A day on the footplate.

[timbo]

So, i realise they are not quite Thumpers, or even motorcycles, but I now regularly volunteer at the Severn Valley Railway, in the Motor Power Dept, helping the paid fitters maintain, repair and service the locos.
The other day I was offered a spin up to Bewdley on a diesel, with one of the engine drivers, so that we could bring back the Bradley Manor to Bridgnorth. Nobody else wanted to go, so I jumped at the chance. The engine driver was none other than Bob Heath, who I am sure most of you have heard of, and he regaled me with stories of his past TT exploits etc.
Turns out he actually lives on the line, and has volunteered here for twenty four years, doing over 150 days a year.
A truelly amazing afternoon shoveling coal for Bob! 

[mthee]

What are the chances, eh?! You lucky, lucky.....!

[mini-thumper]

That's what I find is the nature of volunteering - "What goes around comes around!".

Boyd

[Moto63]

Good grief.... that was a stroke of luck Tim. Or shud that be a shovel of luck. I still to this day have a Bob Heath visor sticker stuck to the underside of my original 1977 firbreflex skateboard deck. I send a photo of it and ask Matt if he'll post it up... great story Tim 👍👍