The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway has announced that they have won a top award at the 2020 National Railway Heritage Awards.

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, was the guest of honour at the virtual ceremony after the original ceremony at Merchant Taylors’ Hall was cancelled due to the pandemic.

The Hendy & Pendle Trust Volunteers Award was won by the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways for their restoration of the Gweinthdy at Minffordd – a project that owed much to the direction of the scheme of long standing F&WHR stalwart, Eileen Clayton MDE, who sadly died before the work was completed.

Alan Norton, Project Manager says: “It is pleasing to receive this national award, recognising the efforts of so many people, mainly volunteers but with support from local contractors. Most of the work was repairs, but the finishing has allowed us to set high standards to make the space more comfortable and more useful. It was a lot of work, but very satisfying and enjoyable working as a team.”

“During the project, neighbours confirmed that the building was used by the Urdd, and hopefully in 2021, we will be able to invite the local community in to see what we have done, and to remember activities from their youth.”

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