Campaign Skates towards shed slate success

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates has backed a scheme that gives history enthusiasts the opportunity to be part of the region’s heritage.

The New Glyn Valley Tramway and Industrial Heritage Trust has recently launched a Sponsor-A-Slate campaign giving supporters the opportunity to sponsor roof slates on the historic engine shed in Glyn Ceiriog.

The Trust hopes that the scheme, along with donations and community support, will enable them to pay for the 5,000 slates required to re-roof the shed, which the group hope to convert into a museum detailing the story of the history rail line.

Local AM Ken Skates, who has sponsored 12 tiles on the engine shed’s roof, said, “I’m delighted to support the Trust in their work. They have some exciting plans that have the potential to be a major draw for visitors to the area.

“I know a lot of hard work has gone in to their progress to date and would encourage everyone with an interest in the industrial heritage of our area to get involved and help the Trust in their work.”

Initially constructed in 1873, the tramway stretched six miles up the Ceiriog valley from Chirk to Hendre at its height. As well as slate, granite, wool cloth, gunpowder and even live trout carried in water-filled milk churns, the tramway also brought passengers up and down the valley. It finally closed in the 1930s as road transport grew in popularity.

Tiles cost £1 each, or £10 to sponsor 12. Contributors who sponsor 50 or more slates will have their name engraved on a slate plaque, which will be hung in the engine shed.

For more information about the campaign, or to register to sponsor slates, contact the New Glyn Valley Tramway and Industrial Heritage Trust’s membership secretary Gill Cuttler by emailing [email protected] or writing to 18 Wern Road, Llangollen, LL20 8DU.

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