Sunday trains in 'dry' Wales: Letter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I was interested to read Tony Heath's article (5 October) on the "dry" part of Wales and its effect on the locality around Porthmadog.
I was a volunteer buffet steward on the Festiniog Railway for several years in the 1970s, when the "dry" area was much greater than it is now. Then the railway's Sunday trains were usually packed with drinkers, and it took considerable skill and effort to maintain stocks during the day.
I recall one local character who would join the first train of the day at Penrhyn at 11.30, drinking pints steadily for the duration of the journey to Ddaullt and back, leaving the train at 12.45 to have lunch at home. When the train returned to Penrhyn at 1.30 he climbed on board again to resume his drinking.
I remember him once being upset because I couldn't serve him whilst the train was standing at Porthmadog station.
PETER JOHNSON
Leicester
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments