RESIDENTS have been invited to learn more about the fascinating history of Dyffryn Nantlle.

On Thursday, 8 November, Gareth Haulfryn Williams will be delivering the annual Penygroes Library lecture in Neuadd Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, Penygroes at 7.30pm.

The lecture is organised by Gwynedd Council Libraries in partnership with Cymdeithas Hanes Dyffryn Nantlle (Dyffryn Nantlle History Society).

A council spokesperson said: “It’s heartening to think that the Penygroes Library Lecture is still going strong after 50 years, and is still contributing to our understanding and knowledge of the local history of Dyffryn Nantlle.

“Gareth Haulfryn Williams has created an interesting lecture this year, tracing the history of the emergence of the railroad in Dyffryn Nantlle.

“The history begins with the passing of the Nantlle Railway Act in 1825 which led to a narrow gauge 3’6” railway being built to transport slate from the nearby quarries to the quay in Caernarfon.

“Local quarry owners came together for the purpose of creating a link between quarry and quay, which was a success. Because the quarries and their owners held shares in the line, the income stayed within the community – and the shareholders had a good income.

“This is an example of local people coming together to improve the economy in their area – something that echoes today’s efforts to re-vitalize the economy and community in Dyffryn Nantlle!”

Entry is free and copies of the lecture in full will be available to buy at the end of the evening.