North Norfolk Steam Gala September

Just want to add my congratulations too. Went on Saturday and enjoyed the 1959 Bristol MW Coach laid on by Eastern Transport Collection, a great way to arrive! I think my highlights were a smashing run up Kelling Bank in the quad-arts behind the N2 and I greatly enjoyed riding behind the Black 5 and seeing the 'Little Black Goods' working a goods. I have to add my congratulations for the finish on the 08 and also on the 101, which deputised briefly for Ring Haw whilst Ring Haw took Sir Lamiel's turns (I came to see the steam but a 101 in 1950s condition making a brief appearance was not at all out of place). I think that the most bizarre sight was the double heading of Ring Haw and the Black Five, again caused by Sir Lamiel's incapacity. It was my first gala and I was only there for Saturday morning and early afternoon. I will definitely return next time (March?) and will spend more time. Can I vote for an 'apple green' theme?

 

Pictures from Saturday

http://billsphotos.photoblog.me.uk/c1891443_25.html

 

Kieran, on behalf of the NNR I would like to apologise for your experience on Saturday evening, and assure you that not only will your comments be taken on board, but the comment about the member of on train staff will be forwarded to the relevant manager. When I was putting the timetable together there was some disscussion about whether to put non dining accomadation on the diner (which as a rule, on a normal saturday night we don't) and the common concensus was to do just that. Some issues maybe got overlooked. There are some issues with the toilets at Holt, and this might just help me to sort these out.

Again, sorry for your experiance and I hope this didn't spoil too much your day.

Mark Middleton, gala organiser.

 

I would like to thank all of you who visited our gala, and for all your words of how much you enjoyed it. It was touch and go for 44767, but thanks to Mel, Ian and ALL who worked on her, 'George' was able to take up it's booked turns. Also, the failure of 30777 nearly put a dampner on things, but again thanks to the support crew who, assissted by Ian, got the loco back in traffic quickly. The photo's on here and the videos on youtube reaaly have made all the hard work worth while, and initial figures show a financial success.

I, along with the GM, are now thinking about next March's gala. Someone mentioned an apple green theme - something we are thinking about. I can assure you all, after the success of this event, I am able to think big (ish). As thing are sorted out, I (or someone!) will let you know.

I look forward to seeing you in March.

Mark.

 

Hello dace83

Looking on the North Norfolk District Council site planning section it appears the plans for platform 2 were passed on 5th July, not certain if I am allowed to place a link here though. Will be wonderful if eventually platform 2 is rebuilt as it was - so what's next? Moving further into Holt, the Runton Triangle - all good stuff.

Regards,
Filmman

 

This was an excellent gala. I visited for the 'Thats yer lot gala' which was my first visit to railway in 12 years and thought it just about the best gala I have been to. This was a close second. The steam action on Friday was better than Saturdays. I love being able to watch a train on Weybourne bank with another in the distance coming up from Sheringham whilst a third train is waiting in the platform. Non stop action, all day.

Improvements?
Well more trade stalls would be nice, there weren't any model railway sales, both secondhand and new retailers would be good. The shops at Sheringham and Holt could be better stocked there were empty shelves, looks poor and hardly encourages one to enter.

Brickbats.
Only one, the hidden gutter in the field(car park) entrance at Weybourne. Cars were grounding and banging into this. It couldn't be seen due to the height of the stubble, someone did fill it in later on but I suspect only after complaints (and damaged suspension?).

Awards
Those responsible for getting 44767 back in action, it sounded superb on the banks and also for getting Sir Lamiel repaired.

Well done to the event organisers.

Finally a pause for thought. Ring Haw was climbing the banks with 5 on, first valve and notched up according to its crew on Saturday, who needs big engines?

 

The second platform will improve an already wonderful station, i understand the only major outside detail not to be recreated is the canopy overhang on the carpark.
For March gala will have to catch the train from Leicester.

I really hope the b12 is running, way back in 95 I can remeber traveling on the first train after restoration

 

:clap2::first::becky:

 

Congratulations Mark, and to all concerned at the NNR, for putting on a fantastic gala.
Six months planning definitely paid off. There will always be a few hiccups along the way but you seem to be backed up by a very professional and enthusiastic team at the NNR. It is how to deal with the problems that makes the difference and judging by the many positive comments you succeeded.
The NNR is definitely up there with the best.

 

Thanks Mark, the event was up to the usual NNR standards even with the lineside fire and minor failures on a couple of the locomotives! Plus the usual pleasant weather was around too.

Here are some of my shots:















The rest can be found here:

http://kieranhardy.fotopic.net/c1893648.html

http://kieranhardy.fotopic.net/c1894262.html

Cheers,

 

There are a couple of videos posted on YouTube (not mine) of Sir Lamiel arriving over the level crossing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo80sHNwK9w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tMV39ULXY4

Has she returned to the mainline yet?

 

Sir Lamiel is here for the 40's weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday. I seem to remember reading somewhere that she is starting a tour from Sheringham the following weekend for the Model Engineers ? Sorry but I cannot find the place where this info was, others here will know more....

filmman

 

its not running a tour from sheringham, it will be run light engine + support coach back to Norwich, early hours of wednesday 22nd

 

Thank you for clearing that one up.

 

This is not correct it will be leaving 0500 on Thursday 23rd September