Published: Wednesday, 12th November, 2008 08:00
Dead Chuffed
By Mike Swift
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When I normally board a train at Maidenhead, it is a rush for the nearest seat.
Last time, though, I had a glass of Champagne thrust into my hand and was escorted to my Premier Dining Class seat aboard The Cathedrals Express en route to Stratford upon Avon.
Starting out from Victoria and picking up and dropping off at Slough, Maidenhead and Reading, the four-hour trip out was an absolute thrill.
The glass of Champers was still cold when a nice lady brought a full English breakfast to the table I was sharing with my wife and a couple from Cookham, Barry and Jan Weare.
The train was made up of 10 period carriages, still in the original corridor layout and in the original livery of the day.
A real treat for all the train buffs on board was the locomotive – Sir Lamiel No. 30777, formerly with the Southern Railway.
It was built in Glasgow in 1925 and is the last remaining King Arthur class two cylinder locomotive operating on the main line, having been restored to active duty by the 5305 Locomotive Association.
Sir Lamiel was retired in October 1961 and was from an original compliment of 74 engines which operated around the South of England from Kent to Cornwall.
Our train is operated by Steam Dreams. The company, started by Marcus Robertson, is now 10 years old and has fulfilled Marcus’ dream of bringing steam back to the British main lines.
Steam Dreams operates many excursions during the year and is now preparing for Christmas trips to the cathedral cities for shopping and carol concerts.
I can particularly recommend the trip to Ely Cathedral as the journey was bought for me as a Christmas present a few years ago.
Stratford upon Avon makes full use of the fact that Shakespeare lived and died there – he is in evidence on everything from banks to ice cream stalls.
The mediaeval architecture is a sight to behold and we found an antiques market with an art gallery and museum that occupied most of our time there. The museum even had a Shakespearian artist in period dress complete with cod piece.
The trip back was an eating experience with a menu suited to the title of the class Premier Dining. A Norbury cheese salad with pear and walnut was followed by roast guinea fowl and chocolate tart and cream. The expected cheese board followed and by then we had arrived at Maidenhead.
Barry and Jan Weare said: “It was a fantastic day that I would recommend to everyone. It is a very enjoyable and nostalgic day out. We were aware how frantic modern day life is as we sat back listening to the whistle and smell of smoke from the engine while we dined.”
This year’s Steam Dreams Shopping Specials are to York, Chester, Bath and Lincoln; Carol Specials are to Ely, Salisbury, Oxford, Chichester, Winchester, Sherborne and Norwich. There is also a White Cliffs Luncheon around Kent. Prices range from £59.50 to £199 for the full Pullman Service. Visit www.steamdreams.com for details.
5305 Locomotive Association’s website can be found at www.5305la.org.uk
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