The line from Gaerwen to Amlwch closed in the 1960s
|
Almost 50 years after it closed, an Anglesey railway station will be the scene of celebrations as it re-opens this weekend. No trains are expected in Llanerchymedd any time soon, but the community council have decided to make good use of the empty building by turning it into a heritage centre, museum and community café. With grants from Anglesey Council and enterprise agency Menter Môn, the station is now devoted to reflecting life in the village over the years. "It's been a dream of ours to revamp the old station," said Derek Evans, chair of Llanerchymedd Community Council. "We've now got a heritage room, another with a display of old photographs of the village and a meeting room. "We worked with the local school to help reflect how things have changed in the village, like the station. It was very busy at one time, particularly with cattle, because there used to be a big sale at Llanerchymedd." A new building next door will house a community café, currently only open at weekends. It is hoped it will be staffed full-time before long.
There are over 30 old photos of Llanerchymedd in the station
|
"The idea is that the villagers can meet, have a cuppa and chat," said Derek. "We've also given one room to Lein Amlwch who've created a lovely exhibition of old railway artefacts from when it was at its prime." Though the station closed along with many others in the 1960s, there are still some tracks remaining. Railway restoration group Lein Amlwch have acquired some old engines and received permission from Anglesey Council to run tourist steam trains along the track. If that does happen in the future, Derek feels it would be the icing on the cake for the old station. Further grant money has been spent on a playing field next to the station for Llanerchymedd's children. The ribbon will be officially cut for the playing field at 4pm on Saturday, 6 November. Celebrations to mark the opening of the old station will begin at 4.30pm.
|
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Bookmark with:
What are these?