established Locomation Papers.

The author relates the story of the railwayvillage of Caersws and nearby Moat Lane andhow they served the Cambrian Railways andlater the GWR. Running through the moun-tainous area of mid Wales, and blessed (aswe know all too well!) with a high annualrainfall, these railways had numerous bridgesand tunnels, sea walls and culverts, all of whichneeded regular maintenance, and three gen-erations of local men developed and provided

the necessary skills to keepthe trains running.

This book tells theirstories in a verycomprehen s i v emanner.

The book is illus-trated with a usefulgeneral map show-ing the extent of

the Cambrian Railway system at its maximum,and several informative and more detailedplans showing layouts of junctions, etc. How-ever the book’s real strength is in the sheerrange of fascinating photographs illustratingthe personnel, rolling stock, problems and eve-ryday life involved in providing rail servicesin the area. True, some of these photos seemto have been reproduced from originals thatare no longer in pristine condition, and somewere probably of poor quality in the first place.But their historical importance is immenseand the book is well worth a place on thebookshelves of anyone interested in the de-velopment of railways in Wales.

PSB

23HOWLTA Newsletter

Heart ofHeart ofHeart ofHeart ofHeart of W W W W Wales Line Trales Line Trales Line Trales Line Trales Line Travavavavavellers’ellers’ellers’ellers’ellers’AssociaAssociaAssociaAssociaAssociation tion tion tion tion –––– HO HO HO HO HOWLWLWLWLWLTTTTTAAAAAOfficialsPresident Professor Stuart Cole CBEVice-Presidents Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Lord Berkeley of Knighton

Peter Black AM Alun Cairns AMMartin Caton MP Alun Davies AMByron Davies AM Geraint Davies MPKeith Davies AM Suzy Davies AMPhilip Dunne MP Jonathan Edwards MPRebecca Evans AM Nia Griffith MPMike Hedges AM Julie James AMSian James MP Daniel Kawczynski MPEluned Morgan MEP William Powell AMRhodri Glyn Thomas AM Simon Thomas AMJoyce Watson AM Kirsty Williams AMRoger Williams MP

Committee MembersChairman : Gill Wright, Cynghordy (01550-750261; gillwright.glandwr@gmail.com)Vice-Chairman : ––––Secretary : Hazel Touch, Cynghordy (01550-750257; hazel51cyng@yahoo.co.uk)Treasurer : ––––Minutes Sec : Mike Watson, Swansea (alunwatson@hotmail.com)Newsletter Editor : Peter Berry, Llangadog (01550-777980; psberry@tiscali.co.uk)Publicity Co-ordinator : David Edwards, Llangennech (david.edwards5@which.net)CommitteeMembers : Chris Horrocks, Church Stretton (chris@jhorrocks.go-plus.net)

Ray Davies, Bucknell (01547-530443)Brian Dotson, Llandrindod (01597-824408; brian@dotson.fsnet.co.uk)Roger Price, Llanelli (01554-750045)Len Elliot, Beulah (maesywawr@btopenworld.com)Bruce Roberts, Swansea (brucer@swanseabiz.net)Gwyn Irvine, Llandybie (moira.hamm@btinternet.com)Kevin Knell, Llandrindod Wells

Address for Correspondence :HOWLTA, Llandovery Station, Llandovery SA20 0BG

HOWLTA is affiliated to Railfuture and Better Transport

24 HOWLTA Newsletter

A Word from the ChairmanFirst of all I have to apologise for not ensuringthat the ‘p’ appeared after the membershipnumbers of those who had paid until 1stMarch 2014. A number of you who did comeinto that category have paid now until 2015.New membership cards have been printedand Hazel Touch and I are busy making surethat those who have paid in advance havean up to date membership card. For someof course it was a reminder and that will besorted too.

My mea culpa did do some good. Our dayto day finances were running low and youraction has helped to swell the coffers and allour bills can be paid. The cost of producingand posting the Newsletter is not actuallyfully covered. I have said for a number ofyears now that we are living beyond ourmeans, but while we have accumulated fundsincluding legacies in a holding account earningreasonable interest, the committee felt thatputting up the subscript ion was not anoption. However, the moment we startdipping into that particular pot for generalexpenses, it will disappear very quickly andwe will not be able to react if some capitalneed comes along, especially to match fundgrants.

Another way to keep the core funding lowwould be to make one off appeals. You willsee on another page that George Scarfe hasbeen researching designs and working withpeople at Network Rail to have lineside signsinstalled at special points on the Line couldbe. It looks as though a long held dreamcould soon become a reality. I understandthat the total cost for all the signs will beless than £10,000.

The Friends of Llandovery Station have beendoing a wonder ful job prov idingrefreshments, but in addition they have

become a venue for some delightful artdisplays. A recent display has been of wovenwall hangings etc created by the young peoplewith special needs who are in residential careat Glasallt, Llangadog. They are lovely and Iam going to investigate purchasing one formy home when I have finished all thealterations.

And now I have learned that someone isinterested in doing something at Llanwrtyd.I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The long awaited Station Improvement workat Llandeilo and Cynghordy has started. Iam really excited. Obviously for me, not tofeel that I am wrecking my car on theapproach road at Cynghordy will be a delightand I know of others who have been put offusing the stat ion for that very reason.However, the thought that Llandeilo stationcould at last be an attractive gateway to thishistoric market town is something I have beenwanting to see for as long as I can remember.Well maybe not quite as long as that!

What weather we have been having. Still itis raining, but not with accompanying stormywind. I was mesmerised by the wind pushingthe wetness along the road. It wasn’tstanding water – just the wet surface beingmade to look like miniature waves. I havefelt very comforted when I hear the train goover the Cynghordy Viaduct. I feel somehowall is right with the world. Am I easilypleased?!

See you on the train! Gill Wright

P.S. Thanks to al l of you who wantedChristmas cards. All of them are now sold.If any of you who were disappointed not toreceive them and want a refund, please letme know.

25HOWLTA Newsletter

NeNeNeNeNews from the Associaws from the Associaws from the Associaws from the Associaws from the Associationtiontiontiontion

Useful TUseful TUseful TUseful TUseful Telephone Numbers / Welephone Numbers / Welephone Numbers / Welephone Numbers / Welephone Numbers / Web Siteseb Siteseb Siteseb Siteseb SitesLlandrindod Station Ticket Office (Kelsham Hanna) ... ... 01597-822053National Rail Enquiries ... ... ... ... ... ... 08457-484950Arriva Trains Wales (Customer Services) ... ... ... 08456-061660HOWLTA web site ... ... ... ... ...... www.howlta.org.ukHOWL Forum web site ... ... ... ... ... www.heart-of-wales.co.ukBritish Transport Police (24 hours National Freephone No.) ... 0800-405040Network Rail National Helpline... ... ... ... ... 08457-114141

Membership Report

200 Club

November 2013

December 2013

January 2014

Committee Meetings in 2014Wednesday, 12th April 2014Saturday, 12th July 2014 (to be confirmed)Saturday, 11th October 2014 (tbc)Committee meetings start at 11.30am atCammarch Hotel, Llangammarch.

Newsletter Stuffing SessionThursdays seemed to suit the majority ofmembers who kindly helped out in Novem-ber and February. So we will stick to themfor the next session - on Thursday, 15th May2014. This will start at about 11am (to suitthe train arrival times) at The Level Cross-ing, near Llandovery Station. It takes about2/3 hours and is a great chance for a chat!

E-Mail AddressesIf you have recently advised HOWLTA of youre-mail address - very many thanks. If not,please let us know now. It’s a great help toHOWLTA’s hard-working officers if all mem-bers with access to the internet would let usknow their e-mail address. The simplest wayof doing this is to send a short e-mail to oneof HOWLTA’s officers (see page 15). Alterna-tively please write to the address below. Restassured we will not pass your e-mail addresson to anyone else.

Address for Correspondence :HOWLTA, Llandovery Station,

Llandovery SA20 0BG

[Editor :Regretably the above items, plusthe 2012/13 Accounts from theAGM were not available at the timeof going to press.]

26 HOWLTA Newsletter

Line RepresentaLine RepresentaLine RepresentaLine RepresentaLine Representatititititivvvvves andes andes andes andes andStaStaStaStaStation Adopterstion Adopterstion Adopterstion Adopterstion AdoptersShrewsbury John CreswellChurch Stretton Church Stretton Rail User GroupCraven Arms Richard WatkinsBroome Alan BelcherHopton Heath Paula TuckerBucknell Beryl Starr; Bucknell WI; Ray DaviesKnighton Shauna DaviesKnucklas ––––*Llangunllo ––––*Llanbister Road ––––*Dolau Steve Vipond; Dolau Action GroupPenybont Sue CookeLlandrindod to be advisedBuilth Road to be advisedCilmeri Ann & Stephen FrodshamGarth to be advisedLlangammarch Ron Birchell - Llangammarch Community CouncilLlanwrtyd John Price; Ainsley Jones; Station Action GroupSugar Loaf Peter & Margaret JoyceCynghordy Gill WrightLlandovery Mary Iliff; Maureen Williams; Llandovery Town Council;

Friends of Llandovery StationLlanwrda Richard Rees; Hywel JonesLlangadog Eileen Mainwaring; Dennis HarrisonLlandeilo Ros BellamyFfairfach David RimmerLlandybie Gwyn IrvingAmmanford Ammanford LionsPantyffynnon Mike Smith, Amman Valley RailwayPontarddulais Mike Smith, Amman Valley RailwayLlangennech Llangennech Community Council; David EdwardsBynea ––––*Llanelli ––––*Gowerton ––––*Swansea Felicity Cobley

Anyone who would like to help at their local station is invited to contact Gill Wright (tel.01550-750261; email : gillwright.glandwr@gmail.com)

At the time of going to press there are vacancies at those stations marked * above. Gillwould particularly like to hear from potential volunteers for these.

27HOWLTA Newsletter

Clippings

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approval of the committee.

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28 HOWLTA NewsletterPrinted by PostDatum, Llandovery

Nos. 45407 & 76079 on Knucklas Viaduct with the Heart of Wales special

No. 45407 at Bucknell

[Photos © Mike Evans]