Mid Hants Railway Spring Steam Gala - 30th April-3rd May 2021

41312 and 5526 heading for Biahops Sutton foot crossing

Unexpected Item in Bighton Cutting by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Had a very enjoyable day at the Mid Hants yesterday! As has been commented here and elsewhere, cleaning regimes and movement of people both seemed to be very well organised. While many, myself included, were surprised at the decision of the Railway not to have specific trains with allocated seating, the ambition of not doing so has to be commended. A slight hitch when I arrived at Ropley at 08:20 was that the wristbands being used as tickets were not yet available, but the station staff were helpfully flexible in allowing us through to the yard and platforms anyway (upon seeing our online booking confirmations, of course!). Below are my offerings from the day, as I say, well done to the Mid Hants, let us hope for continued success for the rest of the gala.

 

My version of Saturdays events. Was busier than the October gala (probably due to the weather) Thanks to the volunteers and staff for a great day!

 

Another very enjoyable Mid Hants Gala. While after runs behind 5526, and 4612, things did not go as planned when Cheltenham was replaced by 41312. I was in a recently superbly restored (and extremely comfortable) Bulleid coach (1456?), which was an unplanned bonus, directly behind the lIvatt which slipped twice in the cutting on the outskirts of M4M. On the return run, and in the coach behind the loco, was l was left with a soot covered table after the run up to M4M. A similar timetable to the October gala with only 3nr full line trains, which allows some recovery again worked well. With the reduced a capacity I had no trouble finding a table and the door handles were regularly cleaned. The Alresford Buffet has had a revamp - new counter in front of you, rather than to the side as you enter. I was disappointed that there were no bottled ales for sale, like the October Gala, so settled for a coffee with my second bacon bap of the day. Thanks to all those involved.
4612 approaching Ropley by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

Day 2...



James

 

The current covid regulations mean that alchohol sales at Alresford have been suspended.

Glad you had a good time otherwise though.

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I guessed that might be the case - hope the ales can be reintroduced for the Autumn as they were serioulsy good!

Didn't spoil my day though - I just had to seek solace in my secret supply of Belgian Trappist ales in the evening. It's a hard life!

 

Thanks.

I wonder how the Severn Valley managed to sell bottled ales at Kidderminster on a stall outside the refreshment room? Note :They were only to be consumed on a train.

 

I too would like to thank the Mid Hants and all their volunteers for a great gala .Amazing that despite pandemics and it being 2021 its still possible to be on a steam hauled train especially as they need to work hard up the grades!!long may it last!!!

 

Tuccg

Yes Rochefort especially!

 

Everyone's set up is different and what is possible safely and within the rules in location A might not be possible in location B.

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The main thing is that the Mid Hants is up and running. Some like the Bluebell and West Somerset are not openng till late May. Is it that they have interpreted the rules differently and think they are an indoor attraction rather than an outdoor one?

 

Nice black and white photo of 4612 near the Northside lane foot crossing.

 

I think it’s interpretation of rules? Our local council don’t seem to have any flexibility regarding alcohol consumption outside, whereas some of our friends in Norfolk and Suffolk have been given a lot more leeway in that direction.

 

My video and a couple of photos from yesterdays trip to the gala.

 

My footage of the Spring Steam Gala on Saturday. I hope you enjoy it.

 

I was also at the Mid-Hants on Saturday and a splendid day it was too. Full credit to the staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make it all happen.

I've made a start on editing the video footage that I took, and Part One, shot at Alton, is now on YouTube. I hope you approve:



TTFN,

 

Have just had a 'fun' couple of days lineside at the gala in the company of @Hampshire Unit !

Was good to see folks enjoying what was put on, as well as the crews & as ever, it was good to see folks that we haven't for many a month!

Oh & it wouldn't be a gala with out at least one loco having a hissy fit, now would it?...... but two in one day?.... thankfully for both they were only 'minor' nigggles - but it did give us the bonus of double headed tanks out of Alresford, going like the clappers through Bishops Sutton!!!

Some of my pics from Saturday.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51153967084/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51153418688/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51154287460/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51153415388/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51152512222/in/dateposted-public/

 

The new photo location between Ropley and Northside lane PW hut is providing some great photos.

 

Had a good day on Friday, mostly riding the trains. On more than one occasion we had a whole coach to ourselves, so not much issue keeping distance etc. Hopefully the gala has been a success for the railway!