Ian's big day

Ian on Rosenkavalier

Today was another day that wasn't intended as a blog entry - just a visit with number one son and grandma, but a couple of conversations later that's what it became.

Whilst having something to eat I noticed that today's Nursery Line driver was Robert, the same chap featured in the photograph that won some of the software that I will be using to bring the collection online over the next few months. After thanking him for taking part we got chatting and I learned that Bevan is awaiting final inspection from the Railway Inspectorate before coming into service. I don't know when this is scheduled to happen, but it can't be too long now. I also learned that there are some new narrow gauge locomotives soon to be arriving at Bressingham for passenger service, including a diesel. This should help to provide a better level of backup during maintenance and breakdown.

Bevan complete and awaiting inspection

Bevan waiting for inspection

Sitting in the locomotive shed is a completed Bevan. Everything has been finished and is awaiting final inspection for a boiler certificate and associated insurance paperwork. This I'm told is scheduled for w/c 12 July, so presumably if all is well, Bevan could be steaming out in the next few days.

Dad's Army Day

Walmington on Sea comes to Bressingham

This year marked the tenth anniversary of Dad's Army Day at Bressingham. Usually held each May, this year it was moved back to June to coincide with the unveiling of the statue of Captain Mainwaring in Thetford and the Dad's Army Day organised by Dad's Army Museum on Saturday 19th.

New locomotive Bevan roaring ahead

Bevan really is coming on well

Progress on Bevan seems to be moving along quite rapidly, and it's interesting to see just how far things have come on in the last six weeks. Once completed and operational, a lot of interesting things are hidden from general view so it's great to be able to get a look at what is underneath.

Bressingham Online Collection and the Royal Coaches

Another project that I have volunteered for is to help get Bressingham's exhibit collection online. As an Information Management consultant my day to day job involves dealing with information retrieval, content management, website coding and design, so this is something that is right up my street.