Sunday 4 September 2011

ShackFest 2011, on 'Jessie'...

Hi everyone. Today I was back at Shackerstone, working the Bar Car "Jessie". It was Shackerstone Festival weekend, meaning air displays, a beer tent, steam engines, crafts, models, classic cars, working narrowboats, fairground rides, animal displays, arena shows and much, much more would all be on offer at Shackerstone! I of course was relegated to the railway again, though I did pop across to the showground in the afternoon to see my friend Phil's Aveiling & Porter Roller (above). Phil used to be a Shackerstone regular, though now tries his hand alot more at road steam, being a fully employed member of the Statfold Barn Railway payroll; lucky so & so! I enjoyed my little look around the field, and it seemed very busy. However, I was soon back on the train serving hot drinks, beers and of course countless snacks. We had 6 trips during the day, with services being shared by GWR No3803 and the immaculate B1 "Mayflower". Back at Shack, "Sir Gomer" was in steam ("Yes, in Steam!") as Station Pilot, if only briefly. Mr Hanks has again sent in a couple of photographs. Below, No3803, sporting 'Cambrian Coast Express' headboard, stands at Shenton...
Later on in the day, gleaming "Mayflower" runs round...
I must admit, it's always a pleasant day on "Jessie" but it is hard work. For one, you have to stand up all day. For two, its non-stop! This was amplified on the evening special at 6:30pm, which was organised for ShackFest exhibitors. The train was full and the Bar was running at more than full capacity throughout! But, we did it, as a team. All in all, a very nice day. Tomorrow, I'm back at Shack again; this time in the Shop on Platform 2. When they need staff, you need to do anything and everything folks! Thanks all. Good evening...

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