It's all go here - gardening has been the order of the day for the last few weeks, and we are pleased to now be able to put fresh daffodils and camellias in the carriages at St Germans. Down at Hayle the annual pruning of the very vigorous rambling roses has begun.
Today I have been to Port Eliot (www.porteliot.co.uk) to hear about the plans for their forthcoming opening; the house and gardens open from the 1st March, and excitingly this year there will be a new Museum of Folklore and a restaurant opening from Easter onwards. I for one shall be looking forward to my cream teas!
Home picked february flowers brightening up the carriages.
Poppy enjoys Port Eliot last March.
We've also been embarking on a great half term ourselves, and have already enjoyed a fishing trip on the MeerKat in Looe. Walter and his friend Ben had such a good time they've gone back to repeat the experience today. (Walter is taking his first solo trip on the train, accompanied by Ben, so fingers crossed they arrive at the right town!) Walter and Poppy's cousins have made a new set of dog sculptures in our woods, and we're looking forward to going ice skating at Plymouth Pavillions tomorrow. ~ Lizzy.
This week former Conservative MP Michael Portillo visited Railholiday.
Mr Portillo was in the area filming for a new BBC series, to be screened in the Spring, which sees him recreate the great train journeys of the past. On this leg (taking him from Swindon to Penzance) Mr Portillo spent Saturday night in the Travelling Post Office, and interviewed Lizzy and Dave early on Sunday morning, before swiftly departing to continue filming further down in Cornwall.
Michael Portillo by the TPO at St. Germans.
Although it was only a fleeting visit Mr Portillo seemed to enjoy himself and even remarked that many of his friends would be envious of his stay.
Be sure to keep and eye out for “Great Railway Journeys” on the BBC in the Spring.
On the 15th and 16th September 2009 the two latest editions were moved onto site at St. Germans. The historic coaches (Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Coach and GWR’s very first Dining Car) are part of the newest project for Railholiday, dubbed "Phase 4".
"Phase 4" will see a total of six new carriages moved onto site just below St. Germans Station. Four of the coaches will be available as lets, including one equip with disabled facilities, while the other two will include laundry and shower facilities.
As we said, Phase 4 officially got under way on Tuesday 15th Sept when the Dining Coach was transported from Buckfastleigh, in Devon, to St. Germans.
31ft 0 3/4 in x 8ft 0 3/4in wide. - Possibly Diag T35, rather than T34 (are the lookouts opposite each other?).
No.2639. Built Oct 1894 on Lot 731.
Transferred to Rhondda & Swansea Bay Railway Apr 1915. Became their No.33.
Renumbered by GWR 4184 in 1923.
Cond. Oct 1931.
And another one - a brace of LSWR's.
In the foreground a 28' brake third and beside it a 34', 6 compartment third. Both 1880's but we havn't found any numbers yet. Our roughest purchases to date!
