Canada comes to Llanfair Line

Not many heritage railways in the UK celebrate Canada Day, but then not many have a Canadian-born General Manager!

After a successful debut in 2016, the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway will again be marking the day on Saturday, which this year is a special celebration of the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

Stations along the line will be bedecked in Canadian flags, photographs and posters, and visitors will be invited to plot their friends and relations on wall maps of Canada.

“Everyone I meet seems to know someone who lives in Canada,” says W&LLR General Manager, Charles Spencer. “So I thought it would be fun to see where they were!”

Charles’ family will be on hand to help visitors find locations on the map.

There will be quizzes on the subject of Canada for adults and children travelling on the train, with Canadian prizes, including special Canada 150 souvenirs, to be won (while supplies last). Also available is a handsome folder about Canadian railways from Via Rail, Canada’s national passenger railway, for those who might be tempted by the nearly 3,000-mile trip between Toronto and Vancouver.

A spotting guide will challenge children to find the Canadiana located at each station, while there will also be a display of Canadian stamps at Welshpool Raven Square station.

Meanwhile any visitors holding valid Canadian passports will as a special bonus travel free on Saturday. They can present their passport at either booking office for their complimentary return ticket.

The Llanfair Line’s efforts have also been recognised, the railway proud to be named by the Canadian Automobile Association as one of the top 10 places outside Canada to celebrate Canada Day!

Trains run on both days of this weekend, and Tuesday through Thursday next week, with return departures from Welshpool at 11.15am and 2.05pm.

The line’s summer daily service then starts on July 8 and will run right through to September, with extra trains and freight movements featuring at the next Vintage Weekend, on July 15-16. The Tearoom at Llanfair Caereinion is open every day for light lunches and refreshments.