2016 August - ‘Navvies’ Celebrate 20 Years on the Talyllyn Railway

Our under 14s youth group, 'Navvies', has officially celebrated their 20th anniversary on the Talyllyn Railway


Named after the labourers who built the original railways, Navvies was founded after regular volunteer Dale Coton and fellow long-time volunteer Ian Evans wanted to find ways for children under the age of 14 to discover the joys of railway volunteering. While Ian started Tracksiders, for families with children aged six and over, Dale set up Navvies, so that older children aged 10+ could get more of an idea of how the different departments operate, ready to work on their own when they were 14.

Over the past twenty years dozens of youngsters have undertaken various tasks ranging from painting fences, digging ditches, bushwhacking and keeping stations clean and tidy. A firm favourite every year is when the Navvies get to clean engines, while the parents make bacon butties for all the staff at Pendre station. In 2016, Navvies have also been finding out how the traffic department works through shadowing the Guard on the train, helping get their carriage sets ready for the day, as well as talking to station staff and those who run the signalling equipment at the blockposts.

Former Navvy Ed Slipper is currently training as a blockman. He said:

“Navvies is the first time you get to be “involved”, and for me it sparked an interest in the traffic and loco departments – it must have worked as I’m still here, still loving it.”

After twenty years, Dale has decided it’s time to take more of a back seat. He has loved working with children through the years, particularly seeing how they often build personal confidence over the years. He said:

"The most rewarding part is seeing those like Ed Slipper going on to work on the railway in their own right".

Dale was presented with a cake, card and photograph of the 2016 group. Parents Simon Nuttall and Mary Bowes are taking over organising Navvies week, which generally runs in the week leading up to the August bank holiday. Simon said:

“It’s a fantastic way to spend time with my sons Jacob and Alex as they love the railway too. You’re out in the fresh air, with everyone away from their smartphones.”

With evening outings to Tywyn's Magic Lantern cinema and a campfire, plus opportunities to try out kayaking on days off, it is a perfect family activity holiday. Ed said:

“If you want a fun, ‘hands on’ job and really feel like you’re making a difference, do Navvies!”

If anyone is interested in taking part in 2017, go to the Talyllyn website and the Navvies section to find out more.

Article by Mary, photos by Barbara Fuller