The Corris Railway ran its 2021 Santa Train services on December 11th and 12th and, despite some gloomy weather and doubts over Covid, all the seats on the trains that ran were sold. In a new departure for the Mid Wales line, seats had to be booked online and in advance and thanks to the skills of two Corris Railway Society volunteers the necessary work to arrange and manage this was done in-house.
On the ground other volunteers had once again adapted part of the carriage shed at Maespoeth Junction to house the special visitor in his red suit and welcome the parents, grandparents and children for refreshments and presents after their train journey along part of the Dulas Valley. The Railway’s shop and museum at Corris was open, giving visitors a chance to buy festive and other items including the 2022 Calendar.
It is planned to resume passenger train services on the Corris at Easter 2022, subject to developments with coronavirus variants, but before that the remodelling of the track layout at Corris station will be carried out to include a run-round loop, facilitated by a traverser. Sleepers and track fittings have been delivered, and other preparation work has already been carried out in November. The revised layout will also necessitate provision of a new platform for passengers and although volunteers will progress the work donations towards the cost will be welcomed. These can either be made via www.corris.co.uk or by cheque, payable to Corris Railway, sent to The Corris Railway, Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH. If paying by cheque please indicate that the payment is for the work at the station.