Railway Themed Family Fun Day

The train pulled into Machynlleth on one of those mornings that can’t quite decide if it’s winter or spring, there was bright sunshine, but it was cold enough to make you wish you’d brought a warmer coat. It was market day, so it was lovely to see both sides of the street filled with everything from local produce to handmade crafts and busy with shoppers and visitors. I bumped into someone I know from Welshpool on one of the stalls, had a quick chat, then made my way to the Library.

Outside, the Library team had transformed the entrance into a little celebration of trains: chalk drawings scattered across the pavement, a wooden train set laid out on a table, and colouring sheets waiting for small hands.

Inside, I was directed to Tegwen from Pantperthog Village Hall who were one of the recipients of our Railway 200 Community Grant Fund. Tegwen has been working with Pantperthog Village Hall community and a local artist on a piece of artwork that brings together the railways, the town and everything that Railway 200 represents. It is a colourful piece of artwork and specific to the area and I’m really looking forward to seeing it hanging proudly in the hall.

This event was a joint effort between Machynlleth Library and Tegwen, aimed at younger children and their families. The room was dotted with train‑themed activities, each one inviting curiosity. I was introduced to Martin from the Talyllyn Railway in Tywyn, who had brought along a beautifully detailed model railway landscape, and to David from the Corris Railway, whose knowledge of trains, both past and present, seemed endless. Both were brilliant with families as they arrived, chatting, demonstrating, and sharing stories.

It was lovely to finally meet Tegwen in person after only speaking on the phone. We spoke in depth about how the project had come together while families drifted in around us, children excitedly making a beeline for the model railway.

Catching a glimpse of the finished painting reminded me again how these Railway 200 projects not only vary in creativity but have brought together so many communities, offering shared spaces and opportunities for intergenerational activities.