Warwick Victorian Evening

On the evening of Thursday 25th November, the Warwick Lions Club with the Chamber of Commerce, held the annual Victorian Evening.

On a cold crisp night the some members of the Warwick community and those from outside the parish assembled in the market square and adjoining streets for festive merriment.

Hog Roasts, fun fair, penny arcade, stalls and entertainers came from far and wide to extol their wares and products to all present.

All photos taken on a Canon PowerShot, unfortunately I was unable to gain an elevated vantage point.

This photo taken outside Lloyd's Bar, (yes we did venture inside) looking towards the museum. Stalls and Mick Rule's Savages Steam gallopers well illuminated.

Looking across the market square towards the gallopers.

Looking further down the square towards the decorated Christmas Tree

Moor Street Station

Over recent years Moor Street Station in Birmingham became run down and derelict. However expansion plans and investment from Chiltern Railways decided that the Grade2 listed building must be restored and put back into regular use and reconnected to Network Rails steels.

Not only has it been restored, but it has been brought up to present standards for public use in a tasteful and delightful manner.

Chiltern Railways are looking to the future of rail travel and there has been a number of useful changes that can be adapted for future requirements.

On Saturday 11th December, Vintage Trains will operate 'The First Moor Street Express'. Departing at approx 8am for Paddington, London and return. (schedule to be finalised subject to Network Rail) The First Moor Street Express excursions due to depart 11th December 2010 from Moor Street will be hauled by 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. A 4-6-0 Castle Class locomotive built in Swindon in 1936.

The 8th Newark Tractor Show

The 8th Newark Tractor and Heritage Show was held on the weekend of 13th & 14th November at the Newark Agricultural Showground.

This was the largest show yet with over 900 exhibits.

Although this event is hosted by the Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, it is organised by the members of the Notts Group National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.

This is the 7th year we have been attending this show.

As is previous years the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club was well represented by a number of members and our club stand (pic below) was set up by me, Jon Boyce and the Bisp family. Jon Boyce, myself and Matt Bisp were also official stewards at the show.

This is the North Worcs. Vintage Tractor & Engine Club Stand with the Ford 2000 Pre-force tractor from 1966 owned by me, then we have and International Cub, Ford 1200 and a Wheelhorse all owned by Matt Bisp.

On Sunday 14th, a Remembrance Service was held in the George Stephenson hall and here you see me and Jon Boyce on poppy duty.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

Oh dear, this is a typical hedge row tractor, sadly in need of TLC

Next selection of photos are some of the many exhibits present.

Bonfire Party

Ah Ha you might be saying, at long last he updates the Blog. Sorry folks, its been a difficult few days, and this last weekend we were at the Newark Showground for the 8th Tractor and Vintage Show. I will come back to that later.
However, the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, to which I am Chairman held a bonfire party at Haydon Way Farm, Spernal Ash on Saturday 6th November.
This farm is home to Maurice and Janet Allely of Allelys Heavy Haulage fame. The old red top club stand was being decorated in readiness for the pig roast. Young Matt Bisp cleaning the table tops of dust and bird droppings. The barn was cleared of the combine and other harvesting tackle in order to make room.

I suppose we had 50 to 60 friends attend the bonfire and some of us stopped over for the night in order that we may consume some booze! The steam boys from Astwood Bank were invited down and here is a selection of photos of them on the way, negotiating the Slough with the A435!

Dave Smith's Burrel road locomotive 'Keeling' being driven by Daz Cave. This engine manufactured in Thetford, is over 100 years old.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

Miles Banks seen here in full control of the S.E. Davis's Marshal road locomotive.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

Mark Jones steering here with Chris Beale driving the Fowler K7 Ploughing Engine complete with living van.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

The morning after. Sunday morning steam up before the return to Astwood Bank.

Yorkshire Break part 2

On Saturday 30th October we caught the 9am train from Pickering to Whitby. What a difference a day makes. The sun was out, the wind had dropped and a good time was had by all. From some of these shots you can see just how bright and sunny it was in the harbour area. Whitby is a town a really do like, but don't go on Halloween weekend, the place is full of 'Goths'

This is the old lifeboat, no longer in service doing that, just simply now for pleasure.

This is Elizabeth the steam bus in service. A Sentinel built vehicle was originally a flat bed lorry. For a small charge this bus takes you round the town, and a jolly good ride she is!

Ah, now we have just returned from Whitby, and here is our train standing at Grosmont. This is 45428, a 'Black Five' 4-6-0 locomotive named 'Eric Tracey'. This loco has a main line ticket.

'Sir Nigel Gresley' at Grosmont awaiting departure for Pickering.

And here is 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on her way up towards the Grosmont Motive Power Depot, and on to Pickering

At the Grosmont Motive Power Depot, we have her locomotive 76079 at the coaling tower. This a BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0

Awaiting our departure for Pickering. Not a pleasant journey this time. The service was very busy, and despite out efforts we were joined by a family with an uncontrollable child. I am not a child lover!!

Yorkshire Break part1

On the weekend of Halloween, we had arranged to go and visit North Yorkshire for two or three days. Of course this meant that I missed the 'End of Season' run yet again. Sorry guys! On arrival up in Yorkshire after a trouble free journey, I decided that we had time and sufficient light to have a drive up the Whitby Road from Pickering, where we were staying. As a railway lover I just insisted that we have a drive around and see what was happening. It was a Autumn Steam Gala week, so several locomotives were in steam including 'Sir Nigel Gresley' a A4 Pacific.

'Sir Nigel Gresley' leaves Goathland for Levisham and Pickering on Thursday 28th October.

All those who watch 'Heartbeat', hands up! You may just recognise these next pics.

The Aidensfield Arms.

The Aidensfield Stores.

On Friday 29th October we visited Scarborough, it was a grey, blustery day and some of the fleet were in harbour.

This stern trawler was effecting some repairs and the nets also needed attention.

Later on in the day we visited Bridlington, what a dump!

Please do not ever visit Bridlington, it really is the poor relation to Scarborough. It is so run down. The quality of the shops is poor, those that were open of course! I was so disappointed and needed to get out quick.