THE latest community news from Tywyn

Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society

AT the 68th annual meeting of the society, a record membership of 4,500 was reported.

Presenting the railway’s development plan at the same meeting, general manager, Stuart Williams said plans were being formulated for a new workshop facility at Tywyn Pendre following the purchase of The Orchard site.

The first phase of the plan is a new heritage facility at Wharf Station to house the railway’s historic carriage and wagons for public display when they were not in use.

Volunteers were also honoured longservice awards ranging from 10 to 60 years.

Cythia Turner, daughter of the late Bill Trinder, was elected a vicepresident in recognition of her father’s role in the society’s formation as the world’s first railway preservation society.

Outgoing chairman, Ian Drummond reflected on the railway’s future, including some of the challenges that lay ahead. He also outlined the railway’s strengths, especially the members, staff and volunteers whose commitment gave the railway a unique identity and sense of community.

Mr Drummond said: “The railway continues to flourish and our record membership will meet any challenge the future may hold. We are fortunate that society and railway company work together and are building a bright future of this unique line. The railway is also very blessed with the number of young volunteers we have, testimony to the work of our groups such as Tracksiders and Navvies. Our new under 16s training programme has more than 80 youngsters signed up which can only be good news for the future.”

Following the meeting, TV antiques expert and writer, Paul Atterbury, conducted an auction which raised more than £1,000, and gave an entertaining evening talk.Inner Wheel PRESIDENT Meg Jones welcomed the members to the October meeting and a special greeting was given to member Jackie Windsor Lewis, who was the speaker for the evening. The members were informed that nine of the ladies attended the Inner Wheel Annual Rally and lunch held in Oswestry recently. The occasion was memorable as the Association President for the UK is Enid Law of Llangollen in the district. Meg also informed them that four of the members attended the annual Presentation and Prizegiving even of the Riding for the Disabled Society, held in Arthog recently. The donation was given to the leaders of the worthy group. Following a meal in the Talyllyn Railway Restaurant, speaker Jackie gave an enlightening talk on the history of cosmetics. Thanking Jackie, president Meg presented her with a donation to her charity, North Wales Emergency Doctors Service, £50 and also £50 to the Cleft Pallate Smile Train Appeal. All Souls’ Day Service AT St Cadfan’s Church, there will be an All Souls’ Day Service at 7.30pm on Saturday, 2 November, where those who have lost relatives or friends can come and offer up their prayers and memories. Anyone who would like the name of the person they have lost to be read out should contact Sue Whitehouse before the service (07789 442035). The Bro Ystumanner Ministry Area (Church in Wales) is a group of six churches in the Tywyn area. They include St Cadfan’s Church, Tywyn (the ‘mother church’ of the Area); St Peter ad Vincula, Pennal; St Peter’s, Aberdyfi; St Mary and St Egryn, Llanegryn; and St David’s, Abergynolwyn. These churches hold services every Sunday. St Michael’s Church, Llanfihangel y Pennant, holds special services at specified times.

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