The S&DRT were represented at the Spring Gala at the Mid-Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’ at the weekend. Our Burnham Box, sited at Ropley, was used as a publicity stand and manned by volunteers. Brian Read organised several members to show our displays to the visiting public. The photo below shows the Sunday volunteers, Peter Gray and Rob Bentley, in a rare sunny period on the day.
The next photograph shows our two locomotives on shed at Ropley with Kilmersdon in between its duties of driver experiences which were fully booked, I understand, at £20 a go. In the background is our 7F No. 53808 which is currently being assessed for the upcoming overhaul.
If you are able to help us promote the trust by way of publicity or running a sales stand, please do contact me via info (at) sdrt.org or our other contact means.
Roger Hardingham
Chairman, S&DRT
Here are some more photos featuring our two locomotives over the gala weekend. Of course, 53808 is out of service awaiting overhaul currently but was still to be seen in Ropley yard.
Above, our S&D 7F No. 53808 is on the far side of Ropley yard, in between is Lambton No. 29 and nearest, No. 5690 Leander – sadly carrying a wreath to mark the passing of a member of their team.
Above, Kilmersdon in Ropley yard on Friday 26 April, the first day of the gala, then below, another view on the same day with 53808 in the background.
Finally, above, here’s Kilmersdon getting ready for another steam driver experience while No. 5690 Leander leaves for Medstead.