Leighton Buzzard Railway commemorates the local fallen
Armistice Day, Sunday 11 November, saw the Leighton Buzzard Railway hold a series of events to commemorate the fallen. Trains were hauled by World War One veteran locomotive 778, a Baldwin 4-6-0T dating from 1917, which served on the front line in Northern France, and carried a special poppy headboard for the day.
The first departure arrived at Stonehenge Works in time to join in with the national silence, the end of which was marked by the steam locomotive’s whistle. This was followed by a talk by the railways’ Vice President, Tony Tomkins, on how important sand was to the war effort.
Later in the day, a memorial display was unveiled to the 15 local sand workers who lost their lives in the war. The dedication ceremony was presided over by Reverend Ian Woodward and was attended by members of the local town council, including Mayor of Leighton Linslade, Cllr Clive Palmer.
Railway Chairman Terry Bendall said ‘We felt it important to recognise the local sand workers who gave their lives. The memorial will be on display for our customers to see at Stonehenge Works throughout 2019.’
Services resume at Leighton Buzzard Railway on 1st December with the first of the popular Santa Specials, where this year younger passengers can meet Santa in his brand-new grotto. The special After Dark experience will run on four days – the weekends of 15/16 and 22/23 December. In addition the annual craft fair, with free entry, takes place on 8 and 9 December at Page’s Park station.
Fee-free online booking is available at www.buzzrail.co.uk, and we advise booking in advance to reserve your place, as we expect there to be very limited ticket availability on the day.
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