FROM its start in 1951, theTalyllyn Railway, the world’s pioneering heritage line, has welcomed women volunteers. Many starting out as wives, girlfriends or mothers of the men at the time, their contribution has always been valued, and as the years have progressed and attitudes changed, many have gone on to roles beyond the stereotypical refreshment ladies or station cleaners.
On May 13, the Talyllyn celebrated the contribution of all its women volunteers with a day dedicated to them – and every rostered role was filled by a woman in what may have been a preservation first. This event was the outcome
