Steamy
Adventures in Kidderminster
14th Febuary
2004
|
by
Jonboy & Katie |
This
Valentines Day marked a special gathering of foggers at the
Severn Valley Railway in Shropshire. This is a preserved railway,
which runs steam trains along the picturesque river Severn
from Kidderminster to Bridgenorth. The day started with all
13 who attended arriving in the "King & Castle" pub on
Kidderminster station. The Hearn family were so keen they
arrived several hours early, which gave Warlock (who hates
trains apparently  )
chance to equip himself with "engine driver" hat, Thomas Tank
flag, whistle and Cheshire cat grin  |
| In the
"King & Castle" Pub |
Mick Hearn
(Warlock) with his flag! |
By lunchtime
the rest of us had wandered into the pub with the same "Which
group looks like they're bonkers?" look on their face. The
good cheer and humour was typified by Lou_Lou's welcome of
"Are you foggy?" to Katie and her parents as they arrived
and FanofKylie being introduced as Gingerpigs son! Meeting
at the pub provided an excellent opportunity for everyone
to get to know each other and to have a good old chinwag as
well as a chance to have a lunch and a drink (only Rachel's
ticket got thoroughly sloshed though! 
It almost met a very wet end ) |
| The Hearn
sisters Kez & Jade |
The
fellowship of the Moose |
|
After
lunch it was time to amble out onto the wonderfully atmospheric
station and board our train to Bridgenorth. Old-fashioned
leather cases were stacked in small piles down the centre
of the platform, while the teak coaches of the steam train
gleamed in the afternoon sunlight, we could have been back
in the glory days of steam travel! Once settled in our seats,
never pausing from chatting we steamed out of town past the
deer and elephants in the West Midlands safari park and into
the gorgeous Shropshire countryside. |
| Steaming
out of Kidderminster |
The
whistleblower! |
During
the ride out we, (Jonboy & Katie) as well as Gingerpig
and her other half Ian decided to explore the train. We worked
our way through the guards van (with its luggage cage where
we mucked around )
and plush first class compartments all the way to the coach
at the front. From here we had excellent views out the window
of both the scenery and the engine. We were so near the engine
that Katie was able to lean out the window to ask the engine
crew to blow the whistle for Brainfog! This we dedicated to
those who were too ill or far way to attend who were never
far from our thoughts
On the way back to our section of the train we sneaked into
one of the first class compartments (Katie had never been
in one before) and took some photos, it was very luxurious
in a restrained British way. |
| Our
engine at Bridgenorth |
Rachel
(Gingerpig), Jonboy & Katie |
At the
end of the line we had a few minutes to explore the small
but quaint Bridgenorth station, while we waited for the
engine to run round the train. This provided the chance
to buy souvenirs and yet more photo opportunities! Topaz
gave out little magnet plaques, which seemed to capture
the vibe of the day; the motto read, "When friends meet,
hearts warm". Perfect
The
return trip was every bit as good as the outward leg with
excellent scenery, chin wagging, fun and humour. Topaz's
"Bad Hair" 
book of bad hairstyles in particular provided much hilarity
and we gave Ally the surprise of her life by phoning her
from the train and all shouting hello down the phone! We
certainly left a foggy mark on the Severn Valley Railway.
|
| Rachel
(Gingerpig) & Ian |
Alan (Fan
of Kylie) with Katie's parents Ian & Judy |
Unfortunately
all good things come to an end and all too soon we were rolling
back into Kidderminster station. Our attempt to get a final
group photo in front of our engine was slightly ruined when
the engine moved off while we all stood in front of it with
cheesy grins!
This just left time for goodbyes, handshakes, good wishes
and above all hugs. |
Group photo at
the end of a wonderful day
This
was an excellent day out and everyone who went on it had nothing
but good things to say. In particular I think it worked so
well because while riding on the train wasn't too tiring it
was more exciting than just sitting in a pub or meeting at
a house. Hopefully this trip will lead to similar foggy days
out in the future, as it's a day that will sit warmly in our
memories for years to come.
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