FR & WHR & WHHR News

That’s not what I suggested

 

That's just it, and I made the same point when the new Caernarfon building was built. It's one thing to build new buildings in a traditional style in order to harmonise with existing buildings--like the cafe at Sheffield Park, for example. But the WHR never had any really large or substantial buildings. There is no 'house style' to follow. I refuse to use the word 'pastiche', which has become a pejorative term in architectural circles. But nevertheless, if we build a grand traditional style building at a place like Beddgelert, we risk giving people a misleading impression of the kind of railway the old WHR really was. Much better, in this case, to construct buildings that are obviously modern, so that everybody clearly understands they are post-preservation additions.



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If you say so.
It’s undoubtedly the case that the railway adds to the local economy, but this contribution is maybe not perceived always.

You can perhaps understand though that this development might split opinions on its desirability. My personal view is that the railway is perceived to have only a small positive impact on most people’s daily life. I realise that we enthusiasts tend to regard any railway development as necessary and any objection slightly ridiculous, but as the L and B have discovered, other views are possible. Maintenance of good local relationships is something the railway does try to have, but it is difficult. This is one I am not sure about, and that’s me, a member, worried it may not endear the railway to others.

 

As it is a modern building, on a modern railway, operating modern carriages and (relatively) modern steam locos, I don't see the issue - a 21st century interpretation of traditional railway architecture is entirely consistent with the new WHR. The railway isn't pretending to be a historic recreation and I doubt many visitors think it is.

 

I think the design is far better than the collection of portacabins and sheds that are there at present. As a visitor the other week it was almost embarrassing to use and in stark contrast to facilities on the rest of the line. Beddgelert is a premier destination and should have facilities to match, surely first impressions count? I would have thought there would be far more objections to having run down cabins than a new building.

Far too easy to find reasons not to do things. Some people don't like any change, but then don't like how things are currently either.

 

Worth making the point that Bedgellert has only become important in the 'Post Covid' era

 

When the Welsh Highland reopened services were not allowed to terminate at Beddgelert for fear it would attract more road traffic to the village. Hence the temporary terminus at Hafod Y Llyn.
The importance of Beddgelert has increased since Covid, but so have shorter journeys in general as families seek more cost effective options. That shouldn't detract from the fact the village is a picture postcard destination and that it is well promoted by the railway in its advertising.
Should also add Beddgelert ice cream was being sold by the railway the other week and comes highly recommended..

 

Many in N Wales resent tourists and want to curtail their impact hence the tourism tax, second home premium, holiday home curbs and ever increasing car park charges especially around Conwy, so every development faces some opposition. No one can seriously defend the current state of the station site, on the new build locally sourced materials are to be used, slate and wood, to be transported in by train, as opposed to the original approved design using brick and render. Some passengers with mobility issues cannot access the village due to the steep path and the new facilities will no doubt be welcome to their party. Furthermore this approved building is considerably smaller than that approved 20 years ago for which the existing slab was laid in preparation.

 

When I've been a tourist in N Wales, this atmosphere has come out at times - and frankly is probably as much of a threat to tourist oriented businesses as anything else.

 

The tourism tax and second home premium have been brought in for very good reasons to try and redress the balance where younger locals feel completely priced out of their communities and culture. This has undoubtedly led to some resentment towards tourism, where local people feel they are being pushed out (by predominantly wealthy outsiders). I think that is fair criticism and has led to ghost towns over winter and closure of local services - where over half of properties are only occupied for a few weeks a year.
I do not think this view is reflective of the majority and I think in the main Wales remains an extremely welcoming and tolerant place, indeed more so than some parts of England which I feel is becoming increasingly polorised. As an incomer myself, & having holidayed many times in Snowdonia, it is a wonderful place and I have never had any issues.
I also find it ironic that this building has caused planning issues, yet in my area of Wales numerous stark industrial warehouses have popped up in the middle of glorious countryside to house chickens and sailed through the planning process - but that is a different argument and for another time!

 

I was not referring to tourist tax or 2nd home premiums, but a sense when visiting north Wales that to, a proportion of those there, I was unwelcome because I was a tourist.

I've family in Cornwall, so am familiar with the tensions around the impact of a tourist economy on the local population.

 

My reply was more directed to @garth manor and his comments that the measures are anti tourist and reflect a majority view. These measures are needed to redress a balance that has got out of hand and risks destroying local communities if left unchecked. It's not just Wales either, similar tensions are ongoing in Spain, Italy and other tourism hotspots.
I don't want people to think that there is a majority anti tourist view in Snowdonia, most people are proud of where they live and want to share their landscape (& make a living). You are correct, if a 'Wales is closed for business' sentiment were to be pushed, that would be disastrous for everyone.

 

Sad news.

http://www.isengard.co.uk/

 

I was very sad to see that. I've followed that website since the start.

 

And me. I didn't see him at the recent 70-years celebration at Port., but at least he could have enjoyed that from a distance, thanks to the extra Boston Lodge webcam.

Barrie was always a very strong advocate for the WHR - and supported all organisations involved. His comprehensive illustrated account of the restoration of the railway is an important historical document, and one hopes that it can be preserved permanently in archive form for future generations to research and enjoy: it seems increasingly unlikely that that kind of major heritage railway re-build project will ever be seen again.
James

 

The site's been crawled and copied to the WayBack Machine, so it should be secure, but for the sake of a few quid a year it might be nice if the WHR took on paying for hosting and domain renewals to keep it where it is.

https://web.archive.org/web/20250000000000*/isengard.co.uk

Simon

 

Thanks Simon - good news. Seems like the WHHG might be a good fit too ("History is one second ago" Prelinger)
James

 

For those who may have never been aware of it, or forgotten about it, there is also the late Ben Fisher's website (I think it was the "official" WHR project site) that has much information and now historical information about the rebuilding of the WHR.
It is archived here: https://welshhighlandheritage.co.uk/WHRProject/index.htm

At one time both Ben's website and Barrie's were on my "check daily" list as I followed the rebuilding.

Steve B

 

Mine too. Barrie Hughes' eccentric web-design choices and occasional flights of speculation sometimes drew criticism but it was good to have two independent news sources, from slightly different perspectives, of such an exciting project. RIP Barrie.