Our Passengers boarded a specially reserved carriage on the 14:15 steam hauled train at Bishops Lydeard. They were treated to a 1 ½ hour scenic trip on the longest heritage railway in England to the Sea side resort of Minehead. Passengers were at ease to explore the train; talk to CRUK volunteers and sample the refreshments at the buffet car. The train cuffed its way through the scenic country side stopping at all nine beautifully restored and maintained stations. The stop at Williton station enabled our passengers to alight from the train and see the Diesel heritage group engines. Once the train arrived at MInehead passengers had a little time to explore the station and watch the Steam engine being decoupled; take on water; coal and be re-coupled at the other end of the train. Some passengers even ventured as far as the ice cream parlour and chip shop just outside of the station. Once passengers were all embarked for the return trip they found their tables had been laid out for a lovely cream Tea by the West Somerset Railway volunteers. There were baskets of scones; pots of Clotted cream and Strawberry jam; plus copious amounts of tea and coffee. So off the train chuffed toward Bishops Lydeard whilst the passengers enjoyed their cream tea and chatted with new made friends. Just prior to arrival at Bishops Lydeard the passengers were thanked by the CRUK volunteers and advised that the event had raised an amazing £576.00.
On arrival at Bishops Lydeard everyone disembarked and there was a photo opportunity with the West Somerset Railway General Manager in front of the engine.
Our thanks go to the West Somerset Railway for donating the Carriage; Their Staff & Volunteers for the excellent cream Tea and service but most of all to the Passengers who booked this special event so that we can help Fund valuable research.
And of the course the Motto of the trip.