Blackmore Vale line Community Rail Partnership and Templecombe School joined the national campaign celebrating the vital role of Britain’s railways in bringing communities together.
Day 2 of Community Rail Week on Tuesday 23 May focused on education and youth engagement with the railway. This gave rise to a unique opportunity to work with celebrated local author Christine Scott and the local Primary School, in a project designed to encourage and empower young people and families to try the train.
Christine Scott author of the new childrens educational book ‘The Tale of Sevenpence, the Templecombe Station Cat’ willingly agreed to give a reading on the train to the school children of Abbas & Templecombe CE Primary School.
The school children arrive at Templecombe Station to catch to 13:25pm train to Yeovil Junction. First thing is the safety briefing proficiently delivered by Derek Beer, Chairman of the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership. All keeping safely behind the Yellow Line until the train arrives. All safely aboard ably assisted by James, the guard. Sevenpence the Cat has pride of place with her owner Christine Scott.
At Yeovil Junction the helpful volunteers from Yeovil Railway Centre are there to meet us and give the children some sterling advice about their visit to Yeovil Railway Centre.
Learning all about heritage steam before going onto the platform to wait for the steam train. Can’t wait to see the steam train! The steam smells like rice krispies! Not long now. Here it comes! All aboard Pectin.
Dont’ worry the next train will be along soon. Here comes the Clifton Maybank Rambler , steams up and ready for the off. Donald the Guard makes sure everyone gets aboard safely.
Everyone thoroughly enjoys the book reading by Christine. “That was brilliant!” Derek engages with the children to test their knowledge of trains. What clever children who knew the answers to different types of fuel used by trains.
Back on South Western Railway train to Templecombe. What a great trip. Three cheers for author Christine and chairman Derek.
All safely home again. The school children are great ambassadors for Abbas and Templecombe SCE Primary School A well behaved, polite and a really bright bunch of children. Thanks to Michelle and to the teachers for making this happen.
The Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership would like to thank author Christine Scott for generously giving the children a signed copy of her book and a old penny coin each. Massive thanks to the volunteers at Yeovil Railway Centre especially Paul, Martin, Donald and Tony. And to Paula Aldridge, South Western Railway’s Community Rail Manager whose assistance made this trip possible.
Hope to see you all again soon!