My Real Railway-KESR Dwarves of Steam Gala 2025

Change of scenery for me today. Out in the Kent countryside at Wittersham Road, for our unusual gala. Lovely weather, odd locos, and a general happy feeling. Not sure it was as busy as it could have been, but there were other, major events on, and we are all competing for the visitor pound. Grateful thanks to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for the loan of Judy. She was built in 1937 to work at the Port of Par hauling china clay wagons, and had to clear a very low arch under the GWR main line. These little locos were immortalised by the Rev. Wilbur Awdry as "Bill and Ben". And for Willy, we thank the Flour Mill, Bream. This little loco was built in 1918 and spent it's whole revenue earning life at the National Shipyard in Chepstow. Marcia, Knowle, and Hastings, are all resident KESR locos. Finally, the biggest thanks MUST go to Andy Hardy. As General Manager of Rapido Trains UK (is it REALLY 5 years since he left the KESR paid staff?) he orchestrated the company sponsorship, and had the special programmes produced at his own expense. Without this generous support we might never have been able to put this event on.