News
Their Royal Highnesses visit Llandovery's refurbished rail station, Wales
30th June 2011
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Llandovery’s refurbished railway station today and toured its new facilities.Dwindling passenger numbers saw the picturesque grade II-listed building downgraded to an "unmanned halt" in 1992.
Since then Carmarthenshire County Council has used a Welsh Assembly grant to transform the station.
Today it boasts a new waiting room, cafe and museum and plans to attract extra cash by hiring out bicycles to tourists.
Trains travelling the picturesque Heart of Wales line stop at the station with tickets to ride available on board.
Their Royal Highnesses walked in and had a chat with locals sitting round a table enjoying morning coffee at the spruced up station.
Llandovery appeared to be out in force today to meet and greet The Prince and The Duchess as they toured the station.
Among them was Mary Bennett, at 101 the town's eldest resident.
Another unexpected onlooker was Patagonian exchange student Augustina Tora who grew up in South America speaking Spanish and Welsh.
Another unexpected onlooker was Patagonian exchange student Augustina Tora who grew up in South America speaking Spanish and Welsh.
She is attached to Ysgol Rhys Prichard, the local primary school, whose pupils turned out in traditional Welsh costume to greet Their Royal Highnesses.
"For me it is something unbelievable to be here," she said. "Something like this for me makes a really really big day."
As The Prince and The Duchess unveiled the plaque marking their visit, a single-carriage train drew up at the station.
A small handful of stunned passengers peered out through its windows in disbelief at a view they were obviously not expecting.
Later The Prince and The Duchess moved on to nearby Myddfai, the tiny hamlet which is a stone's throw from Llwynywermod, the Their Royal Highnesses' farm.
Almost every resident in the pretty flower-festooned community attended the official opening of their new village hall.
The Prince was roundly praised by many today for his support in "putting the heart back" into village life.
Several of his charities supported the Myddfai Ty Talcen facilities which include a craft shop, cafe and community hall.
The outcome is a major new landmark in the village which in size, would rival many small primary schools in other communities.
Locals clinched £433,000 through the Village SOS scheme, a joint BBC and Big Lottery Fund initiative, to fund the project.
The transformation has impressed many by its speed, as the site's run down village hall was still standing as recently as September.
Hugh Davies, the project manager, said: "This was just a hole in the ground on 20th September last year because we had demolished the old building two days before.
"Its remains are now under the ground in what is now the car park. The Prince and his charities have been a huge support to this project."
The praise was mutual between the two as The Prince paid tribute to the project leader during a brief inaugural speech.
"He is a genius in knowing who to go to try and get money," The Prince said to general laughter.
He added: "I do hope that it will prove to be an enormous success.
"I cannot tell you how much it means to both of us to be able to join you from time to time."
During the visit Their Royal Highnesses were entertained by Llandovery Male Voice Choir and shown round the centre's craft shop.
They were also told about a trading company set up by the community called Myddfai Made in a Great Tradition.
The Prince and The Duchess then went outside and spoke at length with locals who had turned out in force for the occasion.
Their Royal Highnesses planted an apple tree each before leaving to return to their nearby home.
Local people had nothing but praise for them after they had left.
Villager Hazel Ahmed, said: "It is very special having a neighbour like Prince Charles. It is very good for the village.
"Since he moved here it has reinvigorated village life. There was no community heart in the village before. He has brought it back.
"Since he moved here it has reinvigorated village life. There was no community heart in the village before. He has brought it back.
The day concluded at Llwynywerwod where The Duchess of Cornwall met young people from a Welsh children's cancer charity.
Latch was formed in 1982 by a group of friends to offer children and their families medical, financial and welfare support.
The charity aims to ensure children in Wales suffering cancer and leukaemia obtain the best facilities available.
It offers everything from accommodation for parents to funding support teams of social workers and community nurses.
Funds are also available to families facing the added expense of travel or extra requirements in the home.
Most recent activity includes the provision of £800,000 to build an additional floor at the Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff.
Most recent activity includes the provision of £800,000 to build an additional floor at the Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff.
The scheme includes a dedicated out-patients department for children and hotel accommodation for families.
Speaking during the event, The Duchess said: "It's been a pleasure to have everyone here
today. I want you to take all that food home with you - don't leave any of it!"
Tony Curtis the Trustee and Event Organiser for LATCH said: "It was a wonderful day. Her Royal Highness showed unbelievable kindness as always and she was incredible with the children and families today."
Speaking during the event, The Duchess said: "It's been a pleasure to have everyone here
today. I want you to take all that food home with you - don't leave any of it!"
Tony Curtis the Trustee and Event Organiser for LATCH said: "It was a wonderful day. Her Royal Highness showed unbelievable kindness as always and she was incredible with the children and families today."
The summer tour of Wales continues tomorrow when The Prince will witness dairy farming best practice on a farm in Kidwelly.