Easter Open Day another success for LMMR

Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway saw its third open day welcome families from around Carmarthenshire and railway enthusiasts from all around the UK. Families started their day in the recently installed ticket office. Once they got their site map and Easter trail they set about solving the Easter codes. The Easter trail saw the children and some of their eager parents explore the whole site from main shed, pond, heritage centre and finally when on the train.

Images courtesy of www.philfitzsimmons.co.uk

Differing from the previous two events in 2017, the railway was this time able to use their buffet carriage as a moving vehicle for the very first time. Offering tea, coffee and cake on board, this proved very popular with visitors. Being able to use the buffet carriage is thanks to a new diesel locomotive arriving at the railway at the end of January. The locomotive, a class 600 type was built in the 1950s in the UK for use in Holland and was repatriated to the UK in 2005. Having this locomotive in service on the day also meant a large amount of diesel railway enthusiasts were attracted to the railway to sample some ‘haulage’ behind the vintage train.

Video courtesy of Robert Masterman

The weather, although initially a bit drizzly still brought in over 100 children and 150 adults and even a couple of lucky dogs, who got to have a ride on the train.

Every child who participated in the Easter trail and cracked the code were awarded with an Easter egg. Many of the children enjoyed their Easter egg on the train journey up the line and back. Train rides were unlimited, meaning the children didn’t have to rush their chocolate!

Feedback from the returning public included comments on the continued site improvements, including disabled access, space on the train for buggies, improved surfaces and onsite hot food refreshments supplied by an outside caterer.

Leader of the Llanelli Rural John Evans and Councillor Tegwen Devichand were present for the first departure of the day and later Lee Waters AM visited the railway via the adjacent cycle way. All had a very enjoyable visit.

The next public open day at the railway will be on Monday 28th May 2018 from 11am until 4pm with regular train rides. More information on the project and future events is available at: www.llanellirailway.co.uk