TWO ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATED AT CYNHEIDRE
The Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway will be kicking off the new season in style with a special Gala day on Saturday the 30th of March celebrating twenty years since the new Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway Company was inaugurated. By coincidence the gala coincides with the 30th anniversary of the last shift at Cynheidre Colliery, now the location of the railway.
Highlights of the event will include, subject to availability, both of the railways operational diesel locomotives in service on passenger trains, plus our first ever demonstration freight train which is sure to be a highlight for photographers and enthusiasts. The Heritage Centre will be open all day offering an insight into the history of the site. Gates open at 10.30am with trains running at frequent intervals from 11am to 4pm.
It was on Good Friday, the 24th of March 1989 when the final coal train departed from Cynheidre hauled by a class 37 diesel locomotive and bound for the docks at Swansea. There were a couple of trips up the line to clear wagons, but the largest Anthracite producing mine in Wales had closed. At its peak, Cynheidre Colliery one of two ‘super pits’ in South Wales, produced over 200,000 tons of coal a year and employed 1500 men.
Thirty years on there are few reminders above ground on this once extensive industrial site except for the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway, breathing new life into the old colliery sidings and shining a light on over 200 years of history at Cynheidre. Join us for a special day on the 30th of March to celebrate these anniversaries.
Tickets allowing unlimited rides cost £5 for adults, with a special Family ticket available for £10 (two adults and up to two children).
Full details, including an advance ticket purchase option, are available on the following web link https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk
For more information or to volunteer please visit our website at: https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/llanellirailway
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
