With the warm weather now properly with us, Thursday Club members have been enjoying their Summer treat of days out!

Recently we visited the North Dorset Railway: a heritage steam attraction in Shillingstone, run entirely by volunteers. We were given a most interesting talk by Colin, one of the volunteers, using a variety of media including film of the old railway, a recording made by a one-time Signalman describing the tasks and challenges posed by his job, particularly in wintry weather. We were escorted round Station buildings, carriages and rolling stock beautifully restored – again by the team of volunteers. See the photo gallery at the bottom of this post.

There was even a museum crammed with artefacts and memorabilia from the Golden Age of Steam, which came to an abrupt halt under the 1960’s axe of Dr Beeching!

One club member described our visit as having brought back the happiest childhood memories of her daily journey to school in Hampshire aboard a similar railway. There is also an excellent cafe supplying hot homemade lunches and snacks.

For further info if you’d like to visit yourself, visit northdorsetrailway.co.uk The centre is open free w/e’s and Wednesdays 10-4.00 and some Bank Holidays.

Upcoming outings

Looking forward to the rest of Summer, Thursday Club will be taking a coach trip to the seaside in June calling at Portland Museum en route to Portland Bill for lunch.

In July a trip is planned to the Oxford Bakery headquarters for a guided tour followed by lunch in their cafe.

Join us

For further details of how you can become a Thursday Club member and join in the fun contact Bridget on 07586 377675 or email: beepeebee66@icloud.com