Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala: 29th April-1st May 2023.

The 2023 Spring Gala is over the first May Bank Holiday weekend.

Visiting locos:
4079 Pendennis Castle
5239 .

Home fleet:
S15 506
Ivatt 41312
7F 53808
Kilmersdon on driver experience turns.




Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

Now, normally I would say "Now I'm excited"
But this? I think to say "I'm excited" is a huge understatement, I literally messed my undergarments when I saw this.

The GWR fix I jolly well needed.
I assume that 506, 41312, 53808 and Percy are to be rostered alongside it?

 

Well I share your enthusiasm for all things Great Western but I wouldn't go that far!!!

I'll look forward to that - last time I saw Pendennis it was in many pieces at Didcot.

 

True, Some things are best just not said , Last time I saw Pendennis, was when it had just arrived back on these shores that's how long ago it was, every time i visited Didcot, it seemed to be hidden away in the workshop, but heres hoping that the gala is a great success, and brings in the money.

 

Well, I hope its on the website soon, I think it will be very popular.

 

Hopefully and I don't doubt it will be but 3 events in a month does seem to be spreading 4079 thinly. However, a run over The Alps with it is the sort of thing that brings out the crowds so what do I know?

 

I mean the other Lines that the loco is visiting are up North so that would help,

Tbf the event hasn't been officially announced, Mag has put something out early or following rumour, just for reference

 

Would not describe the GWSR or SVR as in the north. North of the MHR yes, but not in the north. I can do day trips to the GWSR, SVR & MHR.

 

As was once mentioned on a different thread anywhere north of Dorchester is "up north"

 

Anything south of Newcastle is the south of England to me. And I have no frame of reference for distances past Manchester.

 

Well, now I have a decision to make:
Watercress Line or [If the website is correct] West Somerset?
Pendennis on my "To See" list, then again, I do love travelling on the WSR.

Also depends on strike action.

 

Just looked at the website and no sign of the Gaia or indeed any trains after March

 

Could always do both? MHR don't seem to be running their gala on Friday 28th April whereas we are at the WSR.

 

Right, I asked them this a few days ago, they are just finalising details, such as prices, timetables and other areas, also, they are waiting till "nearer the time" to announce it.
Their words, not mine.

I'm not one to try and do loads of events in a single weekend, it knackers me out doing one event, let alone two.

To make it clear, I don't drive, my parents have told me they won't drive me to these places, so I have to rely on public transport, meaning buying tickets, booking hotels, etc.

 

MHR confirmed to me yesterday that the dates are 29 April to 1st May. Details will appear after they have settled the small price increase due in April. They didn’t comment on 4079

 

Wouldn't be surprised, they're probably sick of hearing about it.

 

I can't see a problem with their reply. Perhaps you're being impatient again. [BJ]

 

Well, I could go on trying to defend myself, but this thread isn't about me.
I am sure the Mid Hants know what they are doing and I am sure whatever the visitor may be, whether it is 4079 or not, will be a good gala.

BUT in my personal opinion, advertising something so early, especially in the months when nothing really happens, does get people asking questions.

Their reply is justified, I grant that, but for pity's sake, don't advertise something way in advance, especially when it doesn't even have its webpage yet.

 

I mean as far as I can tell the Magazine article was either written before they shifted back the marketing timeline, or said it ahead of time to "get a headline story"

Talking about a lack of marketing when it it seams the story that announced it may not of supposed to been released doesn't add up

Still if what has been suggested happens, it will be a medium sized, solid gala