08-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Heart of Wales Line to celebrate Community Rail Week
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership is set to celebrate Community Rail Week from May 19 to 25.
The week-long event, coinciding with the Railway 200 anniversary, aims to highlight the role of the railway in uniting people.
A networking event will kick off the celebrations as part of the partnership's Make and Trade project.
This initiative connects independent makers and traders along the Heart of Wales Line, promoting the visibility of local businesses.
The event is scheduled to take place at Radnor Hills, an award-winning spring water and soft drinks manufacturer in Knighton, on May 19 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
It will feature a short marketing session led by Megan Birch and Chris Butler from the host business, followed by a tour of the facilities.
The Make and Trade project recently received funding from the Community Rail Network to produce a 50-page booklet highlighting businesses in each town along the Heart of Wales line.
The brochure, showcasing attractions, shops, and unique products linked to the railway, will be distributed at tourist hotspots across the UK.
Businesses interested in being featured in the brochure can apply by emailing heartwalesline@
Owen Griffkin, community rail officer, said: "This event is all about bringing people together and creating new partnerships that can make use of the railway to attract new customers.
"Having the support of Radnor Hills, one of the most recognisable companies along the line, will be a real asset to the project.
"The company's experience in marketing and branding will be invaluable in helping smaller, local businesses reach new audiences."
The following day, May 20, will focus on the heritage of the railway as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations.
A drop-in event titled Trains, Tales and Tea will take place at the new KDM Gaming Hub in the recently-renovated Automobile Palace in Llandrindod Wells.
Scheduled from 2pm to 4pm, the event invites members of the public to share stories, photographs, and memorabilia connected to the railway's past.
Mr Griffkin added: "Railways have shaped our communities for generations.
"This event is a chance for people to share their memories and help us capture the social history of the line for future generations."
The week will also include environmental enhancements, with 15 new planters being installed at five stations across Powys, supported by a Places for Nature grant from Powys County Council.
This will boost biodiversity and create a more welcoming station environment for passengers and volunteers.
In addition, Mr Griffkin will accompany a group of primary school pupils on their return train journey from Radnorshire Wildlife Trust's Pentwyn Farm site near Llanbister Road Station, highlighting the railway's contribution to environmental education and community involvement.
Bill Freeman, Community Rail Network interim chief executive, said: "We're proud to see such a packed programme of community-led activities being held across Britain during Community Rail Week, especially during Railway 200 anniversary year.
"Community Rail Week shines a spotlight on community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups and the innovative projects they deliver across Britain, bringing people together and promoting the benefits of rail."
