Well, after all that rain, it's a joy to have some lovely spring days where lunch can be enjoyed outside again. Saturday was certainly that.
As will have been seen in Wednesday's post, we have started some basic improvements in the GW Inspection Saloon's kitchen ........
........ where Simon is rebuilding the ceiling.
Jeff was having a field day with trestle jobs, beginning with undercoating the new buffer extender saddles.
I was busy undercoating the frame (to be used for displaying a skip notice) and priming the top hardwood supports for the south corridor connection on BSK 35308.
Later on Jeff was into his favourite job of highlighting the letters and numbers on 4798's data plates, while Alex was preparing a notice board ready for painting and later displaying at Toddington.
Kevin was tidying up the store for the pipe fittings.
Some more good progress with BSK 35308, which has needed some extensive repairs, in particular the doors, doorways and surrounding panelling. Alan tackles another doorway on the Malvern side of the coach.
New sheet metal welded in and the weld ground down.
The next bit to repair.
Also on the Malvern side Andy prepares the repaired guards entrance for a new length of capping strip.
Ken is dismantling the metal U section from 35308's south corridor connection. A grinder was needed to remove some of the nuts and bolts.
John was still busy producing the metal bits for new vacuum cylinder sleeves, each one having a hole drilled.
Another hive of activity inside SO 4798 with Andy and Ian working on more of the reupholstered seating.
In the Upholstery shop Jane and Laura are preparing more of the side panels, ........
........ while Peter and Clive are doing some more tightening up of the moquette on the seat cushions.
This rack had been stacked with the seating for 4798 for a long time. It looks strange to see it now empty.
On now to the outside preparation with Graham flatting the base coat on the central section of the Cotswold side of the coach.
Bob started at the south end.
The Malvern side still has some parts awaiting further preparation. Phil adds more filler to build up the surface where this is required.
A busy scene with Bob vacuuming the flatted side and Graham mixing more filler and hardener.
Robert tightening the door pull on the north end door. The old back panel had been removed and a new one made, which later appeared on the trestles and I dyed and varnished.
Maurice primed three more planks for the Mink D van. There can't be many more needed, bar the doors of course.
Maurice and Paul having a quick discussion on the next step.
[Photo : Paul] The north end now looking really good.
Walking along the yard drive I spotted this drying puddle in a very familiar shape.
Lunchtime up at the station on a glorious day is always a treat .......
....... and is even better when the train arrives.
RBr 1675 looks empty.
For their lunch Maurice and Paul had joined Rose in one of her seating areas near the greenhouse. There was even a table decoration.
Rose had gathered all she needed to make up the table decorations in FO 3132 " Mary" for the first of this year's Afternoon Tea events the next day.
[Photo : Paul] She even bought ice creams from the Coffee Pot cafe for the three of them.
Jeff and I watch as 3850 pulls out of the station.
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A Sunday treat
The next day Louise and I were able to enjoy the first run this year of the very popular Afternoon Teas. They are held in FO 3132 " Mary" on the 1410 train from Cheltenham Racecourse Station. Last year's runs were completely sold out, so we booked early to make sure we got on.
Alan Nicholls, who is our Catering Director, was at the centre door to welcome you, check your E ticket and let you know your table number. "Mary" was very nicely laid out, and very warm and welcoming.
Smart dress had been requested and, as I spend almost almost all my time in various pairs of jeans, casual shirts, fleeces, and overalls, it made a nice change.
The menu looked amazing! Wow, it looks a lot, will we be able to eat all that?!
Rose had made a lovely effort with the decorations.
And here it is. It is amazing!
Outside it was cold and very wet, but the steam was drifting past, and "Mary" was lovely and warm and gave a very smooth, comfortable ride. Our track is very good too.
Just before we set off I went along to 1675 to see my nephew Martin on his second day in RCS and found Rose having a quiet cup of tea.
When Martin said he wanted to become a volunteer I recommended RCS and was very pleased when he joined them. This is his first turn in the RBr and only his second turn with RCS. He thoroughly enjoyed the Race Trains on Friday, and was very much enjoying today.
[Photo : Martin Dix] In the kitchen was none other than John McMillan, who is also a signalman and of course head of our Monday Cleaning Team at Toddington. After months seeing the kitchen and pantry gradually coming together, it's great to see them in use.
Martin had some free time so came and joined us for a while. The staff offer a cardboard box for any cakes left over and sure enough we needed one.
Not only that, but more paper knapkins were available to take your table decoration home if you wished to keep it.
So what did we think of the Afternoon Tea?
Absolutely brilliant. All very well organised, lovely food, lovely staff and a lovely, very well laid out coach to travel in.
Are we repeating it next year?
Oh yes!
