Many of us find time to do things between Christmas and the New Year (twixtmas) and a visit to the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is well worth a relaxing visit, writes Ian Thomas.
The gloomy weather over Christmas gave way to better weather on Sunday 29th and with the prospect of some sunshine later in the day, that is exactly where Jill and I went – the GWSR was operating their Mince Pie Special timetable with five trains in either direction between Broadway and Cheltenham Racecourse stations.
There were two steam locomotives in operation, firstly GWR 2884 class 2-8-0 No 3850, a freight engine built in 1942 and currently outshopped in wartime black livery. This loco has now been fitted with steam heating apparatus for obvious reasons and was a welcome comfort last Sunday.
Secondly, the British Railways 1950-built Manor class 4-6-0 No 7820 Dinmore Manor. We made two round journeys travelling in the BR-built Mark 1 coaches, steam heating in full flight, and first class into the bargain.
It has been restored nicely with comfy deep cushioned seats that line up with the window. A break off was made at Winchcombe for a spot of lunch or rather a quintessentially English afternoon tea consisting of a toasted teacake and a festive touch of mince pies all washed down with loads of tea. All in all, a brilliant day out thanks to the wonderful staff on the day.
Words and pictures by Ian Thomas