The Nene Valley Railway

The Nene Valley Railway 

The NVR is a delightful railway, running from Peterborough in the east to Yarwell in the west. It is 7 1/2 miles long, with stations at Wansford, Overton (for Ferry Meadows), and Orton Mere, and as one of her "significant birthday" gifts from dear friends last year, Wendy was presented with a voucher to enjoy a day out on the railway.

One beautiful Saturday morning, we drove to Wansford Station, which is the headquarters of the Nene Valley Railway; we left our modern transport in the car park and set off to enjoy the delights of steam, provided by a Danish locomotive, affectionately named "Tinkerbell!" Our tickets allowed us to chuff up and down the line throughout the day, and it was a wonderful experience. We were lucky with the weather, too - mostly treated to bright sunshine, at one point the clouds opened for a squally bout of rain, but they cleared away and the sun soon returned to shine on the railway. 

The NeneValley Railway has also played host to several films, including a couple of James Bond movies: in 1983, Roger Moore took the  lead in Octopussy, co-starring Maud Adams, and in 1995, with Pierce Brosnan in the role, in GoldenEye. The NVR has also featured in many other films and TV shows, such a Biggles: Alternative Adventures in Time in 1986, Secret Army, Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot has also featured on the line. 

In 1972, British Rail closed the line completely, but a core that would become the Nene Valley Railway had already been formed. In 1968, Richard Patten, a local clergyman, purchased a Class 5 steam loco for scrap value. Originally intended for display, it was in such good condition, it managed to travel from Manchester to Peterborough under its own steam. The decision was taken to restore the engine and to get it into full working order. It was only 14 years old at that time, and the Peterborough Locomotive Society was formed to achieve this.

Wansford was chosen as the main base on the line; in 1975, a shuttle service operated through Wansford Tunnel, the longest on a preserved line in the UK. Upgrading the rest of the line for passenger traffic as far as Orton Mere Station lasted until May 1977 and the arrival of locomotives from Britain, Denmark and France, along with sufficient carriages, meant that on 4th June 1977, the Nene Valley Railway could open its own public services.  

A bench to sit with some peaceful thoughts, at Yarwell Junction

I love to see ducks and swans gliding serenely on the water!

"TINKERBELL"

"Tinkerbell" may be well-known as the fairy in J M Barrie's children's story "Peter Pan," but it is also the affectionate nickname bestowed on the Danish Railways Class F 060T locomotive, numbered 656. 

It proudly carries the colours of the Danish flag, red and white, around its chimney, and because the loco is also fitted with a bell, NVR members called it Tinkerbell.

In 1976, it was steamed for the first time in the UK; after the opening of the NVR in 1977, it saw regular use on the lighter, off-peak, trains. 

In 1985, 656's then owner, Richard Hurlock, sold Tinkerbell to John Snasdell; in 2004 the loco was generously donated to the Nene Valley Railway and volunteers at the NVR undertook a significant restoration process to make it operational once again. 

The Driver ready to go

Tinkerbell again with her Fireman (just seen on the footplate), 

working hard feeding the firebox

Tinkerbell in steam

Jackie and Bob

Jackie and Wendy

Jackie and Alexandra

Wendy and Alex

NVR Ale tastes better on the train!

The Museum Wagon

More wagons!

Maps

The model village 

The Dining Car

A great service provided by the Royal Mail Travelling Post Office

(Please do read "The Night Mail," a poem by W H Auden; there is also a film on You Tube!)

Tiddlywinks, Pushkin And Blackie - Three Cats Mum Loved

Tiddlywinks, Pushkin And Blackie - Three Cats Mum Loved

We've always had cats come around to us - we think they must know they would be safe with us, if only for a little while, or perhaps just to scrounge a good dinner! - and some of them have stayed with us to the very end. 

When we first met Tiddlywinks, she was definitely unloved and unsociable, Pushkin a little more amenable to friendship, but Mum took them both in and fed and watered them. Tiddlywinks was not accustomed to being touched, and therefore not keen on being stroked, and I remember remarking on this to Mum; I was happily surprised when she said, "Oh, I can stroke Tiddlywinks now - from the top of her head and all the way down her back!"

It was clear both pussy cats were unwell, so we had a home visit from our lovely vet, who quickly realised they were both suffering from cat 'flu' and needed treatment in hospital. Pushkin would allow us to pick her up - but not so Tiddlywinks; she became an outraged spitting ball of feline fur, and it would be a brave person who would try to get her into a cat carrier and go to the surgery!

Our vet said it was really no problem; he had brought a veterinary nurse with him, and together they draped a large, but very light, towel over Tiddlywinks and she immediately calmed down and they were able to pick her up and put  her into a transport carrier. 

Tiddlywinks and Pushkin were taken into hospital, where they stayed for some days; happily, the treatment was very effective, and they both made complete recoveries. Tiddlywinks required further medication; to my amazement, she was quite amenable to being given the tablet in a little piece of rolled up ham, and would take it quite delicately from my fingers - with no nipping!

Mum had many happy years with them both - and of course, Blackie, who was our third, and very well-behaved cat. Blackie would spend hours with Mum in her bedroom, sitting on a dining chair next to Mum's comfy armchair, putting his paw on the arm of the chair, and generally being such a good companion. 

When we had our evening sing-song with me on piano and Mum joining in with all the Music Hall songs her Mum, my Grandma, had taught us, and all the war-time songs, Blackie would be there as well, keeping us all company. 

There was one memorable evening when I launched in to the intro for "Now Is The Hour," and just as we started to sing, Blackie walked in and, with perfect timing, joined in with the song. For ever afterwards, it was known as "Meow Is The Hour!"

All our cats are known as Railway Cats, and the attached photo shows Tiddlywinks and Pushkin on one of the "sit astride" coaches we use on the BobAlex Railway. In this picture, Tiddlywinks may look a bit belligerent, and although in later life she began to remain outdoors, she knew Mum loved her.

Two Railway Cats - Tiddlywinks and Pushkin enjoying the sun, down in the garden 

Multi-storey cats - Blackie and Pushkin enjoying the cat shelter on the patio 

Mum, Alexandra and Uncle John, with companionable Blackie!

Mum enjoying a beautiful day on the patio, with Blackie and Pushkin - 

 Tiddlywinks is also there, but keeping out of sight!

 

 

 

Rainham Marshes

Rainham Marshes - And The Concrete Barges

We enjoyed a wonderful spring day in May, with our dear friend David, who travelled down from Macclesfield to see us.

We had a splendid lunch at The Liberty Bell, and then decided to have a wander round The Rainham Marshes - also home to an RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) sanctuary. It was a beautiful afternoon, filled with fresh air, nature and history.

The barges have an interesting - and sometimes differing - history. Set in a steel framework, they are made largely of concrete, but some reports cannot find evidence of them being used in connection with the D-Day landings during WW2. 

From what I have read, it would appear that in 1940, 200 were commissioned to carry petrol. They weigh 160 tons; built on the London dockside, they were craned into the water by the PLA Goliath crane, and for some years after the war, were used to supply fresh water to naval ships. I can only hope any residual petrol was completely removed before they were used in that new role!

They were abandoned in Rainham; in 1953, several were positioned at Coldharbour Point as flood defences, and they have formed part of the coastline ever since. 

Intrepid visitors can get on board the barges, but great care is needed in reaching them. The barges are quite high, and walkers must walk through marshy silt, which can trap the unwary and inexperienced. They must also be aware the incoming tide will swiftly flood the ground around the barges, before the water get close to covering their tops. 

We were not such adventurous explores, but just delighted to have been blessed with a gentle day; not just sea, but warmth flooding the area, and in good company!

We hope for another visit from our friend, and the chance to revisit this interesting and peaceful site.