Gala Gallery - Saturday - UPDATED 13th October | The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

posted by Martyn de Young on Sat, 13/10/2012 - 15:25

The Gala Weekend weather was kind to Woody Bay, and the 2012 Autumn Gala proceeded in great style, with plenty of visitors to see, for the first time ever - SIX locos (four steam, two diesel) in action, including our special guests, LILLA and BRITOMART visiting from North Wales.

This selection of photos were taken on Saturday and capture the locos in action as well as some of the other attractions.

Latest set of photos by Steve Broomfield - one of the support team from the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and also an L&BR Trust Member. All were taken on Saturday 29th. September, in amongst the preparation and operation of LILLA and BRITOMART

The Autumn Gala Bar Team

Jerry and Sonia Oakey and Jules and Pete Snashall did a great job running the bar - so much so that by late Sunday afternoon there was nothing left apart from peanuts! Photo Steve Castle

This first selection was provided by Nigel Thompson:

1. Locomotive information display boards on the fence by the shed viewing area.

2. Visiting Hunslet loco LILLA receives attention before being ready for its next train.

3. By lunchtime the barbecue was doing a roaring trade ...

4. ... as was the beer tent.

5. Various narrow gauge enthusiasts and L&B people discuss the prospects at their respective tables in the beer tent.

6. LILLA in good Gala Saturday sunshine at Woody Bay.

7. Model steam traction engines on the down platform.

8. Model steam traction engines on the down platform

9. LILLA (fitted with an air pump) was able to work passenger trains.

10. Plenty of visitors around the platforms during a period when the train was away from the station.

11. LILLA with the train on location near Woody Bay.

12. The car park field was almost full.

13. Hunslet D6652 was on show with YEO's frames on bogie flat 28322.

14. SID works along the headshunt with the 'Driver for a Donation' attraction.

15. LILLA departs Woody Bay with a wedding party in first class.

16. On the miniature railway, two trains were operating alternately.

17. OTTER was visiting from the Beer Heights Railway, Pecorama.

18. SID and BRITOMART.

19. Two steam hauled freight trains at Woody Bay! AXE arrives with the SR liveried wagons as BRITOMART shunts the Hudson bogie opens.

20. AXE with the freight train at Woody Bay.

21. BRITOMART worked with the two Hudson bogie opens up and down the platforms.

22. AXE in the down platform with the SR liveried ex-MoD wagons.

23. LILLA with the passenger train on location.

24. Different view of the filled car park field as AXE propels the freight train along the line.

25. Side on distant view of AXE with the SR freight train.

26. AXE runs up the bank with the freight.

27. After swapping locos, LILLA works the next freight train.

28. Another freight train view, with LILLA hauling and BRITOMART on the rear.

29. The last train of the day is specifically for the Gala Stewards and Exhibitors ...

30. ... this year hauled by SID and AXE to Killington Lane ...

31. ... then returning to Woody Bay with BRITOMART and LILLA in charge - so all four steam locos on this train!

32. This train also ran in memory of Martin Andrews who passed away during the summer. His widow, Jacquie, was presented with a photo album showing Martin in some of his many voluntary roles for the L&BR in recent years.

33. Ian Cowling, Barbecue Bill (Leadbetter) and Jim Pounds with Richard Drewer.

34. Earlier this year, Heather Cross, Sandra Dandy, Robert Cross and Jim Dandy received the Peter Cannon award for their regular help at all the Galas and special events.

35. The stewards special included Thursday regulars Dick Gunn, Dave Drayson, Dave Bloomfield, Martin Williams, Ian Cowling, Nigel Thompson and Richard Burgess.

These images were provided by Dave Tooke:

1. First-time visitor to North Devon was BRITOMART, which ran several demonstration freights.

2. Tony Newbury kindly brought along a model GWR 28xx 2-8-0 to run on the 7¼ miniature line. Seen here with Chris Bines in the driving seat, and regular volunteers Irene and Tony Cross seated behind, enjoying their ride.

3. An impromptu gathering of Trustees (past and present) was spotted on the down platform: Tony Nicholson, Jeff Bunton, Richard Drewer, Martin Swainson and Ian Cowling, enjoying the sunny afternoon.

4. Last train of the day on Saturday, appropriately the anniversary of the last train in 1935, was the volunteers and exhibitors special. Hauled by BRITOMART and LILLA, with AXE and SID assisting at the rear, this was surely the first time that four steam locos had operated a train together on the L&B. BRITOMART carried a special headboard, in memory of long-time volunteer Martin Andrews, who sadly passed-away recently.

These images were provided by Martin Swainson:

1. AXE in glorious sunshine

2. Paul Lewin, General Manager of the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways, places the wreath on AXE.

3. Trust and Company Chairman Peter Miles with Paul Lewin.

4, 5, 6. BRITOMART at the head of the Volunteers and Stewards special run in memory of Martin Andrews...

7. Jacqui Andrews with BRITOMART.

8. LILLA was the train engine

9. The ever-smiling Judy Williams - the L&B's esteemed Catering Manager - with Fireman Steve Ball.

10. L-R Guards Jim Price and Dave Blencowe (who is also Commercial Director), Managing Director Keith Vingoe, Guard Jack Balchin, and Driver Will Curry.

11. A smiling Nigel Thompson before boarding the train for its return to Woody Bay.

These images were provided by Trevor Garnham:

Ever-smiling Bill Leadbetter and Jim Pounds

BRITOMART with the demonstration goods.

Murray Dods in charge of LILLA

AXE with the SR demonstration goods train.

LILLA in charge...

...of the SR demonstration goods train.

Last train of the day - L&B superpower - well it had to be done!

For Sunday's photos, click HERE