80th Anniversary Celebrations

The Downs Light Railway celebrated its eightieth anniversary on Saturday 16th September 2006. In attendance were the Children of the Downs School, Staff, Parents and former pupils; and Trustees and Benefactors of the Railway.

George breaking through the ribbon

To mark the event, George, the oldest locomotive arrived in steam after three years of restoration preceding twenty-two years decommissioned as a static display.

 

At Hoyland Down Terminus, the celebrations began with one of the pupils (appropriately named George) blowing a Guard's whistle and waving a Green Flag.

 

George arrived in the station, breaking the celebratory ribbon followed by the rest of the DLR entourage. 

 

Ready for the cutting of the cake, all four locomotives stood In line operational for the first time since the turn of the 1980s:

  • George leading, driven by Christopher Fincken (Trustee).
  • James Boyd, driven by Timothy Pennock (Old Downian and Administrator to the Trust).
  • Brock, driven by Jamie Bennett (Pupil).
  • Tim, driven by Tom Creber (Pupil)

 

The gathering at Hoyland Down

Christopher Fincken expressing a few words.

Several speeches followed by a Champagne toast to the 80th Birthday. School Headmaster, Alastair Ramsay, congratulated the re-commissioning of George and those involved with its restoration. 

 

Trevor Nall, Chairman of the Trustees followed by thanking everyone involved, in particular James Boyd who went out of his way to keep the DLR alive during the early days prior to the creation of the Trust. 

 

Christopher Fincken, who was responsible for purchasing George making the restoration possible, made a few words in support of the

children who have given the DLR its existence.

 

A special cake had been made, to replicate George with GNR markings. Following the speeches, the cake was moved to the station whereby it was cut and distributed to all the guests present.

 

The first train left Hoyland Down, under the control of Brock. Trains continued throughout the afternoon until around 4pm.

 

George remained in Hoyland Down throughout the day, for people to view in steam. The locomotive made one two trips around the railway, late afternoon with several light passengers.

 

Did you miss the event? Catch up on the below galleries:

                            GALLERY No.1

                            GALLERY No.2

                            GALLERY No.3

 

Mandy James, serving the cake.

During the celebrations, the Downs Light Railway recieved £150 in donations. The Trust would like to thank those who have been most generous.

 
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