Nostalgia!! (Bluebell Railway)

Member Name: maidmarion

Product:	Bluebell Railway
Date:	22/06/01 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a wonderful day out

Disadvantages: none

theI have visited this interesting Railway ,affectionally known as *The Bluebell*,for years and had rides on different trains ,as a relative of mine works there on the permanent way team, I had the exhilerating experience of riding on the foot plate of a train backwards ,driven by Hiedi one of the permanent female staff.Yes where they shovel the coal,to fuel the train. This was one December,it would have been too hot for me in the summer.

The atmosphere is pure nostalgia,there is something romantic about steam trains ,I suppose it reminds us of all those old movies,many films are still shot there,including , *Station Jim*,*Lucky Jim* and of course recently ,the remake of the *Railway Children*.
Lucky Jim will be on TV in August.

I love the sound of the trains ,and the sight of the steam ,not forgetting the smell of coal and steam .

In the spring you have the famous bluebells growing on the banks ,also they have many wild flowers specially, and orchids growing on the banks ,Wakehurst Place Gardens came and collected some of their seeds recently.

The Railway runs through fields from,Sheffield Park Station through to Horsted Keynes Station ,and on through a tunnel to Kingscote Station,there are no parking facilities at Kingscote,but there are plenty of parking facilities at the first two stations

There is a cafe at Sheffield Park Station,and licenced Resturant.....the food is good ,meals are also served on the train,special at the moment, Cream Teas are served on 3-00 3-45 trains to pre-booked groups.The Bluebell also take bookings for special meals in the Evenings one of their phone numbers is :01825 790231.

Some special events coming up:june23,24:A day out with Thomas.June 29 :Sixties music night.June 30 :An Evening with the Yetties.July 21 ,22,:Toy and collectors Fair.July 28,29 ,:Steam and country Fair.August4,11,18,25:Stephneys specials(childrens Train).August 29:1920s Evening.September15,16,:1940s weeken
d.October:27,28,:Giants of Steam October29,30,31 Stepney Specials .November1,2,3,4,Stepney Specials. Something forn everyone!!!

What I also like about the Bluebell ,is it really is like stepping back to the Victorian Era.The waiting rooms have the original decor ,furniture ,clocks and trappings ,and in winter have roaring fires in all waiting rooms .

The Station House is original at Sheffield Park station .

The Station personnel all wear Victorian clothes also ,and you enter a Victorian time zone, no rush and tear ,relax in the atmosphere ,sometimes people that visit dont fall in with this ,but the majority do.

Sheffield Park Station,and Kingscote hve facilities for *Wheelchairs*,not Horsted Keynes .

Horsted Keynes 2nd Station down has ,a bar*Alchoholic Drinks*,and buffet on the station.This is my favorite Station ,no not because of the drinks I dont usually imbibe.Its because it is small and pretty and quiet ,I saw a Piorot episode being filmed here .

Back at Sheffield Park Station there is a real ale bar and to the side of the station you can see the trains when not in use,and the volunteers working on the trains ,facinating ,you can walk up to and touch these steam giants.

If you have a special train you want to see working please phone. 01825 790231. Last and not least there are driving and firing courses Tel:01273731873.
PricesAdult 8-oo,children 4-00 Family 2 Adults and up to 3 children21-50 Senior Citizens:6-40.
Sheffield Park Garden,is on the opposite side of Road.

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