10th
Anniversary Steam Train Outing, 19th June 2011
48 members assembled on the platform of Bury’s Bolton St.
station, along with many other passengers, for the trip of a
lifetime(?) on board the East Lancs Railway steam hauled train.
The train buffs amongst
us watched with fascination as the 2 Pullman dining cars were attached
to the rest of the train. It was like watching something out of the
1950s’ and we half expected John Betjamin to appear on the
platform clutching a copy of “Trains and Buttered
Toast”.
After the photocall,
masterminded by Eric Harlin, we were escorted to our seats by the
steward to begin our journey and Lancastrian lunch.
Menu
Egg
& Prawn salad
Roast
loin of Pork with apple & apricot stuffing,seasonal vegetables
Oaty
fruit crumble
Coffee
& chocolates
The food was good, the
plates were warmed and the staff who served were very friendly and
hospitable.
For several years we
used to drive up the M66 (usually in the rain) to look after our
grandson in Rawtenstall. It was such a pleasant change to be
transported by steam at leisurely pace and in good weather through the
Rossendale valley, waving to everyone and calling at the exotic
stations of Summerseat, Ramsbottom, Irwell Vale and
Rawtenstall.
Then it was back to
Bury and on to Heywood. A 20minute stop here for those who wanted to
stretch their legs before completing the journey back to
Bury.
The whole trip took
about 2½ hours, the atmosphere was convivial throughout, with
plenty of time between courses for chat and observation.
A warm vote of thanks
was given by Ken Bentley and endorsed by everyone to Louanne and Steve
for organising such an excellent anniversary outing.
Ann Reynolds