The Railway Children

Indeed this a line I have yet to visit and the Keighly and Worth Valley Railway where this was located is open on 13th and 14th February for a full steam gala weekend. We shall be visiting that weekend, and it is 40 years to the year that this movie was made.

The Railway Children

It is 40 years since the making a The Railway Children, centred and located on the Keighly and Worth Valley Railway.
This a a memorable clip towards the end of the movie.
We shall be visiting the railway 13th and 14th February for a steam gala weekend.

Christmas Party 2009

Now before you start going on about Christmas, let me just say that I am only recently in receipt of these photographs, so I had to scan them and here they are.

The 2009 North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club Christmas Party, held at the Alcester Rugby Club.

A cheque for £2000 was presented to Jenny Ashman of the Midland Air Ambulance. Also in the picture is our long standing member and past secretary, Paul Whitehouse.

The donation is a result from our Vintage Gathering. We hold another one this year on 12th and 13th June at S.E. Davis and Son. Astwood Bank.

Ribblehead Viaduct

The Cumbrian Fellsman entering Blea Moor and crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle to Carlise line. Awesome, stunning are just many of the words one could use to describe this line. I can assure you it is as bleak as it looks, having visited this area before. The viaduct was threatened with closure due to costly maintenance, but fortunately it has remained open. I hope to return soon, watch this space.

Winter Wonderland

After our visit to the snowed in steam railway at Toddington and a lunch break at The Pheasant Inn we decided to have a drive towards Broadway, following the line as far as possible.

At Broadway, passing under the old railway bridge, we decided to ascend Fish Hill towards the Broadway Tower.

The drive up to the tower was indeed only just passable with a 4 x 4, so up we went.

On arrival at the tower, we were greeted by a gentleman who was about to close up for the day, however, his hospitality cannot be faulted. On securing the door behind us, he gave us a guided tour of the tower, something we were not expecting and are very grateful indeed.

It was bitterly cold at the open top, with a stiff easy wind blowing, it reminded me of winters past.

On our descent from the tower and showing our appreciation to this gentleman, we departed the tower and this was the last photo of the day. A winter wonderland!

No its not EuroStar

Yesterday, Saturday 9th January 2010, Matt Bisp and me went on a photographic sojourn in the snow covered Cotswolds. So before we all start making cynical comments about the inefficiencies of Euro Star, as if we would do that!

These scenes are from Toddington in Gloucestershire, just south of Broadway. This is the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway, closed for the season. I understand they reopen on March 11th ready for the Cheltenham Festival. The line at present runs from Toddington Station to Cheltenham Racecourse, also the venue for the Cheltenham Steam and Vintage Rally sometime in October (TBA)

The railway has a full season normally with special gala days.

Plans are well underway to push the railway back into Broadway, work on the trackbed, already in their possession is creeping ever closer to Broadway. Bridges and infrastructure have to be restored or repaired and all this is ongoing, however all this is achieved when funds allow.

Remember the summer?

Now that is where we got to. Whilst Ed was in charge of 'Linkey', Chris and me were elsewear inspecting the plough. If the truth were known I think we were actually operating the plough.

In between engines and little noise, the sound of the plough turning the earth is magic. The engine is 'Sevington' sister and a pair with 'Linkey'

Remember the summer?

Let us cast our minds back to last summer, not one of the best I grant you, however just a reminder, whilst we are turning up the heating at home, of last September at Old Warden Park, Bedford. This is Mark,s friend from Land Rover, Ed on the engine 'Linkey' with Sam trying to negotiate the plough. Now Ed comes to one or two events in the year to get a bit of practice driving the Mack. So when we arrived at Bedford with a broken mirror and a puncture................

Never mind Ed, if you see this blog, Happy New Year to you.

New Years Day Road Run

Photographs courtesy of Matt Bisp.

Some 63 vintage tractors, with a smidgen of vintage commercials and military braved the cold new years morning.

Leaving S.E. Davis at 10.45am, Paul Davis headed the parade and we all filed out of the yard into the lanes of Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Our refreshment stop was at the Moat House, Coughton, Nr Alcester courtesy of Mr David Bailey our host who did us proud. Together with his staff managed to cope very well with the influx of drivers and visitors. The hospitality and food was excellent and very welcome. Well done David and staff.

However, the day was not without incident. Due to the icy conditions, my tractor slid on the beaver tail of my lorry and almost missed the ramps. Paul Davis very kindly guided me off, just! Not quite reaching the ground, the tractor slipped off the ramps and eventually the front axle and wheels came crashing down. No harm done. Well perhaps there was, because on my return journey to S.E. Davis to reload up, I lost a part of my tractor on the road. Jon Boyce was fortunately following and witnessed the part falling on the road. It was the front axle support pin flange. However it is doubtful whether we could have seen any damage from the drop because this part of the assembly is hidden behind the front nose. The only way to reveal the damage and effect a repair is to remove the nose assembly and assess fully the damage. The tractor remains in my garage until the assessment is made.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all my readers. Well its the start of a new year and I certainly am looking forward to a new season. A little way away yet but at least it is something to plan ahead.

Today we had our annual New Years Day road run. Starting from Bob Davis's this morning on a cold but sunny day, some 63 vintage tractors, commercials, military and cars went on a 19 mile run, finishing at the Moat House, Coughton, nr Alcester for refreshment. If I talk nicely to my friend Matt Bisp, he may just send me over a couple of photographs to use. I am sure there will be plenty on his blog. (see the link)