| HOWLTA – The Heart of Wales Railway Line Travellers Association – for Users, Friends and Supporters of the Heart of Wales Line. |
Our aims are very straightforward – to seek the retention and improvement of the Heart of Wales Railway (Shrewsbury – Llandrindod Wells –Llandovery – Swansea); and to help to create a greater awareness throughout the rest of Wales, and in Britain as a whole, of the value and potential of rail transport, and to liaise with organizations with similar aims. HOWLTA was founded in 1981, prompted by British Rail proposals to postpone track renewals on the Heart of Wales Line, and ban main line locos, (and hence any excursions along the line). Key movers in this were Mike Watson, Chris Magner, Glyn Watson and Alec Prior. Newsletter no 1 outlined the reasons for the name; that HOWLTA is for all who travel along the line, residents and visitors alike. And the key issue was to recruit members. While the future of the line now seems secure under the current Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, nothing is guaranteed in the longer run, so we need to make the best of this precious asset. For a rural line subsidy will almost always be needed. Thus to ensure the retention of the line HOWLTA continues to seek and lobby for improvements to make the best of what we have. HOWLTA works closely with the Community Rail Partnership, but as a user/supporter organisation is able to lobby for better services, and liaise with TfW and Network Rail. So as in 1981 the key is having members who together can seek improvements in the services, and remind all and sundry that voters value this transport link. To join us use the application form or please contact the membership secretary: HOWLTA, 13 Lime Street, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4AD. Our Constitution can be downloaded here. |