Great Central Railway

On the Great Central Railway, two stations have a particular theme, at Rothley the theme is very much Edwardian with genuine gas lamps, furniture and decor to match. However at Quorn Station the theme is 1940's. Just observe this restored office at Quorn station.

Great Central Railway

The main engine sheds are based at Loughborough and are full with locomotives of all descriptions awaiting restoration.

There is now restricted access to the engine sheds unless you have a permit. So this is about as far as you could go.

Great Central Railway

On Tuesday 29th January, me, Matt Bisp and his mum Ann visited the Great Central Railway which runs from Loughborough to Leicester North. The line closed to passenger traffic in 1969, but there are plans to extend the existing preserved line and link into Network Rail just north of the Loughborough engine sheds.

The photograph is 'Oliver Cromwell' departing Rothley towards Leicester.

New Year

Well we got rid of all that Christmas malarkey; soon be taking the decorations down and put into storage again. However New Years Eve and New Years Day are looming fast and the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club will be holding its annual New Years Day road run, starting from S.E. Davis and Son, Astwood Bank.

Today I thought I would get my tractor out and see if it starts etc. It did so then I went on a little run round up to the showground at Stoneleigh and back. I wrapped up well and everything was fine. So now I am ready.

Boxing Day

Well Christmas Day has gone and our guests have finally departed. Its a good thing we have a dish washer, not sure what we would do without one now.

Our Christmas Day feast was British roast beef and Yorkshire pudding plus a selection of vegetables. My sherry trifle for desert was consumed in seconds.

There was of course the usual selection of beer, wine and spirits.

Only New Years now then back to normal, hallelujah!

Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas to you all.

May you all have a Merry Christmas.

Listen to Kathleen Ferrier singing 'Silent Night' Beautiful and stunning voice. Sadly taken from this life in 1953. She died in a London Hospital from cancer.

The wonderful talent of a Lancashire lass.

EuroStar my arse! This is a proper winter scene and just look what they did to keep the trains running.

Judge the lack of yellow coats, hard hats etc. No European style health and safety malarky, just get on with it!

Great Central Railway

Roll on Tuesday 29th December, we shall be visiting the Great Central Railway and 78019 will be in steam.

This is the locomotive that me and Chris Beale drove for a short time in December 2008.

Well the winter is here and summer is long since forgotten, but when you sit at home in these dark, wet and cold days and nights, I shall try to dig out some photos from past events.

These photos were taken at out clubs Annual Vintage Gathering this last June 2009.

Now there is me complete with radio and yellow hi viz waistcoat trying to look important. I don't look very chairman like do I?

The other photo is Chris Beale (Maggot) talking to 'Auntie Ben'

This lady owns a stationary engine and is seen on many a rally field.

Photos courtesy S.E. Davis and Son.

New Years Day Road Run

On Friday 1st January 2010, the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club holds its annual New Years Day Road Run. Starting from S.E. Davis and Son's vintage yard at 10.30am, this run will comprise mainly of vintage tractors but also a smidgen of vintage commercials and cars etc. Last year we had some 80 plus vehicles on the road.

This years run is approx 19 miles, including our refreshment halt at the Moat House, Coughton, Nr Alcester, Warwickshire.

Photos taken at this years run 1st Jan.2009