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Good news for historic Welsh steam locomotive

By Robert Lloyd, 2013-02-28

Valley Veteran TVR 28 needs your help!
The cosmetic restoration of Taff Vale Railway O1 class 0-6-2T No. 28, the last surviving Welsh-built standard gauge steam locomotive, is set to go ahead thanks to a unique three-way partnership between the National Railway Museum, and two of Waless leading standard gauge preserved railways.
The Gwili Railway-based Gwili Vintage Carriage Group (GVCG), and the Llangollen Railway have agreed to work together to cosmetically restore the locomotive to showroom condition and display it with the only Welsh-built standard gauge railway carriage to survive into preservation, Taff Vale Railway Brake Third No. 220.
James Buckley, of the GVCG, explained: As custodians of No. 220, this project reflects a long-held aspiration to display the carriage within an appropriate context, and uniting it with the sole-surviving Welsh-built standard gauge steam locomotive in South Wales is a fantastic proposition.
This project has three major benefits in that we will move a step closer to creating a train that consists solely of Welsh rolling stock; the Llangollen Railway will get to re-assemble No. 28, and the locomotive will be out on public display for the first time in over two decades. We look forward to working closely with both the Llangollen Railway and the National Railway Museum to achieve this aim.
An appeal for 10,000 to complete the cosmetic restoration and transport the locomotive to the Gwili Railway is launched today by the GVCG on behalf of the other two partners.
Neil Evans, from Llangollen Railway, said: It will be great to get this loco back to showroom condition. Llangollen Railways workshop is the largest standard gauge steam loco workshop in Wales, so were very happy to be involved with the project. Since No. 28 arrived at Llangollen we have already worked on some parts of the locomotive, and a successful fundraising exercise will help us to complete the job.
Anthony Coulls, of the National Railway Museum, said: It has long been our ambition at the National Railway Museum to get No. 28 looking in tip-top condition and its great to have such enthusiastic partners in Wales to help us achieve this aim. Although Wales is well-known for its narrow-gauge lines, perhaps No. 28 will help remind everyone of Wales standard gauge railway heritage; the coal hauled by this engine helped to develop Britain.

Cheques in support of the restoration fund should be sent with a covering letter to:
Gwili Vintage Carriage Group c/o
Gwili Steam Railway
Bronwydd Arms Station
Carmarthen
SA33 6HT
Or online via:
http://gvcg.co.uk/donations/
Gift Aid forms will be sent to everyone who donates.

TVR No.28 Historical note
Taff Vale Railway O1 class 0-6-2 No. 28 was built in 1897 at West Yard Works, Cardiff to a design by Tom Hurry Riches. It was designed to pull passengers and freight on lines in the South Wales valleys and Cardiff docks, and represents one of a series of similar locomotive types that would influence the development of the GWRs 56xx class 0-6-2T.
No. 28 was withdrawn from mainline service by the GWR in 1926. The locomotive saw further use with the Army and the National Coal Board, which enabled it to survive into preservation, becoming a part of the National Collection in 1960.
Briefly returned to working order in Caerphilly in the 1980s, No. 28 was moved to the Dean Forest Railway in Gloucestershire after the group looking after it disbanded. It is currently stored at the Llangollen Railway in a dismantled state awaiting restoration, initially to non-operational condition.

Photos:
No. 28 at Llangollen with 'Gordon' nameplate from its days on the Longmoor Military Railway. The Gwili Vintage Carriage Group (GVCG) and Llangollen Railway representatives involved in the project are from L-R:Dewi Jones (GVCG); Neil Evans (Llangollen Railway); James Buckley (GVCG) and Chris Beet (National Railway Museum). Photograph attributable to National Railway Museum.
No. 28 during its last period of operation in Taff Vale Railway Company livery. National Railway Museum.

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Aberglasney Garden Café on the ‘Wright’ path

By Robert Lloyd, 2013-02-28

Aberglasney Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley in Carmarthenshire is delighted to be celebrating a new partnership with one of Wales most prominent food critics.

Along with his family, the food writer, broadcaster, and restaurateur Simon Wright will take over the franchise for Aberglasneys caf on St Davids Day, March 1, 2013.
Simon and his team, including wife Maryann and son Joel, will bring food of the quality you dont always expect at museums and gardens to this historic site.
Using fresh local ingredients picked from the gardens where possible the menu will change daily according to the seasons and the weather, but you can expect to sample innovative sandwiches and salads, soups, stews and homemade cakes all complimented with Welsh Coffee, Suki Teas and homemade lemonade.
Simons impressive CV reinforces the offering he brings to Aberglasney.

He and Maryann have been running restaurants in South West Wales for more than 20 years.

They were previously partners in the award winning Y Polyn at Nantgaredig and recently set up Wright's Independent Food Emporium.

Simon is a former Editor of the AA Restaurant Guide and was the restaurant consultant on Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.

He is a writer and broadcaster whose programmes have included "The Wright Taste" and "Wales on the Menu" for BBC Wales as well as programmes for Channel 4.
He is delighted to now be entering into a partnership with Aberglasney: Its a very special place and as a setting in which to serve people food it has few peers. We'll be offering food that has the same spirit as everything else we've done. The emphasis will be on quality, simple things done very well. One of the most enchanting things about the gardens is that it will give us the chance to work with the talented gardeners on produce that can be used in our dishes."
Aberglasneys head gardener Joseph Atkin says hes very much looking forward to working closely with the Wrights.
The Lower Walled Garden is filled year round almost with an abundance of fantastic vegetables, fruit and herbs. Its mouth-watering to see so many different varieties, many of which are quite rare and Im delighted that everything from purple podded peas to orange chard and edible flowers are going to be put to good use.
I cant wait to see Simons team in the gardens picking vegetables first thing in the morning, knowing that by lunch time Ill be able to sit in the caf enjoying all sorts of great dishes made with Aberglasney produce.
Aberglasney also has bee hives and the honey produced will be used at the caf, as will, during the summer months, oranges grown in the famous Cloister Garden and tropical fruit from the Ninfarium indoor garden.
Diners can choose to eat inside or al fresco in Aberglasneys beautiful Pool Garden surrounded by trees and flowers with stunning views through to the woodlands and walled gardens making a table at Wrights in the Garden one of the best in Wales.
Aberglasney Members will be able to make full use of the Caf, by visiting as often as they wish without any admission charge, under the normal terms of their membership.

Full details of membership can be found at www.aberglasney.org

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28th February

By Huw Llywelyn Rees, 2013-02-28

BORN THIS DAY - STANLEY BAKER

Born this day 1928, in Ferndale, Rhondda

Sir Stanley Baker , actor and film producer, best known for his roles in "Zulu" and "The Guns of Navarone". Baker was a close friend of both Richard Burton and Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson, as off screen Baker, was a dedicated socialist.

BORN THIS DAY - GLYN JONES

Born this day 1905, in Merthyr.

Glyn Jones - poet, short-story writer, novelist, translator, and critic.

Glyn jones was among the most versatile and distinguished of those who contributed to the emergence of an anglo- welsh literature in the 1930s, which, although written in english, was specifically welsh in style and subject-matter. he is particularly known for his book The Dragon Has Two Tongues in which he discusses the religious, political, and educational forces shaping South Wales in the years between the two world wars.

BORN THIS DAY - CHARLIE NEWMAN

Born on this day 1857 in Newport Charlie Newman - former wales rugby captain.

Newman played in Wales' very first international, against England in 1881. After retiring from rugby he became an Anglican clergyman, interestingly, as did James Bevan and Edward Peake, who played alongside Newman in the first Welsh international.

BORN THIS DAY - JOHN ALBERT GWILLIAM

Born on this day 1923 in Pontypridd.

John Albert Gwilliam - former Wales rugby international, who captained the side to Grand Slams in 1950 and 1952. He was described "as physically imposing, quietly spoken, religious and austere.

During World War II, Gwilliam was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Tank Regiment and saw action in Europe. After the war he became a schoolmaster and eventually as headmaster of Birkenhead School from 1963–1988, where he is remembered for his disciplinary standards and his religious views.

BORN THIS DAY - KATY WIX

Born on this day 1980 in Cardiff.

Katy Wix - actress who has appeared in the television series "Not Going Out", "Miranda" and "Torchwood".

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Hay-on-Wye

By Chris Keil, 2013-02-28

Chris Keil's novel "Flirting at the Funeral" will be appearing at Hay-on-Wye on June 2nd 2013. Be there!

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New Footer on AmeriCymru

By Ceri Shaw, 2013-02-28

We have added a new footer section to the site and in traditional footer style it appears at the bottom of all pages on the site. A number of useful links have been incorporated but we have room for eight more. What would members like to see featured here for easy reference?

Click to enlarge

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Paper Aeroplanes New Album - 'Little Letters'

By Ceri Shaw, 2013-02-27

Cam O'r Tywyllwch

By Jacob Whittaker, 2013-02-27

Rhaglen radio wythnosol gan Peski sy'n cael ei ddarlledu pob nos Iau rhwng 8-10pm ar 98.7FM Radio Cardiff.

Welsh language radio show produced by Peski Records which is broadcasted live every Thursday between 8-10pm on 98.7FM Radio Cardiff.

Gwrando ar Soundcloud yma - http://soundcloud.com/cam-or-tywyllwch

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27th February

By Huw Llywelyn Rees, 2013-02-27

BORN THIS DAY - IORWERTH PEATE

Born this day 1901, in Llanbrynmair, nr Machynlleth

Iorwerth Peate , who was a poet and scholar, best known as the founder of St Fagans National Folk Museum. Inspired by the open-air museums of Scandinavia, Peate aspired to create an open-air museum in Wales, where the visitor could view the way of life of past ages.

BORN THIS DAY - CHARLIE FAULKNER

Born this day 1941, in Newport, Monmouthshire

Charlie Faulkner, Welsh rugby international, who was part of the legendary Pontypool front row, making his international debut at the age of 34.

BORN THIS DAY - GARETH LLEWELLYN

Born this day 1969, in Cardiff

Gareth Llewellyn , former Wales rugby international and captain, who won 92 caps.

BORN THIS DAY - JOSEPH JENKINS

Born on this day 1818 at Blaenplwyf farm near Ystrad Aeron, Ceredigion.

Joseph Jenkins who famously emigrated to Australia because of a nagging wife and was reputedly 'The Jolly Swagman' of the popular song “Waltzing Matilda”

Jenkins ( 1818 – 1898) was a farmer who also won prizes at Eisteddfodau for his poetry. When he was 51, Joseph emigrated to Australia, leaving behind his wife and family and initially became a Swagman, travelling from farm to farm to find work. He later worked as a street cleaner in the town of Maldon in Victoria, returning to Wales when he became homesick at the age of 76. During his time in Australia, Jenkins kept a diary and he posthumously became famous after they were published as the Diary of a Welsh Swagman.

On 27th February 1994 a water drinking fountain and plaque were unveiled at the railway station in Maldon, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his departure from the town.

NIMROD WRECKED OFF ST DAVID'S HEAD

On 27th February 1860 all 45 people on board the paddle steamer Nimrod drowned, when it was is wrecked off St David's Head.

The Nimrod, which was operating as a cargo and passenger service between Liverpool and Cork suffered engine failure and was heading for Milford Haven under sail, when she was spotted by the Captain of another steamer called, the City of Paris, who offered to tow her to Milford Haven for £1,000. Captain Lyall of the Nimrod refused as the weather seemed moderate, but after the two steamers parted, the wind increased to hurricane force and shreaded her sails into tatters.

Captain Lyall lowered both anchors, but the chains of both broke, causing the Nimrod to smash into Porth Llong cliffs, near St. David’s Head and break into pieces.

BORN THIS DAY - JAMES DICKSON INNES

Born on this day 1887 in Llanelli.

James Dickson Innes - gifted and original painter, mostly of mountain landscapes.

Innes was educated at Christ College, Brecon, the Carmarthen School of Art and the Slade School of Art in London.

He painted the Arenig Fawr area of Snowdonia with Augustus John, before being diagnosed with tuberculosis and prescribed foreign travel, resulted in him visiting and painting in France, Spain and Morocco. Innes eventually succumbed to the disease in 1914, at the age of only twenty-seven.

ROWAN WIILLIAMS ENTHRONED AS ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

On 27th February 2003, Rowan Williams was enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Untitled

By Ceri Shaw, 2013-02-27

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26th February

By Huw Llywelyn Rees, 2013-02-26

On this day 1849, the first Welsh Mormon emigration left for America

The first Welsh Morman emigration was on the "Buena Vista" which left from Liverpool and was organised by Captain Dan Jones, originally from Halkyn, Flintshire, who had emigrated to the United States in 1840 and found work as a ship's captain on the Mississippi River.

After first arriving in America, Jones came into contact with the Mormons and was soon converted, becoming a leader within the community. Notably, he was with the Morman's founder Joseph Smith just before he died, when he was told by Smith that he would return to Wales to fulfill an appointed mission.

Subsequently, Jones was asked by the New Mormon leader, Brigham Young to return to his native country as a missionary of the church. At this time, there were only approximately 200 Mormon's in Wales, but under Jones's leadership, 3,600 new converts were baptized between 1845 and 1848 and then in 1849 he organised the first emmigration. He came back again to Wales in 1852 and converted a further 2000, most of whom also emigrated to Utah with Jones.

Mormons are a religious and cultural group, commonly called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints, who trace their origins to the visions of Joseph Smith in New York in 1823. Smith said an angel directed him to a buried book written on golden plates referring to the religion of an ancient people. Smith published a translation of these plates in 1830 as the Book of Mormon, named after Mormon, the ancient prophet-historian who had compiled the book.

Smith and the original Mormon converts, tried to establish what they call Zion ( or the New Jerusalem ) , a utopian society of the righteous and made several unsuccessful attempts to settle as a community, resulting in Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum being killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois.

This resulted in their new leader, Brigham Young, leading the Mormon pioneers to what became the Utah Territory in 1847, where they began to construct a society in isolation in a large desert region now known as the Mormon Corridor. From 1849–52, the Mormons greatly expanded their missionary efforts into Europe, which resulted in over seventy thousand new converts emigrating from all over the world to America.

Born this day 1977 in Morriston, raised in Glanaman

Shane Williams - Welsh and Lions rugby international

Williams is the record try scorer for Wales and was IRB International Player of the Year in 2008, renowned for his side step and acceleration.

On this day 1942, the film How Green Was My Valley, directed by John Ford and based on a novel by Richard Llewelyn, won 5 Oscars including Best Picture. The film follows the lives of a hard working Welsh coal mining family at the turn of the twentieth century.

Born this day 1916, in Swansea.

Lady Joan Curran , a scientist who along her husband, Sir Samuel Curran, played an important role in the defence of the allied forces in World War II.

Joan devised a technique, later to be known as "Window" or"Chaff"' by cutting up strips of tinfoil which would be scattered in the path of enemy planes, thus disrupting their radar. Perhaps Window's most spectacular success was when it was dropped with great precision by Lancasters to synthesise a phantom invasion force of ships which kept the Germans unsure of whether the brunt of the Allied assault would fall on Normandy or in the Pas de Calais.

On Monday, 26th February 1990, the sea wall at Towyn was breached due to a combination of high tides and extreme weather, resulting in flood damage to 2,800 homes, and the evacuation of over 2,000 people.

The Welsh Guards came into existence on 26th February 1915.

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Born on this day 1941 in Cardiff.

Rhys Maengwyn Jones - Welsh-Australian archeologist

After graduating from Cambridge, in 1963 Jones initially took up a teaching position at the University of Sydney, where he also completed his Ph.D. on Tasmanian Aboriginal archaeology, before moving to the Australian National University in Canberra.

Jones is recognised as being was a key figure in dating the migration of Indigenous Australians from Africa to Asia around 70,000 years ago and then their arrival in Australia around 50,000 years ago. In his memory, the Australian Archaeological Association awards the prestigious Rhys Jones Medal annually.

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