Christians travel to join Talyllyn Railway’s Good Friday pilgrimage

The Rev Phil Jump in the cab of Loco No 4 Edward Thomas with volunteer driver Jonathan Mann, fireman Becky Sharp and the Rev Ian Drummond.

Pilgrims of many Christian denominations travelled from as far as Manchester to join Talyllyn Railway’s annual Easter ‘Stations of The Cross’ event on Good Friday.
 
The traditional pilgrimage, which began in 2009, visits each of the railway’s stations to re-enact the ‘Stations of the Cross’, marking Jesus’ journey carrying his cross to the place of crucifixion.
 
Eight stations were selected in this year’s pilgrimage to give more time to tell and reflect on the story. The reflections were led by the Rev Phil Jump, regional minister for North Western Baptist Association, an area stretching from Carlisle to Mid Wales.
 
The event was organised and co-ordinated by the Rev Ian Drummond, a retired minister living in Tywyn, a member of Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society Council and a railway volunteer for many years.
 
Lorraine Simkiss, the railway’s general manager (commercial), said  “We had an excellent attendance and it is encouraging to have had so many people join us on this poignant and spiritual journey.”
 
The annual event brings together Christians of many denominations. A collection was made to support work of the Diocese of Matabeleland in Africa, headed by Bishop Cleophas Lunga, a good friend of the railway.