Jonathan’s steam train adventure on the Sherwood Forester

Jonathan, Chair of The Coalition, tells us about his trip on the Sherwood Forester Steam train.

After accepting an opportunity to ride on a special steam hauled train, my sighted friend, Len and I defied the rail strike disruption by boarding this special train on platform 2 at London Victoria station a few minutes after 6:00p.m.

A full capacity crowd were streaming along the platform. Our reservations were in coach “A” and we had seats, at a table for two. The carriage was festooned with Christmas decorations, additional twinkly coloured lights and tinkling Christmas tunes.

The on-board staff, greeted us, Ed and Amy who I had met two weeks earlier greeted me with smiles all round. Minutes later we were offered a glass of champagne just as a long blast from the whistle announced our imminent departure.

Not the chime whistle of Sir Nigel Gresley but the Baritone hooter of an LMS Black Five.

Carriage doors were slammed shut, expectations rose. A slight **** and we were off, spot on schedule at 18.15.

In persistent rain the lights of Battersea Bridge, Battersea Power station glistened through the window. Slowly our train found its way under and over, round and up on to Battersea railway Bridge and across the river Thames for the second time with two more crossings to come.

Making a steady progress, Olympia was passed and then over a junction named “North Pole”.

Seemingly heading in completely the wrong direction, our train came to a stand close to Willesden sidings. The purpose of this manoeuvre was to allow our steam locomotive to begin its task of hauling us out and westwards towards Surrey.

Well, by now, canapes were offered and consumed gratefully. A few miles further the Hors d’oeuvres, Salmon Roulade on a bed of Mustard Cress diverted attention from the rainy night.

Slowly we rounded the sharp curve towards Chertsey where a 15 minute stop was made to fill up the tender.

Firmly now in Surrey our route took us through Woking and Guildford.

The roast turkey and companion vegetables had our attention. Emerging from the tunnel our train headed for Dorking, Reigate and Redhill. With Forester working hard, speed rose steadily and Chilworth, Deepdene, Dorking all rolled past. Our dessert, Cinnamon and Apple Swirl with Boozy Cream came and was enjoyed.

The cosy warmth and much banter between who were initially strangers created a lovely atmosphere.

There was a slight reduction of our speed when we negotiated the Windmill and Gloucester Road and Selhurst junctions. Speed began to increase, we were now on the “Up” Brighton Line and would need to match the pace of the many electric trains sharing the way to Victoria.

Spot on schedule we arrived at Victoria at 10.15 p.m. A gaggle of spectators crowded beside the footplate door with the driver chatting and receiving congratulations.

A photograph was taken of me pointing to the arched nameplate bearing “Sherwood Forester’s name, The regiment had a long and glorious reputation in its own right before being amalgamated into the West Mercian Regiment.

The friendly service of the Steam Dreams onboard staff has to be congratulated, the food served was of an excellent quality the decorated dining cars all made for a great night out.

If you have been on an amazing trip that you would like to share with our members please contact Yasmin at: involvement@surreycoalition.org.uk