MHR Pre-Spring Gala, S & D theme: 17-19th February 2017

What's the situation with parking? There is no field use at Ropley, so presumably you can park near the Lodges?

 

Alresford Station car park will be for exclusive use of the railway

 

It would be good if it actually stated that somewhere on the gala page - last I looked, it doesn't!

 

According to a comment on the Facebook page for this event, there is no parking at Ropley (maybe the lodges parking is only for staff/volunteers this year) and the comment advised people to park at Alresford. There has been no mention of any car parks in Alton being secured for passengers, as they were this time last year, so presumably they have not been either...

I can see myself getting the train down this year!

 

From memory this happen at one of the galas last year. It may of been the diesel gala. I would think some people will try and park down the hill from Ropley station towards the main road. With all the wet weather we are having maybe the field can't be used.

 

Thinking outside the box so to speak. Why not park at Bentley and take a SWT service train to Alton. According to rail enquirers it take about ten minutes and costs less then four quid for a return ticket. Not sure about cost of parking ticket at Bentley but surely can't cost that much.

 

I want to make it clear that this post does not constitute any criticism of this event which I'm really looking forward to attending! I'm simply wondering about what the S&D theme will involve.
This is mentioned on the MHR website but is not explained there. Is it simply the undeniable truth that the locos and indeed the line have clear links and similarities with the S&D, or will there be more tangible stuff such as station renamings , headboards, ex S&D personnel in attendance, model railways inspired by the line etc?

 

I've sent an email to the railway, asking them to put something on the website.

 

Not much parking near Bentley esp after the commuters have taken the few spaces. Might slbe lucky and find a place at the weekend but I wouldn't bank on it. More chance at Alton in the town.

 

The Pre-Spring Steam Gala page has been updated:

Parking:
Alresford: Station Car park will be reserved for MHR customers only. Roads to the South of Railway have unrestricted parking , access to the Railway Station can be gained via the footpath next to Sun Lane bridge.
Ropley: Top car park off Bighton Lane (follow watercress lodges sign) This may be subject to a diversion due to a road closure.
Medstead: Saturday and Sunday only - Woodlea Park industrial estate
Alton: SWT Carparks (NB there is additional parking behind Waitrose)

 

Looking at the weather for the coming week ahead. It's going to be a bit warmer over the gala weekend.

 

And that'll be a Good Thing, says he remembering last year's Spring Gala.

 

Wuss. A bit of snow at medstead never hurt anyone.

 

Snow I don't mind, it was the rain and freezing wind I didn't think much of.

 

Brake van rides at £10 minimum donation, no pre booking. This is what has persuaded us to go. That plus pocket rocket 76017.

 

Well you should be pleased to know its likely to be a balmy 10 C & overcast.......

 

No, a proper 'pocket rocket' is a Gresley V2!

If only we could get one........

 

Yes, the weather forecast is looking good for the weekend.

 

As is almost gala time - it must be time for me to make that shameless plug on behalf of all in the wagon group!

Don't forget to come & see us at our sales stand at Medstead on the up platform, where will will have our usual array of second hand goodies.

And new for this year - we have not one but two limited edition BOCM Farringdon vans No 3 and No 7 which are £12.50 each or £24 for the pair.

Which I personally think look rather smart - shame I don't have a model railway to run them on. (not my photo)





Also please don't forget we will also be running yard tours, for a suitable donation, at Medstead & along with the yard tours, there is also the chance to see & ride on one of the best freight rakes in the country!

Brake van rides are on a 1st come 1st served basis and are limited to a maximum of 12 per trip & are priced as follows - £5 per head for a single journey on the Alresford -Ropley (& vice versa) shuttles & £10 per head one way on the Alresford - Alton & vice versa.

 

A comment on Facebook says that the Queen Mary brake will be on the Alton end of the set all day - presumably then giving the opportunity to be right behind 76017 during its ascent of Medstead Bank (and the non-stop run at Ropley!). Certainly sounds like it'll be good tomorrow!