Today, Sunday 25th July I have some sad news to report.
Some inconsiderate people (the polite name!) have set fire to a stolen scooter in the shelter painted by the school children. Four panels have been damaged as you can see in the photos, BUT fear not as soon as we have the go ahead from arriva we will be back to paint them. Obviously arriva will need to speak with their insurers.
The link to the BBC online news article.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-10761262
Hello!
It was completely by chance that I stumbled across your website – links through from the BBC website about the arson attack on your station artwork. Such a shame. I do hope it can be repaired.
I was really fascinated by your History pages as my mother was one of your members in the 1950’s. My parents, Gerry and Joan Bowen Thomas, came to live in Harlech just after they got married in 1951 – my father was a tutor at Coleg Harlech. I was born in Harlech ( well, actually Barmouth! ) in 1955 and we lived at Llys Branwen, in the flat below Nancy Jeffreys Jones until about 1959, when we moved to Kent.
Nancy was my godmother. I last saw her in 2002 when we came visit North Wales and she has since sadly died. I do have very fond memories of her.
I phoned my parents to say that I had found your website and they were thrilled to read about familiar names and places. They live in Oxford now and are both aged 83 and still bouncing around but Mum’s memory isn’t quite as good as it used to be.
Mum remembers being part of the Drama group and Dad recalls building the scenery ( a fireplace!) for one of the productions. They think they might have some old photos of the Drama productions – would you be interested in the photos for the website maybe?
I suggested to Dad that he should email you if they can find any treasures in their Memory Box.
And as for me, “ WI sandwiches “ have passed down into family folklore! Sandwiches with the crusts trimmed off were always the order of the day for the refreshment table in Harlech WI- and remember quite clearly ( at the age of 4!!) the ceremony that went into making these WI sandwiches. We never had sandwiches without crusts at home but Harlech WI did!
With kind regards
Bethan Carrick ( nee Bowen Thomas)
“We at Arriva Trains Wales are very disappointed with the wanton vandalism that took place recently at Harlech Railway Station. This is especially true in light of the excellent work that the local Women’s Institute have undertaken, as the local Station Adoptees, to enhance the station with murals and floral displays. Arriva Trains Wales do work closely with agencies including North Wales and British Transport Police to prevent and address issues of unruly behaviour and crime at railway stations and will continue to assist with enquiries into this particular incident”.
David Crunkhorn, Station Manager Cambrian, Arriva Trains Wales
“The Women’s Institute, since starting their involvement as the Adoptees, have achieved so much in such a short time by changing the ambience of the railway station at Harlech. As well as being very hands on themselves they have been very successful in engaging a wide range of local groups and individuals including the local Fire Brigade and students and staff from Ysgol Arudwy and Coleg Harlech in various activities at the station. I am sure, frustrating as it is, that this recent incident at the station will not dampen their enthusiasm or break their resilience in improving the station for local people and visitors alike.
Gerwyn Jones, Rail Development Officer, Cambrian Railways Partnership