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On 16th July 2022, Brewood Garden Party was held, for the eighth time, in the garden at Brewood Hall.
The previous garden party had been in 2019 and, although intended to be annual, planned events in 2020 and 2021 had been cancelled because of the Covid19 pandemic. Early in 2022, the organising committee (representing 2nd Brewood Scouts, Brewood Parish Church and the informal group Friends of Brewood Hall) met and agreed that we should, if circumstances allowed, run the event in 2022. A series of meetings were held in the following months to plan the details.
Publicity
As in previous events, a 'flyer' was printed and distributed to households around Brewood by the Scouts. In 1922, the local free magazine 'Villager' published an illustrated article in their June edition.
Setting Up
On the evenings of Thursday 14th July and Friday 15th July, the marquees, tents, tables, chairs and other items needed were brought to Brewood Hall from various locations using cars towing trailers. Brewood Scouts and other volunteers erected the tents and arranged the seating areas. This work was completed on the morning of the Garden Party, with the children's games, refreshment tent and temporary electrics being completed in time for the public to be admitted at noon. The Garden Party, lasting just four hours, requires a lot of commitment from those involved before, during and after the event.
Just some of the materials brought in on trailers for the event: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2022
One of the tubular-framed marquee being erected: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2022
A Little Local Difficulty
Two days before the event, the writer tested positive for Covid19. I'd had the three inoculations specified for a person of my age at the time and it was the first time I'd contracted Covid so it was a bit of a surprise. Not wishing to be the cause of a "Brewood Super-spreader Event" I realised that I would be self-isolating in Brewood Hall during the Garden Party, just able to watch through the windows! So my report is rather second-hand this time and largely relies on pictures taken by others. My infection was fairly benign with symptoms similar to a bad cold persisting for a little over a week.
The Event
The weather leading up to the Garden Party had been unusually hot, giving rise to the fear that the event might be unpleasantly warm. On the morning of the Garden Party, there had been a very brief, light shower after which the weather became perfect with bright sun, warm but not oppresive.
Peter Plowright was a welcoming presence on the admissions table throughout the afternoon.
Peter Plowright manning the Admission Desk: Brewood Garden Party 2022
The event was opened by the Staffordshire Corps of Drums, in their impressive, colourful ceremonial uniforms, with a precision, musical display.
The event opened with a display by Staffordshire Corps of Drums: Brewood Garden Party 2022
The Refreshment Tent, with its selection of drinks and food, quickly became a focus and remained well-patronised throughout the afternoon.
Some of the volunteers from Brewood Post Office and Brewood Co-op who helped to staff the Refreshment Tent: Brewood Garden Party 2022
The ideal weather encouraged visitors to relax in the open air at the numerous tables outside the Refreshment Tent or wander around the variety of stalls.
Brewood Garden Party 2022
For a number of years, the Cannock Performing Arts Centre provided music at the Brewood Garden Party with two talented bands. Their activities had not yet recovered from the malign effects of the Covid Pandemic and they were unable to appear in 2022. However, we were able to welcome a local group, Hubbub, on their first public appearance and, with guitars and keyboard, they provided mellow music during the afternoon well-matched to the relaxed mood of the event.
A newly-formed local group, Hubbub, provided mellow music at Brewood Garden Party 2022
For the first time, Greensforge Sailing Club (who are based at the nearby Gailey water reservoir) displayed the popular RS Tera dinghy they use for training. This created a lot of interest.
The popular RS Tera dinghy displayed by Greensforge Sailing Club at Brewood Garden Party 2022
Also for the first time, local charity Bethany Children's Home, based in Wombourne, had a stall to promote their work in connection with the orphanage they built in Dhading, Nepal.
Bethany Children's Home stall: Brewood Garden Party 2022
In 2019, a Pizza Van had been a popular innovation. In 2022 Al's Pizzas offered wood-fired pizzas from a striking customised van parked on the grass just outside the entrance.
Al's Pizzas: Brewood Garden Party 2022
The Village Pantry provided a stall and, in addition, a mobile ice-cream van made a visit.
The Village Pantry Stall at Brewood Garden Party 2022
The beer tent made a welcome return and was kept busy, offering cold soft drinks, lager, Pimms and, until stocks ran out, Greene King's craft 'Level Head' ale.
The Beer Tent: Brewood Garden Party 2022
We were pleased to welcome back Chase Ferret Rescue, with their attractive animals. Some readers may be unaware that Cannock Chase (or simply 'the Chase') is a nearby area historically connected to Brewood.
Dean and ferret friend: Brewood Garden Party 2022
This was the first Garden Party since the opening of Brewood Community Hub and they provided a stall to display the variety of activities on offer there. They advertise regular clubs called Baby Sling, Art Club, Bouncing Bunnies, Dementia Support Group, Sewcialise, Weight Watchers, Yoga, Table Tennis. Rooms are used by Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides and Brownies and are available for hire for children’s parties or meetings.
The Sewing Club at Brewood Community Hub: Brewood Garden Party 2022
Once again, Brewood Parish Church provided an imposing Plants and Produce Stall, which was sited along the front elevation of the Hall.
Plants and Produce stall: Brewood Garden Party 2022
A wide range of prizes was on offer for the lucky winners at tombola.
Tombola prizes displayed behind the tombola drum: Brewood Garden Party 2022
Our many younger visitors were well-catered for. The ever-popular Coconut Shy was kept busy, as were 'Hook-a-Duck' and Teddy Tombola. There was a colourfully-decorated Tuck Shop, a Book Stall and a 'Soft Archery' range.
The ever-popular Coconut Shy: Brewood Garden Party 2022
Tuck Shop: Brewood Garden Party 2022
'Hook-a-Duck' and Teddy Tombola: Brewood Garden Party 2022
Archery for Children using arrows tipped with rubber suckers: Brewood Garden Party 2022
As in 2019, the 2-foot gauge steam locomotive 'Phoenix' appeared as a static exhibit, this time with smoke curling from the distinctively-shaped chimney.
'Phoenix' at Brewood Garden Party 2022
As an innovation in 2022, John Groves, a local farmer, displayed a classic farm tractor for young people to admire.
John Groves, a local farmer, displayed a classic tractor: Brewood Garden Party 2022
A section of the front lawn had been marked out with a series of parallel white lines, forming a short running track, allowing a number of Children's Races, with small prizes, to be held during the event.
After the Event
The Event closed at four o'clock but, of course, there was still lots of work for the volunteers. Admissions money and stall takings were counted on the day by Marion and the writer with Geoff then arranging refund of sums advanced by volunteers and distribution of nett proceeds to the benefiicary charities.
Brewood Hall Garden Party 2022: Marion counting cash
Dismantling the stalls and Marquees was started on the day but loading up trailers and returning equipment to storage was spead over a couple of days.
Brewood Hall Garden Party 2022: Dismantling marquees after the event
It was naturally disappointing that Covid prevented me from attending the eighth Brewood Hall Garden Party but I was touched that members of the organising committee afterwards presented me, as current chatelaine of Brewood Hall, with a magnificent floral display.
Brewood Hall Garden Party 2022: The writer, as owner of Brewood Hall, was presented with a magnificent bouquet
Reports on previous garden parties at Brewood Hall
Brewood Vintage Garden Party 2013.
Brewood Vintage Garden Party 2014.
Brewood Garden Party 2015.
Brewood Garden Party 2016.
Brewood Garden Party 2017.
Brewood Garden Party 2018.
Brewood Garden Party 2019.
Related posts on other websites
2nd Brewood Scouts
Greensforge Sailing Club
Chase Ferret Rescue
Pictures of the event
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Brewood Garden Party 2022
The Old Locomotive Committee (OLCO) normally visits a different model engineering society each year for a day of running live steam models of 'Lion' (and similar elderly prototypes up to around 1850) combined with friendly discussions of the joys and problems of this type of model building. The event is known as 'Lionsmeet'. However, following the event held at Bournemouth in 2019 (report here), the Covid19 pandemic prevented events in 2020 and 2021. On 13th August 2022, the event resumed, accepting the invitation from Worcester and District Model Engineers
History of the Worcester and District Club
The club was founded in 1946 and a straight multi-gauge track (2 1/2, 3 1/2 and 5 inch) 100 yards long was built in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester.
First day of public opening in 1948 at Gheluvelt Park, with Alf Castle driving 'Lady Rosalie' (Photo: Worcester News)
Expansion at Gheluvelt Park (the name commemorates the 2nd Battalion, Worcester Regiment's role in the World War I Battle of Gheluvelt, Belgium) was not possible but the local council offered the present site in Waverley Street, Diglis to allow a continuous run to be constructed.
The continuous raised track (3 1/2 and 5 inch gauge) 230 yards long was opened in 1954 but, after long service, was renewed and re-opened by the Mayor of Worcester in 1999. Latterly, 2 1/2 inch gauge running has been added to the continuous track.
The adjacent club house was originally built as a workshop only, but as tea and cakes became popular on public running days, a kitchen extension was added in 1963 to improve refreshment facilities.
In 1968, a second, continuous ground level track (3 1/2, 5, and 7 1/4 inch gauge) was built inside the original, raised track. The inner, ground level track is looped over a bridge (with gradients of around 1 in 100 approaching and leaving the bridge) to give a length of 350 yards. In 2002, refurbishment of the bridge decking was completed. More recent projects for the ground level circuit include sleeper replacement, re-ballasting and new 7 1/4 inch gauge rolling stock.
Aerial view of Worcester & District Model Engineers track (Photo: WDMES)
Getting there
I'd originally arranged transport by road with a relative but, at short notice, a difficulty arose. Then I thought "I can go by train!", until I discovered that strike action affecting a number of Train Operating Companies made that impossible. The Chairman of OLCO, John Brandrick, came to my rescue, as he was driving down from Lancashire on the morning of 'Lionsmeet 2022' and offered to detour to my home to pick me up. We had an enjoyable drive to Worcester, discussing various railway matters.
Refreshments
We were made very welcome by the host club and Hot and Cold drinks with various cakes were available at the refreshment area throughout the day. An excellent buffet lunch was served at lunch time.
OLCO members enjoying the refreshment facilities, WDMES: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Informal Running
OLCO members who ran their models enjoyed exclusive access to both the elevated and ground level circuits. Until, I think, Lionsmeet 2013 OLCO members would engage in a not-too-serious competition to see which model could perform the greatest 'work done' in ten minutes. In the following year, the format changed to 'informal running' which seemed well-received by members and so, to date, the competition has not been reinstated.
John Dalton from Chelmsford was first into steam and he had the inner, ground-level circuit to himself with his splendid 7 1/4 inch gauge 'Lion'. His attractive driving truck is in the form of a Great Western open wagon and it's equipped with a vacuum brake.
John Dalton's 7.25" 'Lion' with multifunction Driving Truck on the inner circuit at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Lifting the hinged seat on the driving truck reveals the'works' - a sealed rechargeable lead-acid battery powering a vacuum pump for the brake cylinder. A small control panel has pushbuttons for 'Brake Off' and 'Brake On' (it is not designed as a 'proportional' brake) and a brake gauge. During preparation, the battery can be used to power an electric fan as a blower, so as to be independent of 'shore supplies'.
John Dalton's Driving Truck incorporates a battery to power both an electric blower during lighting up and a vacuum pump for the brake cylinder on the Driving Truck during running: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Three 5 inch gauge 'Lion' models were steamed on the outer, elevated track - A J Richards' 'Lion', Alan Banks' 'Thunderbolt' and Jon Swindlehurst's 'Lion'. They were prepared on elevated steaming bays (5 inch or dual 3 1/2 and 5 inch gauge) radiating from a dual gauge turntable which allows locomotives to be transferred to and from the outer, elevated circuit via a traverser.
A J Reynolds readies his 'Lion' in the steaming bays: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Alan Banks preparing 'Thunderbolt' in the steaming bays: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Jon Swindlehurst preparing his 'Lion' in the steaming bays: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
John Dalton, with his 7 1/4 inch gauge 'Lion', crossing over the bridge: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
A J Reynolds 'Lion' setting off: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Alan Banks driving 'Thunderbolt' on the outer, elevated circuit: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Jon Swindlehurst pauses for a chat whilst running his 5 inch gauge, well-known model of 'Lion'. The Exhibition marquee is in the background: 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Four 'Lion' models steamed at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester. In the foreground, John Brandrick is a passenger as 'Thunderbolt' pauses, with Jon Swindlehurst waiting behind and A J Reynolds also stopped further back near the marquee. Meanwhile, John Dalton has the inner track to himself.
Exhibition Tent
To enable various models and models-in-progress (many from members of the host club) to be shown, a large marquee, provided with tables and chairs, had been erected. It was a few moments before I realised that the rather curious profile of the tent was because an even larger marquee, ingeniously, had been only part assembled. A fascinating selection of models was displayed here, including Jon Swindlehurst's nearing-completion 7 1/4 inch gauge 'Lion', which he tells me has been run successfully on air.
General view of marquee display, showing two 'Lion' models with ballast trains, displayed by Jackie and Bryan Buckley at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
L: 3.5" 'Lion' and (behind) 'Rainhill', R: two 'Lion' models with ballast trains, all displayed by Jackie and Bryan Buckley at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
Cylinders and valve gear for 5" gauge 'Lion', displayed by Will Taylor at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
5" gauge 'Lion', displayed by Tim and Neil Bottle at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester
7.25" gauge 'Lion', displayed by Jon Swindlehurst at 'Lionsmeet' 2022, Worcester. This new model has already been satisfactorily run using air.
Overall Impression
It wasn't the best attended 'Lionsmeet' that's been run (I suspect the Covid19 Pandemic may still be exerting a lasting effect) but it was certainly one of the more memorable, partly because of the opportunity to meet face-to-face after being restricted to remote communication for so long, partly because of the good weather but mainly because of the welcome Worcester and District Model Engineers gave us.
Related posts on other websites
Worcester and District Model Engineers (Facebook)
Related posts on this website
To find all my posts about the Old Locomotive Committee and the locomotive 'Lion', click here or select 'OLCO' under 'Labels to select a blog topic'.
My pictures at Worcester
Lionsmeet 2022
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Events of Thursday, 26th May 2022
There's a rather special second-hand bookshop in Morecambe called Old Pier Bookshop. Because of the pandemic, I'd not made a visit since 2019 (see post here) but in May 2022 I determined to venture back.
I took the familiar Avanti 'Pendolino' service from Wolverhampton to Scotland as far as Lancaster. The weather forecast hadn't been very good and, as we headed north, the skies darkened and we went through patches of rain. At Lancaster, it was dry but not very warm and, having walked the short distance to the north end bays, I was happy to board the waiting Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) to Morecambe.
We set off on time for Morecambe and, crossing the River Lune. I noticed the poor visibilty on the seaward side with the Heysham Power Stations a looming, grey presence in the distance. At Morecambe South Junction we left the West Coast Main Line, swinging left onto the single line to Bare Lane where we were joined by the single line from Hest Bank which completes a triangular connection with the West Coast Main Line. The route immediately splits into two parallel single lines which continue to serve the two platform faces of Morecambe's modern station. Ten minutes are allowed from Lancaster to Morecambe, including a brief stop at Bare Lane.
It was raining in Morecambe but, undismayed, I set off along Northumberland Street to the seafront, turning east along Central Marine Road. In good weather, the location commands impressive views of Cumbria to the north. There's an exhibit called 'Lakeland Panorama' to assist visitors in identifying what they can see but it was rather redundant on my visit as only low, grey cloud was visible. I passed the Clock Tower and soon reached my destination, the family-run Old Pier Bookshop named after the older of Morecambe's two now-lost piers, which opened in 1869 and was named the Central Pier following the opening of the West End Pier in 1896. According to Wikipedia, the West End Pier was demolished in 1978 while the Central Pier closed in 1986 and was demolished in 1992.
In the bookshop, books crowd in from all directions with shelves fitted in every evailable space. A step ladder is provided to reach high-level shelves. An aisle between bookshelves will often turn a right angle, left or right to reveal more books. The convoluted layout of the bookshelves is reminiscent of ancient rectilinear key patterns (which I believe are strictly called 'meanders') used in geometric borders, sometimes referred to as 'Greek Key' designs. The overall effect is pleasingly eccentric and visitors should not be surprised to come across mannequins browsing the shelves.
Old Pier Bookshop, Morecambe
Old Pier Bookshop, Morecambe (The framed print shown includes a quote from Terry Pratchett's writing)
Did I find a book? Yes, I left the bookshop much later loaded with two large carrier bags of books (mainly from the transport section, as you might have imagined). Fortunately, the rain had stopped but the day remained overcast and none too warm. Fortified by a snack at the Clock Tower Cafe (which I consumed seated at one of the seats conveniently built into the base of the adjacent Clock Tower). I decided to cut short my trip to Morecambe and concentrate on transporting my rather heavy haul of books home. For variety, I took an alternative route through the pedestrianised town centre and Market Street onto Central Drive, quite near the station so this route proved a good choice as I was encumbered with my book purchases. Since I was travelling back earlier than anticipated, I was a little vague about available services but a well-patronised DMU was waiting in the platform so I was soon returned to the bay platforms at Lancaster station.
A number of passengers leaving the train were exiting the station by a pedestrian 'back gate' I'd not seen on previous visits so, despite being loaded with books, I decided to see where it led. Most of the passengers were walking towards the more modern, mainly residential area of the city to the west of the station but I followed the few who were taking West Road over a narrow road bridge, now only available to pedestrians, which crossed the railway revealing new views of the station.
View of Lancaster Station from West Road Bridge looking south
I trudged up the steep hill leading towards Lancaster Castle, where the Crown Court elevation was covered in scaffolding and the maintenance workers were just packing up for the day. I continued into the graveyard of Lancaster Prory Church of St. Mary. It was very peaceful and pleasantly warm so I rested for a few minutes on the steps adjacent to a memorial whilst quickly scanning my recently-acquired books.
Outside Lancaster Priory Church of St. Mary
Deciding it was time to return to the station, I made my way downhill to a pedestrian entrance to the up side of the station, just east of the West Road Bridge. This charming entrance features substantial, carved stone pillars and retains an elaborate iron gate. Of course, the current custodians of this feature, Network Rail have seen fit to adorn one pillar with a modern sign declaring 24-hour CCTV surveillance. They even managed to mount the gharish notice off-centre.
Pedestrian entrance to Lancaster Station (Up side) from West Road
Through the gate, a short, nondescript alley leads to the small, cobbled road access on the Up side of the station and the entrance to the buildings which now lead passengers through automatic doors to the overbridge with both steps and lifts leading to island platforms 4/5 on the Up side and platforms 1/2/3 on the Down side.
Lancaster: Entrance to station on Up Side
A Northern Class 195 DMU heading for Manchester Airport preceded my train in platform 4. These CAF-built units were introduced to finally dispel the abyssmal 'Pacers'and are the diesel-powered version of the electric Class 331. My Avanti 'Pendolino' followed and, having struggled aboard with my books, I flopped in First Class for the uneventful journey back to Wolverhampton, tired after a productive day.
Book References
[1] ‘A Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain: Volume 10 The North West’ by G. O. Holt, revised Gordon Biddle published by David & Charles (ISBN: 0946537 34 8).
[2] ‘Wennington to Morecambe and Heysham via Lancaster’ by Roy Davies (Middleton Press 2021) ISBN 978 1 910356 58 6.
Related articles on other websites
Lancaster Priory (Wikipedia)
Related Railway posts on this website
Steam around Morecambe
Return to Heysham
Railways around Morecambe
Morecambe by Rail
My Introduction to the Railways around Morecambe
My pictures
All my Lancaster and Morecambe pictures:-
Lancaster (All pictures)
Morecambe (All pictures)
All my rail transport pictures showing areas passed through:-
West Midland Metro
West Midland Railways
Stafford Area rail
Crewe Area rail
Warrington Area rail
Wigan's Railways
Railways around Preston
Lancaster area rail.
Morecambe Area Rail
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On Thursday, 30th June 2022, I made a trip by rail to Blackpool, Fleetwood and Knott End. This was largely a 're-run' of an earlier trip in 2021 described here
I caught the 07:30 bus to Wolverhampton, walked towards the station and, once again, marvelled at the slow progress of the tramway extension to the railway station. For some time, the double tramway track from the existing route stopped at Victoria Square. Then, tracks were laid along railway drive, stopping just short of the destination. Special rail joints were provided either side of the bridge over the Ring Road, presumably to allow for some bridge movement.
West Midland Metro: Flexible rail joint on bridge over Ring Road in Railway Drive, Wolverhampton.
However, recently a number of deep, square holes have been dug adjacent to the tracks along this section, with groups of orange-clad workers often in attendance but the reason for these excavations isn't obvious. Work has also continued with tracklaying on the final section extending to the site of the tram station adjacent to the railway station entrance. This tracklaying is enclosed by two adjacent sets of fencing separated by a narrow walkway to allow public access to and from the railway station. The worksite gates are continually opened and closed as workers and materials move between the two areas.
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Wolverhampton Station: View from station towards the City showing tramway tracks under construction on Railway Drive (Trip to Blackpool)
The obstacle race involved in getting to the station gives an unwelcoming feeling to the area which is compounded inside the building by the bleak internal finish of painted building blocks more suggestive of a prison than a modern transport hub. But I suppose it serves as preparation for the high fares and frequent train cancellations on offer.
The displays showed my train, the 08:37 Edinburgh, as 'On time'. Once on the platform, I used my mobile phone to interrogate Railcam UK (described here) to show the approaching train, reporting number 9S44, near Coseley, but preceded by an all-stations local, terminating at Wolverhampton. As frequently happens, my train was slowed or stopped near Monmore Green, waiting for the local to tuck itself into bay platform 5 before the route could be reset and signal BW4271 cleared for my train to follow into through platform 1, arriving 2 minutes late.
The trainset was an 11-car unit, 390117 named 'Blue Peter', re-liveried since the days of the Virgin Trains franchise but without the re-furbishment carried out by Avanti on some of the sets. I found my seat in coach J near the rear of the train and, as we sped north, I was quickly provided with a cooked breakfast. The staff were friendly and the food was good quality, promptly supplied so I enjoyed the journey. I still consider modern arrangements fall short of earlier standards although my experience of railway restaurant cars only extends back to the 1980s, when many travellers already thought on-train catering a lost cause.
We were back on time approaching Crewe but were brought to a stand briefly at signal CE107 (again, as frequently happens), making our arrival in platform 11 one minute in arrears. Our departure was seven minutes late but I didn't discover the cause. On our journey north with brief station stops at Warrington and Wigan, some time had been made up before Preston where I alighted but I never found out whether I would have made the advertised connection with the 10:09 departure to Blackpool as the platform displays indicated that the train had been cancelled. Following the Covid19 pandemic, typically no apologies are made for frequent cancellations. Fortunately, there was another service at 10:25.
I walked along the straight, broad platform 3 towards the footbtidge admiring, as always, the gabled overall roof. Such structures are often called 'train sheds' which seems a rather mean description. The airiness and sense of space combined with generous admission of daylight I find very appealing. The arched structures at, for instance, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly and York are perhaps better-known but the Preston design is very effective.
Platform 3 at Preston with 9S44 preparing to leave: Trip to Blackpool
Preston platform 3, view looking south from the footbridge with platform 2 on the right: Trip to Blackpool:
The train forward to Blackpool arrived on time from the south comprising two 4-car sets of Class 331 EMU built by CAF in Spain. Although I'd seen Class 331 in various locations this was only my second chance to ride on this class introduced in 2019 (the first was a short trip from Edge Hill to Lime Street described here). The modern interiors are decent standard but I didn't find the ride particularly good on the way to Blackpool. The train formed part of a regular Northern Trains electric service between Hazel Grove (the limit of electrification on the Buxton branch from Stockport) and Blackpool North. My train (reporting number 2N63) had left Hazel Grove at 09:03 and travelled via Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, Bolton, Horwich and Chorley before joining the West Coast Main Line to reach Preston. Our arrival at Blackpool North was on time at 10:47.
The pedestrian route from the station to the town remained initially via the rather inconvenient arrangement of narrow ramp and stairs to reach the Talbot Gateway area still dominated by building work. The tram station at Blackpool North was still under construction but, having noted the overhead conductor system had been installed and that the tram signals were lit, I was not surprised as I walked along Talbot Road to the seafront when a tram marked 'Not in Service' passed me. Afterwards, I found out that my visit coincided with a week of testing the new line with empty trams running every ten minutes during the day.
Tram carrying out test running on the new extension along Talbot Road: Trip to Blackpool
There had been a little light rain on my journey along Talbot Road, ignored by lightly-dressed holidaymakers, but this soon stopped as the sun emerged and the day warmed. I joined a few passengers waiting for a northbound tram at the North Pier Tram Station and, after a few minutes wait, one of the fleet of Bombardier 'Flexity' trams arrived. I secured a seat at the front offering a view ahead and, having purchased a return ticket to Fleetwood Ferry from the friendly conductor with a rapid contactless payment, settled down for the eight mile journey punctuated by frequent stops to the northern terminus.
It's just a few yards from the tram terminus across the Esplanade to the ferry and, despite just missing a departing ferry, I couldn't resist wandering around the area whilst waiting for the next departure thirty minutes later, finding one of the 'Heritage' trams awaiting its next trip and then exploring Euston Park, with the North Euston Hotel in the background.
Blackpool 'Heritage' tram on loop line at Fleetwood Ferry: Trip to Blackpool
Euston Park, Fleetwood with the North Euston Hotel background left and the Lower Light background right: Trip to Blackpool
Fleetwood Ferry Port is a substantial square-ended dock which towers over the modern Wyre Estuary Ferry 'Wyre Rose'. A long ramp leads passengers down to board the ferry via a short power-operated gangway mounted on the port side of the ferry.
Fleetwood Ferry Port and 'Wyre Rose': Trip to Blackpool
The ferry is operated by two men - the 'skipper' has an elevated 'pilot house' giving improved visibility, the other looks after mooring, the gangway and collecting fares (cash only, collected in a white plastic bucket).
Wyre Estuary Ferry during the crossing showing gangway in raised position, raised 'pilot house' and white cash bucket: Trip to Blackpool
The crossing takes only a few minutes to Knott End (or Knott End-on-Sea to give its full title) on the far side of the Wyre Estuary where the ferry moors alongside a long concrete slipway leading to the expanded village forming part of Parish of Preesall and Wyre Council. It's an odd mixture of old, not-so-old and modern. There's a cafe and shop aimed at tourists, the Bourne Arms public house and restaurant and a long esplanade looking across the bay with Cumbria to the north but my eye is always drawn to the incongruity of the view of the two nearer nuclear power stations at Heysham.
Knott End-on-Sea: View looking north showing Heysham Nuclear Power Stations with Cumbria in the background (Trip to Blackpool)
A nearby postbox carried a 'postbox topper' celebrating crimefighting in Lancashire, which reminded me of my last sighting of these knitted adornments in Wallasey (mentioned here).
Postbox Topper 'You can run but you can't hide' celebrating Lancashire Constabulary in Knott End-on-Sea (Trip to Blackpool)
I decided not to explore beyond the esplanade with its modern apartment buildings facing the sea so, having recorded the Bourne Arms, I made my way back to the Knott End Cafe and indulged in a vanilla ice cream cornet.
The Bourne Arms, Knott End (Trip to Blackpool)
Although I was well aware that Knott End had formerly been connected to the West Coast Main Line via a single line railway to Garstang, it wasn't until I started to write this report that I realised the Knott End Cafe is actually on the site of Knott End Station. I believe the disused station buildings served as Knott End Cafe for some years before being rebuilt and expanded into the current structure. Refreshed by the ice cream, I hurried to the slipway, just in time to catch up with the last of the passengers boarding the next ferry for the short return trip.
View in 2021 from Knott End Slipway showing Knott End Cafe and H. M. Coastguard
At Fleetwood Ferry, a modern tram was waiting at the terminus, with the crew enjoying the warm sunshine on the adjacent pavement. After exchanging a few friendly words, I secured a seat at the front for the return journey and we set off almost immediately. Although we didn't have to stop at every tram station, plenty of passengers boarded and alighted on the way back to Blackpool.
As we neared Blackpool, work in setting up the annual Illuminations (sometimes called 'The Lights') was in progress. The website for the 2022 Illuminations (2nd September 2022 - 2nd January 2023) is here. The major displays are largely mounted on substantial long steel tubes mounted vertically in prepared foundations in the margin on the seaward side of the tramway, held in place by wooden wedges. At least some of these tubes appeared to be re-purposed supports for the tramway catenary or similar. We passed a Blackpool Council articulated flatbed lorry at work, fitted with a serious-looking Atlas crane (probably from their 'medium' range). Atlas manufacture in Germany but there's a UK website here.
Blackpool Illuminations being erected (Trip to Blackpool)
A few of the large displays were already in place, featuring Sooty and friends (who were appearing at Blackpool North Pier in 2022).
Blackpool Illumination 2022 being erected (Trip to Blackpool)
I left the tram at North Pier and, spotting another Heritage Tram waiting in the loop at North Pier, went across to take a picture. It was a rather attractive open top, 'Gondola' style tram with a driver, conductor and a couple of passengers on board.
Heritage Tram, open top, 'Gondola' style, waiting in the loop at North Pier (Trip to Blackpool)
The tram didn't seem about to move so I then spent a short time on the pier, taking yet one more picture of Blackpool Tower viewed from the pier.
Blackpool Tower, viewed from North Pier (Trip to Blackpool)
It was so warm, I'd ended up carrying my coat. I'd intended to travel home on a 'Pendolino' from Blackpool later in the afternoon not requiring any changes but knowing I could travel an hour earlier with a single change at Preston and starting to get tired and feeling warm, I crossed to Talbot Road and started walking towards the station. The walk took longer than expected and, for a moment, I wondered if I'd catch the earlier train but all was well. As I hurried through Blackpool station, I noticed that the later, direct train I'd intended to catch had been cancelled so I gratefully flopped onto the 14:28 Blackpool North to Hazel Grove, another Class 331. This made stops at Leyton, Poulton and Kirkham. The reporting number was 2H00. On arrival at Preston, I crossed to platform 4 and found a station seat, having around half an hour to wait for my connaction.
The connection was a 'Pendolino', reporting number 9M56, timetabled to depart Preston 15:18, Wigan 15:30½, Wigan 15:41½, Crewe 16:01½, getting to Wolverhampton at 16:33½. The train was a few minutes late into Preston and, with plenty of passengers boarding and alighting, the computer logged departure as 8 minutes late. I settled myself in First and there was amusement when the catering lady came to take 'orders from Preston' as we each recognised the other from the Down journey that morning. After I'd left the train at Preston, trainset 390117 'Blue Peter' had continued to Edinburgh and returned on its London-Edinburgh-London diagram to pick me up again. The service was friendly and attentive, although I found the afternoon menu rather limited. I'm afraid I didn't pay a lot of attention on the journey. The Openrail computer logged us 8 late at Wigan, 5 late arriving Crewe (we'd been brought to a stand outside Crewe North Junction) and I made us 7 late into Wolverhampton. The earlier than planned train home meant that I was in time to catch the last bus to Brewood (at 17:10!). The warm weather and the walking had left me tired but I'd had a very enjoyable day.
Garstang and Knott End Railway
Although I never saw the railway operating, I made one brief visit by road some years after closure of the line. For a rather obscure railway, I was surprised how much history was readily available on the internet and I list a few sites below:-
Garstang and Knot-End Railway
The Garstang and Knott End Railway – Part 1
The Garstang and Knott End Railway – Part 2
THE GARSTANG & KNOTT END RAILWAY
Disused Stations Site Record: Knott End
Related posts on this website
Previous trips to Blackpool are linked below. Note that the dates below are posting dates, not the date of the events described.
Halfex to Blackpool 5-Jul-2008
A Trip to the Seaside 17-Jan-2014
Railways around Blackpool 18-Jan-2014
Return to Blackpool and Fleetwood (part 1) 19-Feb-2016
Return to Blackpool and Fleetwood (part 2) 15-Oct-2016
Blackpool by Train 17-Feb-2019
Blackpool by Electric Train 28-Aug-2021
My pictures
Pictures taken on this trip:-
Blackpool Trip
All my rail transport pictures showing areas passed through:-
West Midland Metro
West Midland Railways
Stafford Area rail
Crewe Area rail
Warrington Area rail
Wigan's Railways
Railways around Preston
Blackpool's Railways
Blackpool Trams
All my Blackpool, Fleetwood and Knott End pictures:-
Blackpool and Fleetwood
Depending on the display device, the right hand edge of pictures may not display. To see an uncropped image, click on the picture. Alternately, you can find the image by following the 'My pictures' links and display or download the image in various resolutions.
