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The post regarding Stapleford brought back many happy memories from years gone by when it was open regularly to the public. In those days there was a small Safari Park near the car park and the Berkshire somehow got around what to me seemed a ridiculously small radius curve on its way from the car park to the house. That must have been in the early 80 as I do not remember us having any children with us.
My most treasured memory of the railway though was at a private running for the NVR where we even had a steam coal fired BBQ and I must say that sausages cremated on a bed of glowing Welsh Steam Coal have a flavour all of their own. It was on that occassion that I had perhaps my most memorable railway experience. We were being shown a huge pile of castings (2 sets I seem to recall) destined to become the Niagara or two if my memory is correct and were admiring these beautiful pieces of cast metal when an elderly lady and gentleman came in. For those familiar with the early steam miniature railways Henry Greenly is of course well known however all his drawings in later years were done by his daughter Elenora who married Earnest Steele. It so happend I had with me my copy of Earnest's book on H G and along with two or three others who also were clutching their copies were had our books signed by both of them. It is not surprising that the lady knew more about steam locomotives and their workings than any of us there her father being who he was. Memories never to be forgotten and I still treasure my book.
Anyway now I know that there are two dates I could visit again I will endeavour to make the trip into the heart of Pork Pie Land it only being an hour away, but do we have to apply for entrance tickets or simply turn up on the days wearing a grease top cap?
John (G)
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