The 2008 Spring Open Day on 27th April began cloudy and cold, with Nigel Smart, Andrew Naish and Brian Smith on site early, inspecting the track. There was also vigorous activity by Messrs Meddings and Parburn, hammering in loose rail keys in Washford Sidings. Earlier still, Peter Cattermole had found large and a small tablet pouches, and placed them, ready for use, in the shop area of the station. Our agreement with the WSR allows us to have No. 88 at Washford for one day each year. This was to be it. Roger Newport had arranged advance publicity in the West Somerset local newspaper. This encouraged several local people to visit us, curious perhaps about the tablet that might be picked up. The locomotive arrived on time at Washford at 10.06am, carrying a WSR single line token, whose key unlocked the points into our yard. With No.88 locked inside, Brian returned the staff to Blue Anchor signal box, by car, to allow WSR services use of the running line. Andrew had arranged for an independent engineer to inspect our engine, while the rest of us were also able to have a closer look from ground level or from the cab. There is always some interesting detail one hasn’t noticed before. This year, I realised that the tender, not original to the engine and itself a hybrid, unique in preservation, has three different types of wheelset. If it were a model, somebody would say it was all wrong! On the station platform, encouraged by the damp weather, many visitors and members frequented the shop and museum. Our sales manager and several of the regulars were there to attend to their needs. While No 88 had to be stationary, and rain fell intermittently, indoor activity seemed appropriate. Your scribe agreed to expose his ignorance of signalling, by demonstrating single line working, between the replica of Midford signal box on the platform and the Tyers No. 6 instrument in the museum room. This represents Bath Junction. Fortunately Peter Cattermole appeared on site soon after I had jammed the system, and restored the situation. A little later, Ian, a visiting member from West London, admitted to being a signal engineer, and with his help we were able to operate the Tyers instruments more reliably. Three people are needed to demonstrate their use; one to represent the train! Our Chairman and his good lady had vehicle trouble, but eventually arrived thanks to more teamwork by members and officers. Pauline donned Wellingtons. Ignoring the drizzle, she pruned and weeded the memorial garden for most of the afternoon. Three younger members and friends (Bradley, Samuel and Philip) cleaned and polished loco lamps in the main shed. At least twenty Trust members visited Washford on 27th May. Many came to help, without being asked, but seemed to know exactly what to do. The locomotive crew entered into the relaxed atmosphere; we are most grateful for their time and expertise. Later in the afternoon, in a series of slow speed runs past the Whitaker apparatus, opposite the platform, No 88 caught the small pouch every time. By 5.45pm, the WSR single line token arrived by car; the points were unlocked, and No. 88 set out for Minehead. Just then, the clouds moved away and the sun began to shine. The Chairman pushed a wheelbarrow full of weeds along the platform to Nigel’s garden recycling heap. Quite a lot had been achieved. Peter Trenchard Below is a collection of photographs taken at the SDRT 2008 Open Day.
Click here to watch a video taken at the open day. Video © Roger Newport

All Photographs (c) Andrew Marsh