The Railway Children

Talyllyn Tracksiders epitomising all that is best about our very special railway, deep in the Welsh hills.

Celebrating Twenty Years of Tracksiders today.  After a morning bushwhacking at Rhydyronen Tracksiders old and new gathered for a party followed by a trip on the train to Abergynolwyn where they reprised their 2002 production of 'The Railway Children.'  In 2002 Tracksiders assisted in the installation of a railway themed playground in Abergynolwyn station grounds.  They put on this production then to mark the opening of the playground.  

It almost brought a tear to my eye when the train bringing the children to their life of poverty in the countryside 'chuffed' (literally - there were backing musicians who provided percussion too) into the station to be met by Mr Perks, reprising his role of fourteen years ago.  The children were different of course but the 2016 cast were excellent with the main characters played to great effect.

Earlier at Rhydyronen another old tradition was revived.  For a few years, when we were first involved, Tracksiders held an end of season Quidditch tournament.  In perfect conditions we rolled back the years as teams from yesteryear played alongside the current railway children.  'Dads with Beards' and 'Mothers with Attitude' were a little older and slower but in the extra pic 'Former Tracksiders' are playing 'Current Tracksiders' with all thoroughly enjoying the fun.  What you cannot see are the 'Finders' off hunting for the Snitch.  Invariably, no matter how many goals are scored the team that finds the Snitch wins!

We left the party at 9pm and drove home - in record time.  4hrs 50m door-to-door.