A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

Despite loving railways, I was happy to let them ride the train as I stayed behind to watch the world go by, eat pigs in blankets and roast potatoes, all washed down with a coffee and then when I became too cold on the platform, a pint of shandy.

23rd December 2025

With only one day left until Christmas Day, today has focussed on some final food shopping before popping over to Bridgnorth with family for them to ride the Elf Express.

We began with the food. Thanks to being out for much of Christmas week for football and my birthday and for the first time in 25 years, being in our own on Christmas Day, we had reduced the need to buy too much food to a bare minimum. In fact, I doubt there are many fridges emptier than ours!

With food waste being a big thing in the world, we like to keep that down to a minimum so we’ve bought only what we need and no more – and no, we won’t be having turkey! Liz will be having a mushroom wellington with all the trimmings and I’ll be having a slow-roast beef joint, all followed by Christmas pudding and brandy sauce. We will certainly not go hungry!

I’m writing this in the wonderful bar that sits on the outbound platform of the Bridgnorth SVR station. Liz, has accompanied her brother, sister in law and great-nephew on the Elf Express, a dedicated train for the kids at this time of year.

Despite loving railways, I was happy to let them ride the train as I stayed behind to watch the world go by, eat pigs in blankets and roast potatoes, all washed down with a coffee and then when I became too cold on the platform, a pint of shandy. Beer, an ever-present at this and frankly every other time of year, can wait until later…

Despite not riding the train this time, watching the engines come and go is still exciting. I love how alive they feel, each one seeming to breath with each pulse of smoke, wisp of steam or toot of horn. I can certainly understand why so many love these machines and feel the need to be around them as often as possible.

This evening I’m off to watch my friends play darts, something I often do on a Tuesday. Before lockdown I was part of a darts team with one of my best friends and though I was absolutely dreadful at it, I enjoyed being part of that team. When my friend died suddenly a few years back, we decided not to carry on, so I now watch another team of friends as a simple way of not only remembering Mickey, but also keeping in contact with the guys that I so often played against, losing each and every time!

See you tomorrow.