Saturday, December 19, 2020

Steam engine railway returns to Thoresby.

 

The winter of 2020 saw the welcome return to Thoresby Park of a new steam railway ride for children. Positioned opposite the entrance to the courtyard, it was able to operate over three weekends, proving a most welcome and popular attraction during an ongoing corona-virus pandemic, and the constant threat of lockdown.

Operated by the 'There and Back Light Railway' company it is the largest portable steam railway in the Midlands, authentically powered by real steam, along a track over 450ft long, with rides costing just £2.

Thoresby Park had another steam railway attraction from 1966 to 1988, which I wrote about some years ago on THIS LINK. That one was operated by the late Bill Kirkland and, as I pointed out in my article of 2006, the sleepers are still visible sunk into the grass parallel to the River Meden. I do know 'There and Back Light Railway' have hopes of the current train being moved in the future to that original location. Time will tell.

Above: Steve Purves at the wheel.

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