A RAIL37
Churnet Valley Railway picture report
CONSALL
OPENING
After the supreme efforts of a number of volunteers
and donors of money and equipment, the new station building at
Consall has been completed for the new season. Ably led by Dave
Felstead, this happy band of workers has provided a much needed
facility for this quiet country station and were happy to see
music impresario Pete Waterman perform the official opening.
Actually that is not what eventually happened!
3rd MARCH 2002 |
A pleasing shot of 5224 approaching Cheddleton with
a down service on Consall Opening Day.
I went to board the train at
Froghall knowing that there would be a parking problem at Cheddleton.
My concern was that I wouldn't be able to get on the train which
I anticipated would be quite full. The train arrived on time but
"Pete" was not on the footplate as expected - where
was he? Apparently he was in the guest coach so all was well.
By the time the train arrived
there was quite a crowd on the platform and, as the train went
past me, I could see it was well filled. Oh dear!
The locomotive performed its
usual runround trick and is seen here reversing onto the train
for the trip to Consall.
Almost ready to go and the
crowd is thronging!
The train was, quite literally,
packed solid. It really was a matter of getting into the nearest
open door and standing still. Of course it didn't really matter
for the short journey to Consall and hearing the engine working
hard with the load was suitable compensation.
Even more thronging at Consall
- where had they all come from?
By the time I reached the spot
it was impossible to get anywhere near to Mr.Waterman so the only
way was to hold the camera in the air and shoot. Unfortunately
each time I took a shot the camera insisted on focussing on the
hat of the funeral director in front, hence the reason Pete is
a bit blurred. Best I could do I'm afraid. The visiting celebrity
was supposed to cut the ribbon but instead he handed Dave the
scissors feeling he deserved the honour. I agree, well done Dave.
I did manage to catch him on
his way out from an autograph signing session.
Steam was up and it was time
to leave for Cheddleton and some food - it was a very cold day.
Unfortunately the Boat Inn
was full to overflowing so it was a sandwich in the station cafe
with a (very) nice mug of tea. Then off to meet the incoming train
seen here passing the Cheddleton water tower and the repainted
green Class 08 diesel.
The train was not a "stopper"
and carried on through to Leekbrook where it reversed and came
back bunker first for my return trip to Froghall.
En route for Froghall and it
was thirsty work for the GWR locomotive so a stop for water was
arranged.
While I stood waiting for the
train to start it struck me again just how beautiful the Churnet
Valley is. Here the River Churnet, having just passed Felstead
Island, creates its ox-bows and meanders as it flows down the
flood plain to join up with the Cauldon Canal towards Consall.
Journey's end and the locomotive
is detached for the runround.
Off it goes with a trackman
in attendance. What (another) fantastic day on the Churnet Valley
Railway.