As Sundays go, an early start from Highbridge in bright sunshine and high wind. Mr Spinks had volunteered to drive to Bishops Lydeard to miss the crowds and get off on the first train of the day. Arrived in time to explore a bit and board the 0915 hauled by 37190. A quick change at Williton to experience the strange notion of a short-formation HST set on a preserved line. Back at Bishops Lydeard for refreshments and to watch 31271 arrive looking splendid and sounding fine.
Solid progress to Crowcombe Heathfield, where we heard we would be delayed by what turned out to be the double failure of 50007 and the resident Hymek which had been sent to its rescue. After getting underway, delayed for a further half hour awaiting passing trains at Williton. Lots of unhappy people around at this point. Sampled the local ale and waited happily enough in the sunshine.
Arrived at Minehead after a storming run behind 31271. Shopped a little, and sheltered from the chilly coastal breeze. The timetable was now in tatters, so we hopped aboard the next service just to get moving again. Turned out to be a convoy of locomotives on the front, including the troubled 50, the Peak and the WSR's own Class 25.
Heard along the way that the Class 73s were headed our way, working top and tail with two at the back of the train. Bailed at Blue Anchor and travelled to Minehead, then all the way back to Bishops Lydeard with the three EDs. No time for much else with the timetable remaining erratic. Watched the three 73s line up for tomorrow's return to Old Oak Common before going in search of food at 'The Merry Monk'. An excellent day out despite the failures and uncertainties. A few pictures are here.
After all of the preparation and anticipation, my nephew's christening service went very smoothly yesterday. Set out on the 0933 to Highbridge in much improved weather, meeting an old friend who was slightly surprised to see me dressed smartly on a Sunday! Chatted, then walked to my parents house. People began to arrive from all over the place - I was pleased but amazed by the turn out today. My uncle and I set out for the Social Club to meet my sister and her husband, and to sample the local ale (RCH's excellent 'Old Slug Porter' in my case). The church service was quite short, and the minister made efforts to explain some of the symbolism. I think maybe he did me something of a favour, as perhaps some doubtful members of my family now understand why I couldn't have been part of the service. After church, it degenerated into a typical family party in honour of both the christening and my nephew's upcoming first birthday, which was fun!
Today, set out for Bristol Parkway to hopefully get a picture of the 0Z87 scrap move from Willesden to Caerwent. Since I'd travelled direct from Highbridge and not read my email since leaving yesterday, found out the hard way that it was cancelled. Not alone perhaps as I noted some familiar faces on an overbridge as I passed Filton Abbey Wood on my way up to Parkway. This move has been cancelled previously and seems destined to run on a day when I'm safely tucked up in my office! Back to Temple Meads to ensure some returning family members get onto their booked Birmingham bound train.
A strangely busy week with a trip to London on Wednesday, and a flying visit to Birmingham yesterday to collect relatives for the upcoming christening. So not too concerned about getting out and about on the rails today. Up and out early for the arrival of 67019 hauling an excursion to the Eden Project.
Returned home to eat breakfast, read email and laze around for a while before heading up to Bristol. The damp, misty morning hadn't improved at all and there were few cranks out and about today for 5051's visit on a Scouts St. George's Day Charter train from Newbury Racecourse.
Watched the arrival - as ever impressive, with a very full train of excited and rowdy Scouts who seemed to be enjoying the trip. Didn't hang around, and took the opportunity of a soon to depart Weston service to leave almost immediately. We passed 5051 and the stock at close quarters approaching Bedminster, much to the delight of some younger passengers on board who noted that the West Coast Railway Co. stock has 'Hogwarts Railways' branding!
Weather much improved by evening, but the late arrival of 67019 on the returning Eden Project train meant there was just too little light for a reasonable shot from Drove Road bridge. Pleasant enough night just to wait and watch.
Despite planning on attending today for some time, the hectic nature of the past couple of weeks left me unprepared. Having missed the opportunity of cheap tickets to Paddington, decided to travel to Waterloo via Salisbury. A pleasant and novel, if slightly longer journey. Arrived exactly on time, and used 'the drain' to get to Bank with time for coffee before wandering up Lime Street to St. Andrew Undershaft. Whilst planning my route, thought how Stow may well have been the last chronicler of the City who could really 'know' its entire extent.
Firstly it was unusual and something of a bonus to get inside this small church, which is now used primarily as a bible study centre by St Helens Bishopsgate. I was one of the first arrivals, and was content to watch as the Merchant Taylors and other members of LAMAS arrived. The service started at noon with the procession of the Master, aldermen, churchwardens and verger. The highlight of course was the ceremony where the Master replaces the quill on Stow's monument, an event recorded as an established annual occurrence as far back as 1828. Quite amazing to see this curious little bit of City tradition enacted once again, 400 years after Stow's death.
The service concluded with a brief speech by Dr Julia Merritt on Stow's posthumous reputation. She spoke particularly on Strype's revision and expansion of Stow's survey and compared this with the 'rewriting' of Peter Ackroyd today. After a very brief walk through crowds of lunching Lloyds employees, headed back to Waterloo and caught an earlier train than planned. Didn't much fancy a rush hour, and having given so little thought to today beforehand I was concerned I'd wander aimlessly and pointlessly. An interesting day and a pleasant trip. Honoured to have seen today's ceremonies at last.
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
