The Talyllyn Railway has announced that it has received further grants towards its major redevelopment programme.

The narrow gauge railway, which runs from Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol, has received £200,000 towards the 75 Appeal from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a grant-maker that donates around £100m a year to a number of UK charities each year.

The National Lottery Community Fund has also awarded a grant of £323,707 towards the range of improvements.

These major works will include a new Pendre Engineering Works, new Carriage Maintenance Facilities, a training hub, restoration of the current facilities at Pendre and a new visitor facility at Pendre.

This fantastic news comes on the back of last month’s trip to Tywyn to see the announcement of the £3m+ grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The 75 Appeal now has over £5m towards the £5.53m project. With pledges coming in from regular donations, that means the railway is just £300,000 from its target!

Further details about The 75 appeal can be found at www.talyllyn.co.uk/75appeal

‘I am delighted to confirm that the Trustees have agreed a grant of £200,000 towards improving
your engineering and commercial facilities at the Talyllyn Railway, we look forward to hearing how your important work progresses.’

Sophia Weston of the Garfield Weston Foundation

‘We really liked your application for National Lottery funding – and we are happy to support ‘Preserving our Past, Building our Future’ with £323,707 over 5 years to help your community’.

Rachel Richards, funding Manager of the National Lottery Community Fund

“In the year when we celebrate 75 years as the World’s First Preserved Railway this is
excellent news, and we are grateful to both the Garfield Weston Foundation and The
National Lottery Community Fund for their support. It is a further recognition of the urgent
need for this project. The programme of community engagement is also vital for the future
of the Railway. However, it is now essential that our 75 Appeal reaches its £750,000 target
to ensure we have sufficient financial resources to move forwards with making our plans a
reality.”

Talyllyn Railway Company Chairman, David Ventry