2003

 
 
Monday 5th May (Bank Holiday)
Ben & I decided it was about time we treated ourselves to a ride on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, something we had been meaning to do for some time I didn't take many stills, mainly video today. The last time I traveled on this section of line was before passenger services were withdrawn from Fakenham in 1964. In those days it was quite an expedition for us as children when, with our parents we visited relatives in Norwich, it involved cycling the 4 miles from our home in the village of East Raynham to Fakenham Town's East Station to catch the train "Oh what memories".... In those days, the class 101 and 'Derby lightweight' DMU' which served the branch were in BR green livery. This trip was quite nostalgic for me, although as you would expect, much has changed in the 40 years that has passed....
 
 
Saturday 22nd March (The Diesel Gala)
I managed to snatch an hour or so at Dereham station on the first day of the Mid Norfolk Railway's two day Diesel Gala.
It was a gloriously sunny day needless to say the event was very well supported. I took these shots after the 11.00 Wymondham Abbey to Dereham service arrived. The Train was headed by 31538 with 50019, 47309 and 47200 bringing up the rear, what an Impressive lineup.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Friday 14th March
I couldn't help myself. I just had to return to County School on this bright early spring morning to grab some more shots.
 

 
Sunday 9th March
After getting up at 2am to watch the Australian Grand Prix, Ben suggested that we should go for a drive and maybe take some pictures.
So after some breakfast we popped over to the Mid Norfolk Railway. We called in at County School Station on the way where we spent half an hour looking round and taking some photos. This was our first visit to County School since the early 90's so we weren't sure what condition we might find it in. Actually, we were pleasantly surprised, It looks very well looked after. The weather was very cold and cloudy. Hoping it would brighten up we moved on to Dereham MNR. We took a few shots of 31530 which stood near the Norwich Rd crossing gates. The station wasn't open yet (after all it was only 9 am!). Yaxham was our next stop. The land and station buildings which includes the signal box and waiting rooms to the east of the line are privately owned, The MNR platform is opposite. Luckily, as we arrived, the gentleman who actually owns the site kindly invited us to look round,
I was intrigued by the array of railway artifacts that stood on the platform outside the waiting room. We hope to revisit the Mid Norfolk Railway at the end of the month for their Diesel Gala (22nd and 23rd March). Perhaps the weather will be kinder for us.

County School Station
31530 at Dereham MNR
The Privately owned Yaxham Station
 
 

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