Derby Amputee Social Club
Amputee and Family Social Group

Loughborough Steam Railway 2009

July 11th 2009 we made our way to Loughborough Steam Railway. It was a fine day and everyone was looking forward to their cream tea on the train later in the day. We assembled on the platform at Rothley and awaited the arrival of the first steam train like a group of school children, the excitement was tangible. Out came the portable ramp to get the wheelchairs into the specially converted carriage and we all seated ourselves  at tables for the short sixteen minute journey to Loughborough. Everyone got off at the station and after a short wander around they converged on the refreshments in the cafe. It was then back on the train for the round trip down to Leicester while Cedric waited for Graham, Kate and Jack to arrive. Once they had steamed in, Jack and Cedric went off to explore the signal box and engine sheds where Jack became initiated with the dirty soot which he deposited on his face and hands. When the others arrived back another coffee and bacon butties were the order of the day, then people spent a short while visiting the museum before getting back on the train for afternoon tea. We steamed out of the station and it was not too long before the scones and cream appeared on the tables. When we arrived at Leicester Jack and Cedric vanished off down the platform and then to our surprise Cedric came back and said that we should keep an eye out for Jack as he steamed back down the line on the footplate of the engine. There were many waves and cries as he passed us on his way to the other end of the train and the smile on his face when he returned to the carriage was immeasurable. We then steamed back up to Rothley we we disembarked and made our own way home. Cedric stopped at Quorn on the way to get some pictures from the war-time setting at that station. The day was a brilliant success and Ruth excelled herself in the organisation of the event despite quite a few challenges.