Our November meeting was an illustrated talk by Mr Bill Rogerson on the local railway history. Mr Rogerson was welcomed by our Chairman Richard who also welcomed the members present.

Bill's talk concentrated mainly on the line that used to transport goods and passengers down the Vale of Clwyd. This line, ten miles long opened in 1856 and was known as the VoCR and was a standard gauge line connecting the towns of Rhyl (Foryd), Rhuddlan. Trefnant and Denbigh. There were 4 trains a day each way and each had its own station which had station yards for the transport and holding of livestock, slate, timber, and vehicles.

We were shown illustrations and photographs of a large selection of different class engines used in this area including the aptly named “Rhuddlan Castle” which one of our Members recognised as the train that took her and her husband on their honeymoon to London in 1960.

Bill explained that the engine crew, driver, and fireman did not have the luxury of a closed cabin, as today, but were open to the elements of the cold, rain, wind, and smoke.

The lines along the coast developed later and were the main transport for holidaymakers, excursion trains of 20 coaches were common and in fact, at Rhuddlan station train coaches were used as holiday accommodation.

These stations have now all disappeared, removed for the development of roads and housing and it is difficult to recall their exact locations.

Thank you Bill for nudging our memories of times past. A most enjoyable evening.

Our next meeting will be on Friday 1st December in the Community Centre when we will have Mary Jones talking about the”1928 Grand National Winner” we will be having refreshments on this our “Xmas “meeting so please come and join us.

This will be our last meeting until 19th January 2024(change of date)when Adrian Hughes will be giving our talk. We are still looking for 2 more members to join our depleted committee we really need them. Also, we need an extra person to help to dress our Christmas tree at St.Mary`s in December. Details from the Chairman or any committee member. We look forward to seeing you in December