June flamed- and Alice steamed!

‘Alice’ was one of three miniature locomotives called into service at Woking Miniature Railway (Mizens) near Woking, just a little outside the circuit boundaries, on the 4^th June 2011 at our third annual “Barbecue with Steam Trains”. 

Begun as a one-off event in 2009 as part of the Christ Church, Feltham centenary year celebrations, it proved so popular that there was unanimous demand to repeat it in 2010 and then in 2011!

The weather was again near perfect for the fifty or so friends from around the circuit who attended.   Many of the early arrivals took a pre-lunch ride on the trains, before a tasty choice of sausage, chicken or burger served up by father and son team Roger and Jonathan Griffiths at the grill.  Joyce and Andrew, who make up the other two members of this circuit family ‘team’, weren’t far away, as shop manager and all round engineer respectively.

Apple pie and cream followed along with tea and coffee, before bright-eyed riders- of all ages! delighted in as many free rides as they could manage  through the mile-long idyllic woodland layout of Mizens Railway. Keen novice drivers included our Forum section minister, Rev Beale Griffin, who was visiting Mizens for the first time along with his wife Glena.

Whether in the welcome shade of the marquee, or out in the sun, the afternoon was punctuated by relaxing chats with friends old and new and the odd ice cream treat.

Superintendent Minister Rev John Izzard gave a vote of thanks on behalf of all the guests, and encouraged us to spread the word about this great family day out, which brings all the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone railway age to rural Surrey.   Will we be returning in the special year of 2012? Time will tell: keep an eye on this website, or for further information on summer and special event public days at the railway, see www.mizensrailway.co.uk.

Article by Mark Savage

The Three Circuit Staff

Rev Beale Griffin     Pastor Mark Conlon   Rev John Izzard

(Locos)  Paddington                    Alice                   Goliath

(Photo by Mike Webber of Mizens Railway)

         Rev John Izzard (2010)         Rev Beale Griffin at the Controls

(Locos)       Little John                                       Lemon

                                               (Photo by Mike Webber)

        Glena Griffin                     Cathy Smith                 Marian Izzard

Rev Beale Griffin         Pastor Mark Conlon       Rev John Izzard

(Locos)Paddington                    Alice                        Goliath

(Photo by Mike Webber)