Our members were kept very busy most of the week planning the railway operations, obtaining coal from the coal yard at Ripley, erecting the marquee for the model tent, cleaning the rolling stock, putting up the temporary fencing and tape, obtaining stock for the sweet stall and many more of the items on the "things to do" list to help the to make the railway operation successful. We must thank those members who gave up so much of their spare time leading up to the event, on the days of the event and on the day after to take down the marquee and re-box it in some new boxes.   

Preparation Work Matthew loading the last 12 bags of coal into the shed, Stuart and Thomas having just unloaded the last items for the marquee. Already for the first of display tables whilst James holds up one of the crossing signs for the access to and from the marquee.

Saturday 26th the first day members line up at the start of the days events. More came as the day went on helping to operate a successful days train service. Much of my day was taken by photographing the whole event. Below the first train scheduled for 10 am awaits passengers.

John Stokes sits at the side of his model display looking after the marquee, whilst Wil sets up his model display. One of our first passengers was a Mrs Marjorie Jones aged 93 from Dunsville, yes she is happy to allow us to mention her age!

David and Matthew prepare "Remus" for steaming. Once in steam David takes the locomotive around for the first steam journey of the day. 

More visitors arrive, Keith our Health & Safety officer inspects the track whilst Mike takes his 5 inch gauge locomotive "Little Koppel" around the outer circuit as steam takes over on both tracks.  For more photographs of the railway please click here

For the last few events the display of cars from years gone by has brought back memories of a transport era the brings back memories for many of the visitors, this year they were not be disappointed as the display of vehicles gleamed in the bright sunshine.   

The tradition of having the thrill of the fair, the rides, the youngsters showing that they dare ride on something that presents a challenge to everyone's courage was again met by Roger Tuby's selection of attractions and some of the charity stalls.

For the second year the Wild West camp set up there real live display of how it was in the America at the time of the Civil War. The range of cooling utensils, sleeping facilities and how life was in those days created a great deal of interest with the visitors. 

The event was a great boost for the many charity stalls and voluntary groups who put in tireless hours for their fund raising. There was a wide range of stalls even more than last year I am told selling everything from that pot of jam to a pint of beer.