Woodgreen hosts 16th model railway and steam rally show
WOODGREEN’S 16th model railway exhibition and steam rally was hailed a huge success by organisers.
The popular show, run by villagers Charlie and Lynda Warne, featured six model railway layouts using vintage pre-war Dublo/Wrenn trains in the village hall.
Twelve engineers from across the New Forest and south coast also came together to proudly show off their working replica models and tell admirers about their heritage.
The engines are based on original traditional working traction engines from the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Charlie and Lynda held the event to share knowledge of the country’s engineering heritage and raise funds for two charities, the Alzheimer’s Society and Spires Smiles, which support children and adults with cleft lips and palates. So far they have collected £1,680.
“It was a brilliant event attended by at least 300 people across the two days,” said Lynda. “People were just so happy to be out and about socialising and being a community again – it was really joyful.”
A steam rally outside involved steam engines chugging around the green at the back of the hall, and two half-size road locomotives travelled through the village on return journeys to Breamore.
These were the Lady Ann, a W. Allchin engine built by Rod Southern in 1975, and Albert Too, a Burrell weighing two tonnes built by Pete and Bridget Wilcox from Ringwood.
Static miniature fairground and agricultural steam engines took up pride of place in St Boniface Church, and visitors were able to inspect working models of beam engines and early industrial metal presses created by the Salisbury and District Model Engineering Society.
Stalls run by local businesses, including Bees and Botanicals and Bella Rosa Soap, also featured, along with crafts, activities and refreshments including home-made cakes.
Each exhibitor at the show was treated to a ploughman’s lunch.