The coming of the railways in the 1860’s brought an enormous amount of new employment to this area resulting in the creation of a new village around the busy railway junction at Talyllyn. The camaraderie, pride and close working relationship inevitably created some notable characters.

Washington Williams turned out to become one of those characters loved by everyone. ‘Washy’ was born in 1884, the only son to engine driver William Williams and wife Elizabeth, who lived at No.6 Cobbstown.

Washy followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an engine cleaner at Talyllyn engine shed and working his way up until he qualified as an engine driver and was able to take on his father’s job upon his death in 1916, and following the death of his wife Harriet at Bethesda the previous year. Their beloved daughter Enid died in 1944.

Washy’s sense of humour and love of his friends and neighbours can be observed from his take on life in the village in his poem ‘Coronation Day’ in May 1937. This poem is now displayed in Llanfihangel Talyllyn Village Hall.

After the Second World War Washy trained as a magistrate - a position that he could undertake alongside his full time employment as an engine driver. The Railway strongly promoted their employees’ involvement in the community.

Washy lived at ‘Highfield’ No.1 Griffin Terrace, Talyllyn. He died on June 2^nd 1957 and is buried here at Pennorth.