PRESERVATION
Corwen’s new station
Gareth Evans reports on the formal opening of the Llangollen Railway new terminus.
VISITORS to Corwen’s new station could be forgiven for believing it has been there since the age of steam. With a host of heritage features, it looks and feels the part – the nods to the 21st century including some modern signage, a requirement for the new-build station to comply with the latest regulations. Some of the modern day touches provide welcome visitor facilities, such as the lift up the steps from the ground level entrance to the island platform, which sits on top of an embankment.
Columns for the canopy originate from Blackfriars, although they were acquired from the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. Edging slabs were sourced from Liverpool Lime Street for the up platform, while those on the down side came from Bala Junction. The results of the hard work and sheer determination to complete the station serve as a fitting tribute to volunteers who did not live long enough to be present as it welcomed its first passengers in early June. The celebrations to mark the opening of the Llangollen Railway’s new western terminus took place over four days – Thursday, June 1 being an event catering for volunteers and other project supporters, while the formal opening ceremony was held the following day and a two-day public gala event on the Saturday and Sunday featuring an intensive public timetable with three trains in operation.