Railwatch 078 - December 1998

Mid Wales

By Chris Magner

Heart of Wales LineRailtrack is to be congratulated on its efforts to renovate the stations along the route. Many have new Great Western-style shelters, improved platform surfaces and new railings all done in a very tasteful style. Dolau once again won the Wales in Bloom competition. The Heart of Wales Forum which promotes the line, has taken newspaper advertisements to promote the new winter Sunday service which runs until the end of October and re-starts in March. The Forum would like to see an all-round Sunday service of two trains each way and a fifth train on weekdays, particularly in summer. The number of people using the line has risen again this year thanks to better advertising. Both plaques are now back in place on the new seats provided by the Craven Arms Rail Users' Group at Craven Arms station.

Cambrian Lines Barmouth Bridge needs a substantial sum to be spent on it to restore locomotive hauling. In fact the bridge has only been open for loco-hauled traffic in eight out of the last 18 years. According to local sources the estimated amount of money required is in excess of the £5m spent in 1986. RDS is taking up the matter with local MPs. Letters from RDS members in support of full restoration of the bridge would be welcome. At the moment the repairs are due to take place in autumn 1999. The Cambrian Rail Users' Group, based in Newtown and which holds public forums on the trains, is calling on Central Trains to provide more stock in the winter months and to provide an increased service between Newtown and Shrewsbury. The weedkilling train has recently traversed the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth line.

North Cheshire Rail Users' Group Five hundred and nine people turned up for the open day at Helsby station on Saturday 26 September organised by NCRUG with the support of North Western Trains and Railtrack. NCRUG provided tours of the station and signal box, and there were displays, a restored bus service to Frodsham and exhibits in a local church hall. Many local groups and sales stands including RDS North West were at the hall. A local drama group gave a performance of Brief Encounter on the station. Helsby Parish Council presented a cheque to the group. This was received by chairman John Hobbs dressed in full stationmaster's uniform for the day. NCRUG has nearly completed their garden restoration work. In the evening a record number of people (42) used the last working this year of the 20.l3 'Parliamentary' train over the Frodsham Junction to Halton Junction link line. Participants returned to Chester in a preserved bus. Suggestion to other RDS groups: If you want to promote your line why not consider an open day at your local station in conjunction with your train operating company and local councils.

Shrewsbury to Chester The 150th anniversary of the opening of the Shrewsbury to Chester line on 12 October 1848 was re-enacted on Sunday morning 11 October 1998. There was a procession from Pride Hill to the station. This included the Wem Jubilee Band, Mayor of Shrewsbury and Atcham, Freemen of the Borough, the Town Crier, and representatives of Central Trains. Most people were in Victorian costume including members of the Shropshire Railway Society which helped to organise the 150 celebrations. A special book of the line was produced as well as commemorative mugs by local potter James Dean. The Mayor Judith Williams cut a ribbon to open Shrewsbury station as in 1848. The station drive was dressed with ribbons and decorations. Special tickets were issued for the l0.55 service train to Chester, on which three local worthies travelled to Chester. This was formed of two 158 sets. Various civic dignitaries were picked up at Gobowen, Chirk, Ruabon and Wrexham. Speeches were made at Chester and the Lord Mayor of Chester exchanged scrolls with the Mayor of Shrewsbury and Atcham. The Chester City Band played on the concourse. Even though the line is celebrating its 150th birthday, there are no plans to raise the low 70mph speed limit or increase frequencies, something badly needed if it is to celebrate another 150 years.

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