Hidden World War II love letters retold with immersive guided tour in Aberystwyth during Community Rail Week

The Cambrian Railway Partnership have teamed up with Arts tutor, Alison Pierse, to bring you an immersive tour around Aberystwyth, reliving the tale of love, loss and longing in the 1940s.
 
Visiting six locations around Aberystwyth, Rosemary’s Legacy is told through love letters written between two Aberystwyth undergraduates, Fred and Rosemary, during WW2. Hidden in a Quality Street tin, these letters were found some 80 years later by her daughter.

The letters reveal the importance of the railway in connecting Fred and Rosemary. 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 2 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. Alison will be getting into character with her 1940s attire, and you are welcome to join her. 
 
Tour dates are 20th May and 27th May both starting at 4:15pm. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. To book your space e-mail [email protected] or visit aberdabbadoo.com

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For more information about Community Rail Week (Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May 2023) visit ​communityrail.org.uk/communityrailweek/