It looks like a little beach hut, next to Tal-y-Cafn/Eglwysbach railway station, about 4 miles North of Llanrwst. In the dusty window, there was a pure wool 'tweedy' jacket costing £135, a pair of heavy corduroy trousers at£45, and a pair of blood red slacks at £30. They were all absolutely made for the wardrobe of 'Lord Elis Thomas'. And indeed, I was told that it was from this little beach hut, adorned with the name 'H Ogwen Evans - Teiliwr/Tailor - established 1870' that the National Assembly's Presiding Officer procures his 'country' gear. I felt that there should be another sign declaring 'By appointment to Welsh royalty'.
I was at the station waiting to collect a senior executive of the European Care Group who was joining the Company's Welsh Advisory Board which I chair. We were out on a brainstorming 'away day' at a nearby hotel. I recommend anyone who happens to be driving up the A470 to turn off at Tal-y Cafn and pull in at this little station. You'll have to take your own sandwiches. Its like something out of the 19th century. Its impossible to sit on the platform, waiting for the one carriage train to arrive at this tiny little 'request stop', without feeling nostalgic for a by-gone, pre-Beeching age. And if you sit there for long enough, and close your eyes, its possible to imagine his Lordship stepping off the steam driven train, wearing blood red red slacks, a pure wool 'tweedy' jacket and the trademark cap. Someday, this little shop may well be moved to St Fagan's. Personally I think it ought to be listed and stay on its current site forever.
3 comments:
Better still if you had bought something Glyn, for that is how they survive, unless of course you did?
It is a beautiful part of the world.
anon - I did stop and enter - but to be honest, the clothes were just not me - which is either scruffy jeans/chinos or dark suit. And I didn't have time to pop in at Bodnant which is virtually next door. I imagine that the magnolias are magnificent at the moment, even if the weather has not been perfect over the last week or two.
I have just returned from a riding holiday in Ireland and having unpact - rushed to my favorite blog!
I too recommend a visit to Ogwen Evans - great outfits and a friendly service. Now that the Good Lord has moved over to the Llyn - will he be supporting or indeed sporting our excellent outfitters in Pwllheli? I shall be looking out for him at the Dwyfor Hunt!
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