January '10

Now is the time of the year when many (chiefly males; mostly younger but many young at heart despite years) especially in the times before mini computers, played with model railway sets acquired at Christmas. I can't recall whether my own 0 gauge tank loco set was a present then, or for a birthday, but I can remember an excited snall boy being up before 7 (unheard of, then!) and playing alone in his bedroom with a circular track layout. Any future worries as to the choice of my presents after then were answered and I soon had additional track and rolling stock to create an enlarged layout running out of my bedroom and along the landing or even sometimes in the lounge. This sometimes caused great consternation on my part when the enclosed layout just failed to meet; this problem was solved by the subsequent discovery that a friend nearby would freely lend his mini track part which often readily filled the gap and saved many a frustration. Whn, in later days, I thought of resurrecting the system for my young son, I was horrified to find that a broken spring couldn't be replaced where I tried - the entire set was banished to an outside store!

A former school colleague came round one evening just after I bought some  railway accessories for my son’s Lego and we adults spent many happy hours constructing and running track with trains . That, perhaps, started an interest in the hobby which developed in both sons through model layouts and their future jobs as train guard/ticket sellers (although with different companies). The obligatory shift work meant that my elder son had to give up attending meetings of the local Model Railway Society.

Can anyone enlighten me as to the connection, if any, between model railways and members of the clergy? I have come across several examples with more than a passing interest throughout the country; as well as quite a few in Thorpe, ranging from curates to canons - and that doesn’t include the Reverend Audry who wrote the famous Thomas the Tank Engine stories! Don't mention sexism!

During my early banking tine, I had a spell as relief clerk at the Wymondham office; on days when there was no suitable ‘bus, I accompanied the relief manager on the train. When I introduced her as “my manager” to a friend in the seat in front, he burst out laughing and said that I sounded like a pop star!

Many of us suffered sad experiences which made 2009 truly an annus horribilis. May we all enjoy a Very Happy New Year!                                                                          Best Wishes,