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Synopsis
2010 is the centenary of L T C Rolt's birth
L T C Rolt was one of the first narrative historians, an industrial pioneer and preservationist. During his life he was fundamental in establishing and promoting canals, waterways and railways. He was one of the first people in modern Britain to draw attention to the value of our canals as a means of transport and a source of pleasure. As well as his interest in canals he also turned his attention to neglected railways and set up the first organisation to save and run a railway with a mainly volunteer workforce.
Listed below are some of the key events that are taking place throughout 2010 as part of the centenary.
- Saturday 26th June-30th August: exhibition at The Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, Coventry dedicated to Robert Longden's photographs from A Canal People
- 26th-27th June: Tom Rolt Centenary Celebration Rally. Chester is dedicating a weekend to Tom Rolt, as his birthplace. There will be a display of canal boats, stalls, rally of vintage cars, brass band and lots of other fun activities
- 7th-8th August: Prescott Hill Climb, Prescott Estate, Gloucestershire - The Bugatti Owners Club will be hosting a special event in honour of Tom Rolt
- 28th-30th August: The Rolt Cruise and the Inland Waterways National Festival and Boat Show - Tom Rolt was the founder of the Inland Waterways Association and they are throwing a special weekend celebration in honour of his centenary at Beale Park, Pangbourne, Berkshire. This is the culmination of their special events to celebrate Tom and there will be displays of canal boats and activities. Timothy West will be opening the event
- 8th-17th October: Cheltenham Literary Festival - There will be events dedicated to Tom Rolt (who was also instrumental in the early days of the festival). Prunella Scales and Timothy West will be talking and signing books about Tom
L.T.C. Rolt was one of a small group of amateur railwaymen who made their dream of running their own railway come true. His vivid and often amusing account of this unique achievement is a record of individual enterprise and creative effort as refreshing as it is rare. Established by Act of Parliament in 1865 and unaffected by mergers and nationalisation, the Talyllyn Railway has been serving a remote and beautiful valley in the Merioneth mountains ever since. In 1950 the line was threatened with closure, and it was at that moment that the amateurs came to the rescue. It is now the oldest surviving railway of its kind in the world.
This book is delightful reading for both railway devotees and lovers of the Welsh countryside, which is so beautifully described here. Come and join this railway adventure set amidst the magnificent mountain background of Wales.
‘…this should appeal to a whole new generation of enthusiasts.’ Steam Railway News
‘This book remains essential reading, not only for those who love this corner of Wales and its railway, but all who have a genuine interest in what motivates people to try and preserve this part of our heritage.’ Push and Pull
L.T.C. ROLT was born in Chester in February 1910 and died in 1974. He was an engineer and craftsman whose passion for Britain's industrial heritage led him to become one of the foremost historians of the twentieth century. He jointly founded the Inland Waterways Association and also wrote Narrow Boat, Red for Danger and the famous Landscape Trilogy (The History Press).
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