Llyn Syfaddan History Group celebrated its 10th anniversary with an exhibition which filled Llangors Youth and Community Hall, writes Roger Reese.

The exhibition, held from September 27-29, showcased many of the projects and items that had been collected since the group’s formation in 2014.

The group was initially set up by Roger Young and Roger Reese who were both living in Talyllyn near Llangors. Three railway lines converged at Talyllyn where there was a large junction and a station. Talyllyn is noted for the Talyllyn Tunnel, built in 1816 to serve the Hay to Brecon tramway. At that time, the tunnel was the longest in the country. With the arrival of steam the tunnel was increased in size. From 1862 until 1962 trains from Mid Wales, Hereford and Merthyr all converged at Talyllyn on their way to Brecon.

Because of the steam trains, Talyllyn became established as a village, farming produce could be transported easily out of area, visitors from the South Wales coalfields could come to enjoy Llangors Lake and, above all, employment was created which sustained the local economy. All this has now disappeared except for the memories held by many local residents.

The two Rogers decided that something needed to be done to record and collect as much physical material and memories before they disappeared forever. The group now has more than 60 members.

Llangorse Village School with the Evacuees who were taught in the Village Hall, taken outside the Blacksmiths Shop
Llangorse Village School with the Evacuees who were taught in the Village Hall, taken outside the Blacksmiths Shop (Roger Reese)

To mark the occasion, a superb cake was made by a local resident, Cath Quarrell, which was cut by Mair Hamer of Llangors. Mair’s family had a long connection with the railways, going back over three generations.

Roger Reese, representing the group, said: “The committee had been planning the exhibition all year and we were overwhelmed by the support and interest shown by so many including Llangors Hall, guest exhibitors, y Gaer, members of St. Paulinus Church and the Llangors School PTA who provided all the lovely refreshments, and to all the residents who donated items.”

Roger Young added: “Over three days the exhibition was crowded. There was a real buzz in the air, it was truly a celebration of the wonderful community spirit and heritage we have around Llangors Lake!”

Left is lovespoon carver "Taff" Williams and right is an exhibit entitled "Ecclesiology and the Gothic Revival"
Left is lovespoon carver "Taff" Williams and right is an exhibit entitled "Ecclesiology and the Gothic Revival" (Roger Reese)