WHR 'Golden Bolt' Ceremony

[John L Dobson]

On 28 February the ceremonial bolting up of the final fishplate, to complete the link between the WHR and the FR, took place at Porthmadog Harbour Station. Two specially created ‘golden’ (aluminium bronze) bolts were used, inscribed to commemorate the Black Hand Gang and the Rest Of The World gang, The bolts were installed by Dafydd Thomas and Paul Bradshaw, representing the two groups, which were responsible for most of the track laying on Phase 4 of the WHR.

See: http://whr.bangor.ac.uk/goldenbolts09.htm

and also:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fvynkpIz70

or: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IMgZO7AD4w

[Gordon Cook]

Congratulations to all of you there in Wales on this important milestone. Your accomplishments are an inspiration for us who are working on  rebuilding the WW&F Ry over here in Maine, USA.

[Glenn Christensen]

On 28 February the ceremonial bolting up of the final fishplate, to complete the link between the WHR and the FR, took place .

Yes John,

Cheers and congratulations to the WHR, the FR, the BHG, the ROTWG, and all the other wonderful and dedicated volunteers who have helped make the new WHR a living, breathing reality.  I'm looking forward to patronizing the completed work when next I visit in 2010!


You all deserve tremendous credit!


Best Regards,
Glenn

[Stephen Hussar]

Absolutely amazing -- CONGRATS to all!!

[Frank Knight]

Let me also say CONGRATULATIONS!  Can't wait until I can make the trip back to Wales and ride the train in person.

Frank

[Phil Raynes]

Indeed! May I add my CONGRATULATIONS?!?!! I have watched via the web since 1996, and marvelled at the diesel "Castell Caernarfon's" first display before the track was begun!  I have ridden on both the Ffestiniog and the short section of the Welsh Highland at Porthmadog.  I look forward to riding through from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Caernarfon with my luggage as part of a trip to see the castle!  A job well done!

Again, Congratulations!

Phil

[John Kokas]

Although not intending to be redundant; to all our British bretheren a hearty "jolly well done!"  I can't wait to visit and take an extended holiday in Wales.

Anyone have any suggestions for a travel agency there that can set up a "package trip" to include the train and multiple stops/nights at various B&B's and/or Inns along the line?

[James Patten]

Anyone have any suggestions for a travel agency there that can set up a "package trip" to include the train and multiple stops/nights at various B&B's and/or Inns along the line?

The "Patten Travel Agency" has made a successful trip to Wales and return, and can recommend a couple of nice places to stay, and even suggest an itinerary.  I based myself out of Porthmadoc when I went, and relied on public transportation (with a few private trips here and there) to get around.

I'm not a real travel agency, although I play one on TV.