Sunday 28th April 2013 - Visit to the Great Central Railway

The group departed from Bishops Lydeard very early in the morning on a Quantock Motors Coach with Steve Pike driving. We had a good journey up to Loughborough with a comfort stop at Strensham Services on the M5. We arrived at the railway in time to enjoy the surroundings and take in the rolling stock standing at Loughborough Station before embarking on trips up and down the line. The group broke into smaller groups to wander around, ride on trains, and discover the static exhibits at the Swithland Steam Gala that was taking place.

The stations were period themed and there was plenty of activity on the rails of this ex main line section of track. Our Secretary Tony Ingall was a mine of information as we were venturing onto his home turf, and his knowledge made the day even more enjoyable for the groups who kept coming across him at various locations.

The sunny weather and warm temperature was very welcome as we enjoyed a full day in the fresh air. We were able to ride behind main line steam locomotives, in DMUs, and main line diesels to enjoy the luxury of the carriage rolling stock. A double deck bus took us from Quorn Station to the Swithland sidings to watch the ex-Par Cornwall low level shunters taking people up and down beside the 4 track main line.

We left at 5.00 pm and relaxed to many train related videos on the coach on the way home. Once again a comfort stop was made at Strensham Services arriving back at Bishops Lydeard mid-evening. As they say, a jolly good day was had by all, and a thanks to those who organised it.