Percy Puffs Past:.....click me

Being in possession of a grand daughter aged 3 and a bit who adores steam railways, it seemed appropriate to take her to see Thomas and Friends!

This event would have been fine at any normal time of the year, but this year the weekend that Thomas was knocking about with various friends was nothing short of the classic weather (Vivaldi that is) I remember from my childhood when we regularly had 4 seasons in one day!

Sleet, rain, hail, snow, wind and SUN, could not keep thousands away from the event at the Mid Hants railway. It was very well run and reasonably priced with free face painting for children, no free beer though. There was plenty to do, which included a trip behind Thomas, toad, diesel, Percy, and a ride in Daisy. I took the opportunity to stroll into Alton, which is at the end of the 12-mile run from New Arlesford, on what is known as the Watercress line.

The Watercress line was part of the London and South Western Railway; which was the company that gave running powers over its tracks to the “other” railway in Swindon; the Midland and South Western Railway. It ran from the station in old town and had a very interesting history and route. One which I will no doubt write about some other time.

The day with Thomas and friends was a worth the money having spent all day there, it was good to see all the locos being turned out in all their fine splendour, they were as with everything else on the Mid Hants railway in tiptop condition.

I certainly enjoyed myself and so did the grand daughter. If you want to have fun I would certainly recommend a day out with Thomas.