SCHOOL VISIT TO THE RAILWAY

Volunteers at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway at Cynheidre  were very pleased to welcome a group of 37 Children and their teachers from local schools Gwynfryn CP Pontyates and Ysgol Gynradd Ponthenri for a visit on the very wet morning of Monday 24^th February.

After a short introductory talk by railway volunteer Martin Doe about the history of the site and its railway the children split into two groups with one group having a walk around the extensive site led by volunteers from Carmarthenshire Wildlife Walks who commented ‘the children had a walk to discover nature and wildlife.  They were very enthusiastic and we talked to the children about catkins, signs of spring and the scent of gorse.  The children were pleased to see lots of toads in the puddles and fascinated by those giving ‘piggy backs’.  It was a lovely morning enjoyed by all’.

The second group, led by railway volunteers George and Josh had a tour of the rolling stock shed to see our diesel locomotives, wagons and coaches before visiting the heritage centre manned by another volunteer, Richard, to complete a heritage quiz based on the information on the descriptive boards around the room.  The groups then swapped over.

In all the visit lasted about 2 ½ hours and was enjoyed by all.  The school commented  ‘Since the visit the pupils have already written a class story about a magical toad from Cynheidre and have decided to create a train station role play area’.  It is hoped that future visits will follow.

Members of the public can visit the railway for an Open day on Saturday 28^th March when train rides will be available along a recently extended running line. For more information or to volunteer please visit our website at  https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/llanellirailway