Awdry Centenary and Duncan Day June 2011

Rev Wilbert Awdry was well connected with the Talyllyn, being one of our early volunteers. He based the 'Skarloey' engines on our very own 'great little engines' and several of the stories came from his experiences as a guard. So it seemed appropriate to celebrate 100 years since his birth with a new exhibition at our Museum. We were fortunate to have Rev Awdry's children Veronica, Christopher and Hillary, along with the Bishop of Sodor and Man present for the opening day. After the exhibition was officially opened the visitors took a trip up the line behind Peter Sam and Sir Handel.

We held a special 'Duncan Day' on Saturday 18 June as part of the celebrations. Peter Sam and Sir Handel were put back to work for the day. The engines hauled an extra long train up the line at 10:30. Part of the train detached at Abergynolwyn to form Sir Handel's shuttle train for the rest of the day.

There was plenty to do up at Abergynolwyn, with story readings, competitions, shuttle trains and a special appearance from Rusty. Also up at Abergynolwyn was Rev Awdry's daughter Veronica, who took a trip on Sir Handel's footplate on the shuttle train.

The Awdry Centenary exhibition is on for the rest of the year, so don't forget to take a look next time you're in Tywyn. Our next Duncan Day is on Thursday 25 August.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard over the past few days to make the events a success.

Photos by David Mitchell and Karen Willans