On August 8th TRs from near and far converged on Wadborough, home of Colin and Lesley Boother to celebrate Cotswold Vale's 25th anniversary. They came from Welsh Wales in the west and Londonistan in the east. Picture1 . Campers and day visitors were welcomed with coffee before setting off on a morning Cotswold Tour. This 1 ½ hour route took us through pretty villages on the fringes of Bredon Hill and the Cotswold edge and was set out using tulip diagrams. Along the route a dozen cryptic clues had to be answered. The morning stayed dry and the sun began to emerge as the Cotswold Tourers arrived at The Royal Oak at Gretton for lunch and a tasting of real ale. They were joined by other like minded vintage motorists who were taking part in the VSCC hill climb at nearby Prescott Hill. While organisers of the evening events returned to Wadborough, the rest headed for Toddington Station, the operating centre of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway where we had been assigned a parking area of our own. Picture 2 . Many of the party then went off for a behind the scenes viewing of the locomotive restoration area. This huge area disclosed some of its hidden treasures, including the Southern Railway's giant "Peninsular & Orient" and GWR engine number 2807 which for many years held the record for the heaviest load 2,000 tons worked on Britain's railways. Picture 3 . Both locos had been under restoration for over 10 years and still had some way to go. Maybe that TR restoration isn't so slow after all. The railway also operates diesel locos such as the type 37 "Growler" class, still in mainline service. Picture 4 . Many of these diesels are turbocharged, with turbos large enough to send a TR into orbit. Picture 5 . We all then took the 20 mile ride via Winchcombe to Cheltenham Race Course and return. We rode behind "Black Prince", the large restored engine owned, and sometimes driven, by wild life artist David Shepherd. As early evening arrived, those who had enjoyed the day activities and those who could only manage the evening with us, began to converge back at Wadborough. Here they found a marquee with table and chairs set out adjacent to Colin's barn. In the covered area Andy Canning had organised a display of photographs and group newsletters from the early days of the group. It's amazing how those old photos had aged- for instance everyone's hair appeared darker and some even showed sideburns. A mighty sound system blasted forth background music as 20 plus TRs and some 80 Register members gathered. Picture 6 . Soon the barbeques were sizzling as CVTR's chefs began to perform. Picture 7 . The fruits of the labours of those who had toiled through the day now emerged- nibbles, salads, barbequed meats, cheeses and a sumptuous collection of sweets. Picture 8 . Eventually the chefs themselves were freed to join the eating and supping fray. Picture 9 . Meanwhile Treasurer Keith Brown was hard at work righting the group's finances by selling raffle tickets but offsetting the gains with a huge collection 14 of prizes. It seemed that everyone would be a winner. Dusk began to fall, bellies began to swell and minds began to enter the relaxation zone when co- leader Andy ascended a barrel to address the congregation. Picture 10 . What benediction was he about to give After a few anecdotes from the old days he thanked those who had made the day happen, whether by helping the organisation or by swelling the throng, then incited us to wait for darkness and a final surprise. As the sun set below the Malvern Hills, Alfred "Blaster" Widmer was seen creeping off down the field clutching a large box, a torch and a box of matches. Had the rich food been too much for him We watched intrigued, as two hands struggled to juggle three items but then the flare of a match was followed in the gloom by Alfred hurrying away from the suspect package. Within seconds the sky was filled with explosions and multi coloured star bursts as Cotswold Vale set forth bravely into its second 25 years.
Phil Collins - CVTRG
