Until the Corris Railway closed in 1948 one of its staple traffics was beer for the “Slaters Arms” in Corris itself. Famously the delivery was made by stopping the waggon containing the ale on the level crossing opposite the pub from where the train crew rolled the casks across the road and into the cellar. The picture is vividly painted in George Behrend’s book “Gone With Regret”.

Sixty years on the Corris Railway is being revived but it has not been possible to relay tracks up to the site of the crossing, although it is easily found by walking along the street from the station. The “Slaters” is still in business but has in recent years has only been able to justify opening its doors in the evenings thereby depriving visitors to the Railway of the opportunity to enjoy a pint and take in a bit of British narrow gauge railway history at the same time.

However the doors of the “Slaters” will be open on the weekend of August Bank Holiday from midday onwards giving visitors the chance of a triple-treat. The pub is staging a Beer Festival whilst the Corris Railway Society is holding its annual Model Railway and Toy Exhibition in the village school. With Corris Railway steam trains running from the station in between the two this could make a day trip up the Dulas Valley for anyone interested in trains both real and model, good beer and the social history of the Valley (the Railway Museum will also be open) very worthwhile. Light snacks will be available both at the “Slaters” and the MRTE.

Corris Railway Society Chairman David Coleman is delighted with the news. “On our operating days we are conscious that once our passengers have enjoyed their visit apart from teas, coffees, soft drinks and some sweets and cakes in the Museum, they have not been able to enjoy the alternative of a drink and maybe a snack. Hopefully the August weekend opening will be a big success and we can look forward to some more openings of the “Slaters” on “train days” in years to come.

FOR COMMENT ON THIS RELEASE CONTACT: John Simms on 01823 323106 or via publicity@corris.co.uk.
Corris is five miles north of Machynlleth and eleven miles south of Dolgellau in Mid-Wales.
Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9SH.