December 2014 Update
Many a website might use the December page for reflection, but there is always so much happening behind the scenes at the Bala Lake Railway.
Locomotives
The workshop is always a busy place, with preparations for the locomotive fleet boiler inspections, plus close checking that the carriage stock is in top condition for 2015. Of particular note is the news that Winifred’s boiler tubes have all been installed and expanded at the smokebox end, with those at the firebox end yet to do. Holy War’s boiler is to be removed, and sent to the Severn Valley Railway for repairs around the front mudhole door.
Carriage & Wagon
Continued progress is being made on the Penrhyn Coal Wagon, and one of the sides is coming along well. But work on the drop-door side needs space, thus has to be done outside, and ‘outside’ is a perennial problem because of the seasonal weather. Thus the bolster wagon receives further attention when conditions preclude open air work.
The Penrhyn Saloon project enjoys continued progress, and we will feature news of David Hale’s expertise next month. As we have mentioned in previous reports, there is so much intricate detail in the building of this coach, most of which will never be seen or appreciated unless we describe as we go along.
Relating directly to the C&W department, a generous donation was made recently by Mrs. Brenda Roberts, whose husband has recently passed away. The donation was in the tangible form of hand and power tools. Her husband, Alan Roberts, was a lifelong railway engineer, having started in the days of steam at Crewe Works. His wife said that he would be pleased that his tools will be helping a heritage railway, and we are very grateful for her kind generosity.
Wednesday Gang
Ever onward they go, in their quest to get the winter maintenance dealt with. They have been very busy this month, in all weathers, not only with the continued task of fish-plate greasing, but also with checking that culverts and waterways are clear of blockages, which can cause problems if ignored. The greasing task has now passed Llangower Halt, thus they are about halfway along the line. They reconvene on the 7th January for more of the same, irrespective of the weather, but always with much laughter, friendship (and flapjacks).
Santa Specials
The weekend of 6th and 7th December was a tremendous success. To try and convey the atmosphere and camaraderie, we let Bob Shell’s words do the talking.
My drive to Llanuwchllyn on Friday 5th was through heavy rain, so I was pleased to arrive to find the rain had stopped and, better still, hints of blue sky and sun. I unloaded the car and was introduced to David Jones, our new General Manager. The tickets for the weekend were handed over (along with the flapjacks), and I got changed. All those present split into groups, Cafe decorating, engine preparation, station decoration and Flag Halt. After some very welcome tea and toast, Brian and I set off with the grotto train for Flag. Rod, Liz and Ben looked after the engines, Martin and Ben the station, Bobby and Wendy the café, and Roger and David helped where needed. Brian and I went to Llangower to cut the ‘aquire’, the tree for Flag. We were told it was about six foot tall, but the one we found was at least twice that. Still, once decorated, it looked very good! The trouble was that no one was tall enough to put the fairy on the top! After dinner, the coaches were brought into the platform to be cleaned and decorated. Two wheelbarrows of coal were placed next to the loop for the locos, and the coal buckets for the signal box were filled. By four o’clock, all was ready.
Saturday started off very still with blue skies and sunshine. I went straight to Pentre Piod to set up the vidcam and cameras ready for the 10.30 from Llanuwchllyn. This and the return were duly caught on film, as was the 11.30 out and back. Back at Llanuwchllyn, I was sad to hear Sam the dog was unwell and Rob had rushed him to the vets, so I was asked take over the signal box. I was very happy to do this as the stove had been lit and the kettle was gently steaming. Heaven! Rob soon returned with Sam who looked folorn but had been pronounced as OK. Much relief all round. Sam made the most of everyone’s concern by enjoying much fuss throughout the day. All trains ran to time, and everyone looked very happy and pleased with their visit. The weather was super all day. The train crews enjoyed the warmth and tea that the signal box provided. A special ran at 4.30pm for the John Lewis Hotel and was well filled. Being dusk, the lights and grotto were seen to perfection. As is tradition, with huge thanks to Ben and Beth for its organization, 24 of us enjoyed a Christmas meal at the Eagles Inn in Llanuwchllyn.
Sunday’s weather was very mixed, as we had hail, sun and a strong cold breeze. I was guard for the day. David manned the ticket desk, Rob the signal box, with a back-to-normal Sam, Roger, Beth and Ben were Santa’s Elves and we had Dan, Ben, Rod, Liz, Martin and Thomas on the locos. Again all trains ran to time and without incident. All were fully booked, and everyone had happy smiling faces. The sleigh at Santa’s Halt was very popular for photos, as were the engines. My personal highlight was seeing former cafe girls Angharad and Annest with their families, great to see them again, and we chatted over many happy memories. All too soon, the last train had run and our Santa’s Specials for 2014 were over. I made my way home very happy but tired. I was also sad I couldn’t return on the Monday to help put everything away and clean up after a very happy, successful and brilliant weekend.
Well done to everyone involved, it was a super team effort. The Bala Lake Railway has fantastic volunteers and staff, and long may it continue! Looking back, our first Santa’s Specials ran December 1992, so I make this one our 23rd. We must be doing something right!
New BLR Chairman
The Bala Lake Railway has elected a new Chairman. Roy Jones has decided to step down and leave the board, having served as Chairman for many years. Everyone wishes Roy well, and thanks him for his work on the railway’s behalf.
His successor is present Bala Lake Railway Director, Dr David Gwyn, an author, historian, archaeologist and fluent Welsh speaker, based near Caernarfon. Dr Gwyn is also a Director of the Ffestiniog Railway Company, and is Chairman of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway Heritage Company. He has been elected, in the first instance, for one year.
And finally….
To all those involved with, interested in, employed by or in any way helping or associated with the railway, may we wish you all the very best for 2015. There are lots of things happening this year, to the extent that there is a veritable ‘buzz’ in the air. 2015 is going to be good.