Spring Time

In between stuff this is. We are drawing ever closer to events shortly due to commence in the steam and vintage tractor world. This Sunday we have a vintage tractor run, 'The Brian Cawson Memorial Tractor Run' due to start form Haydon Way Farm at 10.30am. A 19 mile run then return for refreshments. The week after that the steam teams will all assemble at S.E. Davis and Son for the annual NTET (National Traction Engine Trust) apprentice training weekend. So hopefully there will be plenty to blog about soon.

In the meantime, a short interlude, photos taken this morning in my back garden of the blossom on the trees the other side of the garden wall. No comments on the empty raised beds; to be re stocked soon!

The Cathedral's Express

During the course of the 'season', a number of steam excursions are organised by various organisations and run on 'the network'. Locomotives and stock have to comply with stringent safety requirements in order to run on Network Rail.

On St. George's Day, 23rd April and also William Shakespeare's birthday, a number of events take place to celebrate this date.

The Cathedral's Express, one of several due to be run this year was run from London Victoria to Stratford on Avon, via Reading, Oxford, Leamington Spa and Warwick.

'Sir Lamiel', with main line ticket, a King Arthur class locomotive had 12 period stock coaches hanging from the tender with a full pay load of trippers, enjoying the day's event.

In the photographs, the locomotive approaches Bearley junction near Stratford on Avon, and the others reflect the evening failing light on the return to London Victoria thundering through Leamington Spa.

Easter Pre Season Steam Up

Further to my last post, here is a selection of photographs taken once the engines had left the yard. After a breakfast stop at 'The Why Not', the engines roaded on to the 'The Old Bull' at Inkberrow for lunch.

From there the engines followed the main road towards Flyford Flavel and 'The Boot Inn'.

(Does this sound like some pub crawl?)

By this time the weather closed in and we all made our way to 'The Wheelbarrow Castle' at Radford for a well earned rest, wash, meal and other refreshments. Now you know why the photos show living vans in tow.

Next morning, Sunday 4th April, Easter Sunday, the engines were prepared for the return journey to S.E. Davis, but not before an excellent hearty breakfast was consumed by all.

Easter Pre Season Steam Up

On the Easter week-end Saturday 3rd April, three engines left the premises of S.E. Davis, Astwood Bank for a pre season steam up and run out. Here we see the three engines at half way stop at the Old Bull, Inkberrow, Worcestershire.

The crew in restful mode on the green are, Miles Banks, Darren Wardel (Big Dazza), Sally Davis and Daryl Cave (Little Daz)