A Charity Event.

A friend has a train in his garden ....... a miniature train of course!  
He held an Open Day for Charity and we were invited .....the instructions read like - when you reach suchandsuch a place take a sharp left and park in the lane.  Walk down the lane to the gate and the train will pick you up in the field ....... 
So we drove out into the Worcestershire countryside and when we reached the lane, we turned sharp left .........
After opening the gate we could see the train line and a paved area so we walked across and, sure enough, we heard the whistle and round a bend in the hilly field appeared the train.

We were not alone by now, several folks had gathered at the 'station' but there were enough seats in the carriages to take us up to the house.
We alighted at the top of the hill after quite a trip round the field as the railway line gradually climbed up the hill.
The house looked to be old and sprawling as most of the country houses tend to be.  We left the station building and walked across the grass, down the steps and into the patio area where most of the folks were gathered.  Details of the named Charity, hot coffee urn, mince pies, chocolates and mulled wine were laid out waiting for us.  We were glad of the hot drinks as the weather had turned damp and miserable, but the company was very friendly and accommodating, did I mention there were a few dogs and children running around undeterred by the weather!!
After a while we wandered back to the Station and sat on the platform just taking in the views of Worcestershire and watching the train as it travelled it circular route.  The engine and carriages are a few years old but this is the Owner's second engine.  He built the line some time ago after acquiring a diesel engine, again with carriage.
As the engine reached the top of the hill, the line veered to the left and completed a circle to come back to the Station in the right direction for the passengers to alight and then travel round the field.

In the middle of this circle was the chicken ranch, the chickens not seeming to be disturbed by the action, steam or noise.Several folks wandered around in freedom and dampness, chatting to other folks and  ..... the chickens!!

We wandered back to the house and had another warm drink and bite to eat.  There were a fair few more folks now, the 'green wellie brigade' in attendance, and DH wished he had worn his flat cap, but ..... never having been here before .... it was difficult to decide on attire!   If we are invited next year we shall know.
I decided to jump on the train and have a couple of circuits of the field and had a smashing time, looking at the views and chatting with fellow passengers.  
I noticed that every now and again, photographers turned up as we went chuff chuff along the line. 
By the way, the guy in the Father Christmas hat in the above photos is the owner of the railway.  He was most unperturbed by all these people and, as he is Chairman of our Loco Works, we already knew he was train barmy.  The Works Manager from Tyseley Vintage Trains had also arrived with his family.

On my circuits I gave a wave out to DH as he sat enjoying the views and chatting.

After a couple of circuits, I climbed out of the carriage and we wandered off to make our donation to Charity and say our goodbyes to the Host and his good wife.
We travelled back to the gate and came home.  We had a thoroughly enjoyable morning and I do so hope we get invited back next Christmas.