The blossom was putting on a fine show at the station while passengers boarded the train on our April open dayBringing the train round the pond loop by the new lineside fence Our May open day was full of surprises – first the Rio Grande loco had mechanical issues, so we brought out Bessie, usually our works loco but a good stand in for passenger trains when needed!Next we were joined by some lovely miniature steam traction engines……and finally, one of our regular visitors arrived in his 1940s Jeep! All adding to the fun!For our June Open Day we were joined by steam loco O4 No.6284, visiting from LancashireSome more miniature steam traction engines also joined the fun – almost a steam gala!O4 steam loco pulling a full train around the pond loopSteam loco O4 joined us again for our August Open Day – here you can see the train approaching the tunnelO4 coming through the trees at the end of the pond loopIt was rather wet for our September Open Day (note the lack of takers for the open carriage!) but it did mean the loco was creating some very atmospheric scenes with steam hanging in the damp airWe ended the season with a Heritage Open Day special – rail tours looking behind the scenes. Here the group got the chance to learn all about the various locos and rolling stock at the engine shedThe Heritage Open Day rail tour also stopped at the pond, to learn about the local wildlife and how we manage the site. We even spotted a couple of tiny froglets!
