THE latest community news from Tywyn

History society

ON Tuesday, 23 July, for the second of the society’s summer activities members took the train to Harlech for a tour.

Hosted by Harlech Historical Society, they were met at the station by Dr John Hirst (historian) and Andrew Gwynne (archaeologist) and were driven to the upper town.

After a brief curatorial introduction to the castle, the group spent one-and-ahalf hours exploring this major site.

This was followed by a guided walk through the upper town and park by Dr Hirst, who presented a fascinating structural and social account of its history. After lunch, Andrew Gwynne took a sub-group on a field study identifying remains of prehistoric to very early medieval settlement and economic activity, taking in other historical features on the journey such as a roadside Scotch Baptist Baptism Well of 1841.

On Tuesday, 29 July, a group of Harlech Historical Society members reciprocated with a visit to walk the new Tywyn Trails and explore the historic attractions of the town.

Hosted by Quentin Deakin and assisted by Liz Deakin and Veronica Savage the tour began in the old town, visiting St Cadfan’s Church with a talk by Sue Whitehouse on its history.

After a brief stop at the Magic Lantern cinema and the Clocktower Bookshop the group walked the ‘Old Town’ trail.

A good lunch was enjoyed at the King’s Cafe, Talyllyn Railway.

The museum and railway garden were much appreciated. The afternoon was spent following the longer ‘Seaside Trail’ with stops at Bryn y Paderau and the Memorial Hospital for the second information board.

The group was then driven to the Bryn y Môr shop at the railway crossing at Sandilands to appreciate the Second World War heritage.

Finally, they took a linear walk down to Neptune Hall taking in the two remaining information boards and historic features.

Despite a few showers this was a most enjoyable day, both for visitors and their hosts.

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