A MID Wales railway team has joined forces with an art expert to offer an immersive 1940s experience based on real love letters sent during the Second World War.
The Cambrian Railway Partnership and art tutor, Alison Pierse have teamed up to create a tour around Aberystwyth “reliving the tale of love, loss and longing in the 1940s”.
Visiting six locations around the seaside town, Rosemary’s Legacy is told through love letters written between two Aberystwyth undergraduates, Fred and Rosemary, during the Second World War.
Hidden in a Quality Street tin, these letters were found some 80 years later by her daughter Ms Pierse.
She said: “I always knew about Fred, as mum kept his photo on her dressing table. When asked who he was, she would wistfully say, ‘that’s Fred, he called me his girl.’
"I did not know the story of what happened to Fred. The letters revealed so much about how Mum led her life and her core principles.”
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The letters reveal the importance of the railway in connecting the couple.
Rosemary, an undergraduate evacuee from Chelsea Physical Education College, was stationed at Borth and used the university’s teaching rooms in Aberystwyth during the war.
Fred would write letters to Rosemary from the train, describing his longing for Wales – Hiraeth.
Claire Williams, partnership development officer for the Cambrian Railway Partnership, said: “We were captivated by Rosemary and Fred's story and thrilled to collaborate with Alison to retell their emotional tale.
"It highlights the important role that the railway played during their time in Aberystwyth and Borth.”
The guided walk will take place during Community Rail Week, organised by Community Rail Network and sponsored by Rail Delivery Group.
Community Rail Week is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role Community Rail Partnerships, like the Cambrian Railway Partnership, play in connecting communities by rail.
Walks will start in the waiting room at Aberystwyth Railway Station and last approximately two hours, covering a distance of 1.7 miles, with an interval where The Chai Bike will visit for a free mug of freshly roasted Masala Chai.
Ms Pierse will be getting into character with her 1940s attire and the public are being welcomed to join her.
Tour dates are May 20 and 27, both starting at 4.15pm.
Booking is essential as spaces are limited. To book your space e-mail alisonpierse@gmail.com or visit aberdabbadoo.com
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