Attending the Annual Station Adopters Conference for the Cambrian Line

Transport for Wales (TfW) runs a Station Adopter Volunteer scheme across Wales and the borders, and the Cambrian Line is dotted with a host of quietly brilliant volunteers. They tend the planters coaxing colour from soil and the weather, and they work with TfW staff to keep their station well maintained and welcoming for passengers and their community. During my induction, TfW took me along the Cambrian Line to meet these adopters in person, swapping stories beneath old canopies and strolling the platforms admiring the fauna and flora. They are extraordinary — I’ve already blogged about several — and their involvement runs far beyond planting: talking with them feels like peering through a window into a neighbourhood alive with possibility, where every bench, flowerbed, and conversation hints at new community projects waiting to bloom.

Every year TfW holds Station Adoption Conferences for the volunteers across Wales and borders. This year I was invited to the Conferences for the Station Adopters along the Cambrian Line: one in Porthmadog and one in Shrewsbury.

With my trusty banner and a presentation sent to TfW, I jumped on the train for the first event in Porthmadog. The conference was being held in Byw'n Iach Glaslyn, across the car park from the railway station, so I didn’t have far to walk. I checked in at reception and was shown to the conference room. As I opened the door there were lots of friendly “hellos” and “good to see you again” which was lovely. TfW’s Mel Lawton was going through her presentation at one end of the room, and I found a seat while TfW’s Sian Jones kindly got me a drink. There was lovely homemade cake on the table, and I immediately felt welcomed.

I sat down while Mel finished her presentation, ‘The Station Adoption Volunteer Scheme Updates’, amid chatting and cake. When it was my turn, I felt a little nervous, but it went well. Most of the Station Adopters had met me before, so we spent time catching up on what they’ve been doing. Robin from Llanbedr told me their walking interpretation boards were ready to go up at the station, so I said I would speak to Morfudd and the TfW Station Manager to pass on phone numbers to arrange for them to be put up.

After the conference had finished, we crossed the car park to visit Porthmadog’s Incredible Edible. I’d blogged about them before, but it was brilliant to see how their tyre project had progressed. Local schoolchildren were helping by filling the gaps in the tyres to make them waterproof and warm with daub. Incredible Edible hopes to grow there all year round, and there are already vegetables thriving there. If you’re in Porthmadog it’s well worth a look. The group isn't always there, but their gardens ring the edge of the car park and are a great source of inspiration for your own growing projects.

The next day I arrived in Shrewsbury for our second Station Adopters conference. This was in the Gateway Centre near the station. I knew most of the volunteers there as well as I had been on a minibus up to Newcastle with the Chirk Station Adopters, who have the famous teddy. Josie from 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership joined Mel and I to do presentations and then there was much chatting and eating more cake.

I’m looking forward to this year's conference and not just because of the lovely cake.