Early Spring Bank Holiday Weekend 1st and 2nd May 2011 Trains in service both days over the holiday period plus with the good weather children were able to draw both the trains and the parks ducks. The ducks proved to be the most popular. We suspect it was far easier for the girls, but whatever they drew they were award with a Cadbury's Cream Egg, yes we had one box of 48 left from the Easter Weekend. Myself as a presenter of the Monday to Friday Breakfast Show on the local community radio station TMCR FM I am pleased to say Easter is over and I now do not have to read out all the Easter Egg, Eggstravaganzas, Egg Hunts etc. I am put off eggs for at least another 12 months especially the chocolate variety

The train now departing from Thorne Central is the first train on Sunday 8 May 2011. Back in the park after a very busy holiday period. Also a noticeable change in the weather after some very heavy rainfall in the early hours. The first real rain for nearly two months. A very noticeable more lush green colour to the grass which is happily growing fast in the tracks, due to government/council cut backs which means that they cannot help us now maintain the level of weeds by their qualified staff.

Above right a small amount of rain ruined the operating day on the 15th May. The covers never came off so passenger service had to be cancelled.
The steam locomotive Remus has been having some attention, recent movements have included taking the chassis for a steam clean. The locomotion I am afraid is well worn. So far £200 has been forwarded to the renewal of parts, but like anything else owning a steam locomotive seams to be ever thirsty for capital never mind coal and oil. I will now have to seek further capital for further work to be carried out to complete the project. Below right a reminder from 2004 of Remus in steam.

Sadly it seems that Remus is beyond repair by one of members, so after 27 years of service its future is now not looking so good. It first entered service on the Sandtoft Miniature Railway in 1985. In 1994 it was rebuilt and entered regular service until May 2000 then being transferred to Thorne Memorial Park Miniature Railway. The locomotive then worked hard for the following ten years but a price has been paid for this work. The locomotives reward beyond reasonable repair. Sad news for the builder of the locomotive back in 1984. The photograph to the right shows Remus on its first day in service at Thorne on Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday 2000.

A battle against the encroaching grass is constant even in the drought conditions. So it was a afternoon of weeding, guarding and driving the train for me today.  Whilst below one of our passengers also found time to feed the ducklings that are appearing at a rapid rate in the park. Its very unusual for the mother to allow anyone so close to its brood, but the ducks have learnt when danger is imminent and this young lady obviously poses no threat.

After a Late Spring Bank Holiday when we had to cancel the train operation on the Monday due to heavy rain all day, the sun came out for the following day for the "Fun in The Park" which was enjoyed by everyone of all ages.   

Sitting in the warm sunshine watching the children riding on the train, whilst in the Thorne Park Café free food  provided by Doncaster MBC was well received by the visitors.   

Picnic time for some of the visitors, whilst more passengers start to fill up the coaches. The electric locomotive "Mufuta" provides an extra service on the inner track with David doing the driving honours. 

With a full load of passengers now David sets off on the inner track. Later PC Bob with his helmet with the blue flashing lamp keeps a check on the tracks "mobile police camera" Whilst the bigger electric locomotive "The Duke" takes a two coaches full with passengers.   

Ball games, balloon modelling and face painting were the attractions for the children amongst the many activities in the beautiful surroundings in the park.