On Friday 9th July 2021, Welsh Conservative Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, made a socially distanced visit to the Old Tramway Engine Shed in Glyn Ceiriog where he met with members of the volunteer team and Ceiriog Valley County Cllr Trevor Bates to learn more about the history of the old tramway and the effect of Covid restrictions on the progress of the project.
During his visit, Mr Baynes met with members of the New Glyn Valley Tramway and Industrial Heritage Trust committee which runs the Old Tramway Engine Shed: Keith Roberts (Chairman), Norman Stainthorp (Baldwin Project Manager), Edwin Lambert (Joint Archivist, Site Manager and Registrar), Ralph Bennett (Trust member and volunteer), Pauleen Maynard (Press Officer and GVT Sales), Riv Carter (Treasurer), Judith Stainthorp (Journal and Health & Safety), Linda Hughes (Joint Archivist and Assistant Treasurer) and Eunice Roberts (Membership Secretary).
He was shown round the Old Tramway Engine Shed shop and fascinating museum by Edwin Lambert which contains over 300 photographs of the tramway as well as artefacts and replica tramway stock. The Trust is a voluntary body and is dependent on donations to preserve remaining evidence of the tramway and to educate people locally about its history.
County Cllr Trevor Bates said:
“I was very pleased that Simon gave up his time to visit the Museum and recognise the hard work these people do to research and record the history and Industrial Heritage of the Ceiriog Valley. The Tramway Museum and the Ceiriog Memorial Institute complement each other and between them they contain a vast amount pictures, exhibits and historical information which make for an interesting day out.”
Keith Roberts, Chairman of the Trust, said:
What a very enjoyable and pleasant few hours were spent with our Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP on Friday 9th July 2021. I was very surprised at the interest shown by Simon with regards to the general running of the Museum and Heritage Trust. It is all run on a voluntary basis with general expenses coming from its members subscriptions and much needed donations coming from the general public. After a guided tour of the Museum, I am pleased to announce that Simon completed a membership form for his wife and himself so becoming part of this Iconic little Tramway. We look forward to meeting with Simon again whenever he is passing.
Simon Baynes MP said:
“It was a pleasure to visit the Old Engine Shed and learn more about the history of the Glyn Valley Tramway which for just over 60 years between 1873-1935 ran up the valley alongside the former toll road close to the River Ceiriog. It was originally built as an easy way of transporting slate from the Cambrian Quarries but also carried other freight and passengers. The Old Engine Shed is well worth a visit and the museum fascinating.
The Trust members are working incredibly hard to progress the project with the aim of spreading greater awareness of the old tramway and its history and my wife Maggie and I are delighted to become joint members so that we can support the Trust in their inspiring work to bring the history of the Glyn Valley Tramway back to life.”