Fantastic Backdrops

Fantastic Backdrops

The industrial revolution in England brought about many changes that were essential in the countries growth, James Watt noticeably added his own expertise when it came to designing the steam engine, roll on a few years to the early 1800’s and this power was utilised in the first ever steam locomotive, George Stephenson watched with awe this new technology and improved the early designs, to bring a new world order of commercial transport, his designs transformed these huge steam wielding beasts, and in 1825 saw Stephenson build locomotives for the Stockton and Darlington Railway essentially the United Kingdom's first public railway.

The age of steam is for the most part but a mere memory, as the advancement of design to find more fuel efficient means of transportation was necessary, although I am sure I did read earlier this year that the railway companies, have now decided to put some of their rolling stock, back to Diesel Loco's, owing to the current economical climate, the old adage ‘they don’t build ‘em like they used to’ comes to mind.

Heritage sites and a passionate volunteers have brought back the Locomotives of yesteryear, and with grants, fund-raising and dedication, have ensured that people like you and me, are able to marvel at these ferocious yet beautiful marvels of design, the smell, sounds and sight is enough to stir any soul, whether you can remember them the first time around or not!

I had the pleasure in being invited to the Spa Valley Railway last weekend, courtesy of Terry Mosely and Ray Downes who spearheads the Re-enactment group ‘Unsung Heroes’. These fine ladies and gents represent the heroines and heroes who worked an defended the British Isles during WW2, they don’t specialise in elite units, but pure and simply the many facets that were needed to keep this country going, and the civilians that lived here and I must say the variation is very wide, and I for one was very pleased with the diversity and sheer good nature of everyone I met on my travels up and down this picturesque railway.

Taking my first trip of the day from Eridge Station, which I was informed only opened in March of this year to compliment the already existing stations this line has to offer, was an instant trip back in time, where I was invited to go aboard the Home Front Bus parked outside, greeted by Norman and Ed, this bus is pure magic, you are treated to walk through the Living Room, shop, Bombed out Street and an Air Raid Shelter, not quite sure how it all fits on a double decker bus, I was astounded at the diversity of artifacts, information and my two guides brought this fantastic stage to life.

Once in the locomotive the nostalgia overwhelmed me, the rest of the day was spent sampling the other stations including, Groombridge, High Rocks and Tunbridge Wells West.

The best bits? Well the Lindy Hoppers at Groombridge were superb, and the Black Cat Ale, was an added bonus, also bumping into ‘Viv the Spiv’ was simply superb, it’s not everyday you can purchase two bars of chocolate and some back seamed stockings for your loved ones, knowing that you could be caught by the police at any moment!

Terry and his team, also called in great air support, the BBMF flew in along with the Red Arrows, to make a perfect ambience to this great event, other activities and entertainments’ were a 1940s dance in Tunbridge Wells in the evening, bomb disposal, and Fire Crew at the ready for the explosions that followed along the line at various intervals.

My report would not be complete without mentioning some great friends that all helped in creating a family friendly and nostalgic event, The George Patton Society, Monty, IMPS and of course the Unsung Heroes.

A great event and a beautiful backdrop, I can’t wait until 2012!

www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/

All images copyright Edon Publishing Ltd 2011
http://www.reenactingww2.co.uk/