2 August 2023 – Visit to the Avon Valley Railway

On a typically wet and windy Wednesday in August more than a dozen branch members made their way to Bitton Station on the former Midland Railway line between Mangotsfield and Bath to join the 10.45 train hauled by Hunslet 0-6-0ST NCB No 7 Wimblebury.

Brian Arman & Reg Wood inspect details of Hunslet 0-6-0ST NCB No 7 Wimblebury. Image credit Stewart Jolly

The train departed north to Oldland Common where the loco ran round the train to head south to Avon Riverside where it again ran round before returning to Bitton, a six-mile round trip taking just under an hour.

At Avon Riverside 0-6-0 NCB No 7 Wimblebury has run round the train and is about to return to Bitton. Image credit Stewart Jolly.

On arrival at Bitton the party made their way to the Station Buffet to order lunch which was taken in coach ’Rose’ that had been reserved for our use.

The Bristol Branch Party enjoy lunch in coach 'Rose' at Bitton Station. Image credit Paul Udey

After lunch the weather improved and some of the party took to the train again joining other members who had caught a later departure. The visit to the railway was enjoyed by those who took part and will probably be repeated again next year, hopefully on a warm and sunny day.