Elsecar Song Walk 2026

A large group of around 25 participants posed together in front of Fitzwilliam Lodge — **The full group at Fitzwilliam Lodge**All participants posed together in front of Fitzwilliam Lodge, one of the historic landmarks visited on the Village Stories Song Walk through Elsecar. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

Three organisers in hi-vis vests chatting on the station platform with a Northern train behind — **Meeting on the platform** Organisers gather at the station ahead of the journey to Elsecar, where participants from across South and West Yorkshire came together by rail. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

Two people in SYMCA hi-vis vests talking and laughing on board a Northern Trains service — **On board to Elsecar** SYMCA Community Rail Officer Cathrine Ashworth and volunteers travel with participants on the Northern Trains service, supporting community connections from the very start of the day. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

An organiser in hi-vis greeting two older women on the platform at Elsecar station — **A warm welcome at Elsecar** Participants are greeted on arrival at Elsecar station, many making the journey by rail for the first time. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

The full group assembled on the platform at Elsecar station before the walk — **All welcome**
Participants and four-legged friends gather in the shade ahead of setting off to explore Elsecar Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

Five participants standing in sunshine, one holding a small white dog — **Led by Tegwen Roberts**
Dr Tegwen Roberts guides the group through historic and green spaces, including the old wagonway and Fitzwilliam Lodge. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

An organiser and participant walking away from the station, smiling, with greenery around them — **Setting off** Signposts near the station point towards the Trans Pennine Trail and Elsecar Heritage Centre, both close to the route of the Song Walk. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

A road sign pointing to the Trans Pennine Trail and Elsecar Heritage Centre against a bright blue sky — **Elsecar's historic landscape** Signposts near the station point towards the Trans Pennine Trail and Elsecar Heritage Centre, both close to the route of the Song Walk. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

A large group gathered on the village green in sunshine while an organiser addresses them — **Stories of the village** Dr Tegwen Roberts shares the history of the people who lived and worked in Elsecar, connecting everyday lives to the village's rich industrial heritage. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

Dr Tegwen Roberts gesturing expressively to the group in an open green space on a sunny day — **A well-earned rest**
One four-legged participant takes a moment to appreciate the sunshine during a pause in the walk. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

A small white fluffy dog yawning on the grass in the sunshine — **Voices from the past**
Participants follow along with the words to industrial songs including *Six Jolly Miners* and *The Testimony of Patience Kershaw*. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

Four participants reading from song sheets in the sunshine — **Singing together**
The group sings in unison, creating powerful moments of reflection and connection rooted in Elsecar's mining and ironworking heritage. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

A group of six participants singing from song sheets, leaning against a stone wall in the sun — **Walking through Elsecar**
The group makes its way through the village, exploring historic green spaces and the route of the old wagonway on a bright spring afternoon. Photo: Leon Lockley / SYMCA

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Held in Elsecar this spring, the Village Stories Song Walk was a warm and uplifting celebration of place, people and shared heritage. Enjoyed in bright sunshine, the event brought together participants travelling by rail from across South and West Yorkshire—many meeting for the first time—highlighting the local rail network’s vital role in supporting sustainable travel and connecting communities.

Led by folk singer Tegwen Roberts, the walk explored a range of historic and green spaces, including Elsecar Park, Fitzwilliam Lodge, the old wagonway and the entrance to a former coal mine. Central to the experience was sharing the stories of the people who lived and worked in the village, placing everyday lives, memories and voices alongside Elsecar’s rich industrial heritage and historic landscape.

Singing industrial songs including Six Jolly Miners and The Testimony of Patience Kershaw, created powerful moments of reflection and connection throughout the walk. These songs, combined with informal conversations and storytelling around mining, ironworks, family life and the role of women, brought the past vividly to life and deepened understanding of the communities shaped by employment under the Earl Fitzwilliam.

The event demonstrated the value of community rail in supporting inclusive cultural engagement, strengthening connections between people and place, and encouraging rail travel for leisure and community participation. Thanks are extended to Leon Lockley, SYMCA’s Senior Creative Content Officer, whose thoughtful photography beautifully captured the spirit of the day; to Northern Trains for supporting participant travel and joining the walk; and to the community volunteers whose care and support ensured everyone felt welcomed throughout the event.

The Song Walk series was developed as a collaboration between SYMCA Community Rail Officer Cathrine Ashworth and local folk singer and industrial archaeologist Dr Tegwen Roberts. By bringing together culture, social value and transport, the project delivers engaging, place based activity aligned with the principles and aims of community rail.