Criccieth's Railway 200 Train

A couple of weeks ago I trundled up the coast to meet the Criccieth Crafters on the High Street. I was invited for a visit to see the progress of their Railway 200 project. From the outside it looks like an ordinary shop, but the moment you step through the door it’s like walking into a magical hive of colour and activity — knitting, crocheting, sewing and conversation and laughter buzzing all around. The place felt warm, busy and utterly welcoming.

I was offered a mug of tea and barely had time to sit down before someone noticed a hole in my jumper. Within minutes wool had been matched and my jumper was being mended by a lady with a darning needle. That small, practical kindness summed up the group: skilled hands, generous spirits, and a readiness to help.

Front and centre in the shop was the Criccieth Railway 200 train, proudly displayed while a couple of the crafters put the finishing touches on it. I’d first seen it at the Criccieth Community Day last autumn when I had a stall, but seeing it completed in the shop was something else. The engine and carriages are beautifully made by the Men’s Shed, then lovingly covered with knitting, sewing and crochet by the Crafters. Every stitch and patch tells a story. When in place Criccieth in Bloom will fill one of the planters up with plants.

They’ve just started selling their handmade items and while I was there a visitor from Thirsk popped in, she was part of the Thirsk Yarnbombing group. She was on holiday and soon everyone was swapping ideas, stories and photos — including images of Thirsk yarnbombing. The Criccieth Crafters a real hub for sharing inspiration and making new friends.

I attended their meeting, it was good.  They discussed what they were doing and then what they wanted to do in the summer.  All of them joining in and having a say. We all got our sandwiches out and chatted whilst eating them. I felt incredibly welcomed and as I left I was warmly encouraged to come back soon.

The Criccieth Crafters have been awarded a grant from our Railway 200 Community Grant Fund, and Criccieth in Bloom will be planting up the train before it takes pride of place at the station. When it’s installed, do take a picture and tag us on Facebook or Instagram — it will be a sight worth sharing.