Our Story
Mission Overview
At Platform 1, our mission is to transform Newtown train station into a vibrant community space that nurtures creativity, connection, and learning. With a unique blend of a cafe, Men shed/Art Shed and museum, art and learning is at the core of everything we do. Through workshops, training sessions, a shop, coffee space, and cooking classes, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can explore local history and travel and feel part of a community. .
Our space is designed to inspire and empower individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration within the community.
The Station
History
Newtown’s first trains began in 1859 on a track, to Llanidloes, which was isolated from the rail network. Locomotives arrived by road, smaller supplies by canal. In 1861 the Llanidloes & Newtown Railway was connected to the network by the new Oswestry & Newtown Railway. The Newtown & Machynlleth Railway added a route from Caersws to Aberystwyth.
North of the station stands the four-storey Royal Welsh Warehouse. It was the headquarters of the world’s first mail-order business, owned by Pryce Jones. Queen Victoria was one of many customers who took advantage of the rapid delivery of textiles from Newtown by train.
INSPIRATION
At Platform 1, we believe that accessible spaces for art and creative activities has the power to transform lives and communities. Through creativity and expression, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the people we serve, fostering a sense of connection and belonging that transcends boundaries.
Platform 1 Team
Meet the Team
Our dedicated team at Platform 1 is passionate about creating a welcoming and engaging environment for our visitors. With a diverse range of skills and backgrounds, we work together to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels valued and inspired.
Founder Director
Ezma
I have lived in Newtown for nearly 40 years and worked as a community artist and in health and social care for 20 years. Working with textiles and seeing the history of Newtown and the stories of the flannel trade, weavers cottages and celebrating the rich history and community this town has to offer. Having set up Men Shed Newtown in 2018, we have grown with more members and seeing the gaps in support for them to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. With our new home at Platform 1 this has enabled us to grow and develop a cafe, art shed and wellbeing workshops supporting local artists and having an accessible creative space for the public to use.
Co-Founder
Katie
Welcome to my world of nature-inspired artistry! Based in Powys and with roots in Worcestershire, Devon, and Yorkshire, I channel my passion for wildlife into captivating drawings and murals. I love leading inclusive workshops for all ages, where we explore natural art materials and celebrate the beauty of the outdoors together. My artwork has been exhibited and sold across the country, and I thrive on collaborating with fellow artists and connecting with the community.
Volunteer
David
I have been a volunteer with Men Shed Newtown for 5 years, and Scouts in Newtown, Llanidloes and Welshpool, I’ve completed A NVQ in catering and wanted to gain more work experience in catering. I enjoy volunteering and working with the community that I have been a part of for many years.
Volunteer
Neil
Neil is a dedicated volunteer with Men Shed Newtown for 5 years, he enjoys activities and making friendships Neil volunteers at the local community cafe and Platform 1’s cafe and Shed workshop. Neil has completed L2 food and hygiene and is a keen cook always eager to learn and take part.
Director
Rosie
Roseanna, but you can call her Rosie, is the founder and designer behind RMJ Studio, a cool textile design company that creates art and textiles for fashion and interiors. Since starting the company in 2017 she’s all about keeping things sustainable. Rosie loves to create and her experiences through community workshops. With her RNMH background, she’s taught adults and with autism and dementia and delivers chats with university students about sustainability in garment and surface pattern. When the pandemic put a stop to tradeshows, Rosie jumped the chance to apply for a UK grant to innovate her business. She launched SwatchEditor, tech tool designed to fit into the digital manufacturing cycle, helping companies make their work processes more fun and interactive. Rosie believes in using digital exploration to create unique experiences and is currently working on making textile archives accessible to everyone in a fun way. Let’s get phygital!
We have many volunteering roles from coffee maker, host with a friendly smile to a brilliant bread maker. If you would like to join our voluntering team please get in touch we have many roles and times to suit. If you have an hour to spare or a day we are happy to meet you. Send us a message or pop in for a chat.
Studio Hire
In need of a space to run a workshop, a talk or event we have a space. Warm, inviting and fully accessible we can provide refreshments and help promote your workshop.
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To make a booking please email:
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£25 for 3 hour
What's Next
Museum space will developed next year with stories of the town shared with people led exhibitions. We aim to encourage a deeper public connection with Welsh arts, textiles, culture and history with public collaboration by using 3D Visualisation technology to connect historical archives across Wales and make them accessible to everyone.