Grateful to the Trees

We were invited to bring Tim’s Shay logging locomotive to a charity day at the Sandiway Miniature Railway last Saturday. The Shay was built by my Dad, and she’s special to us, as we met when Tim came to buy her in February 2021 after Dad passed away.

The Mid Cheshire Society of Model Engineers originated in 1974, when the society was formed from a base in Northwich, Cheshire. After a few incarnations, the society bought a woodland next to Blakemere Village, and they have laid a 3.5” & 5” raised track and a 7¼” ground-level track through the trees. Steam, IC and battery-operated engines run, and on open days, the public can take train rides through the woodland. The society often raises funds for charity, and last weekend they raised a whopping £954 for Christie’s, the cancer hospitals in Manchester and Macclesfield.

The steam world is a small one, and two years ago, Tim and I were on holiday in Cumbria when we bumped into Solly, one of the MCSME members, on the Ravenglass & Eskdale steam railway. Solly invited Tim to run his Wallis & Steevens Advance steamroller at the Sandiway Gala last year, and we had a special day, so when we were asked to return this year, we didn’t hesitate.

The embrace of friendship.

We spent the day under the trees under their dappled shade, especially an Oak one by the Shay. We went on rides through the woodland, over little bridges, past a special picnic area, and a tiny quarry, where someone has carved little sand bears and through the woodland floor adorned with waving ferns. The children loved it, and everyone waved, especially the dog walkers in the woods. Adults became children, and their happy smiles spoke volumes.

The whole day was filled with loving connections, as tree roots and canopies intertwined to embrace us all.

A society member went back and forth from the kitchen at the back of the workshop, bringing a steady supply of hot drinks, which the train drivers were certainly in need of. All day long, her smiling face would pop up, ‘Do you need a cup of tea?’

A wife had thoughtfully made a box full of flapjacks and sent them along with her husband, and they went down a treat.

Society members were train drivers, guards and ticket collectors, changing roles as and when needed.

There is a certain expression that comes over a man’s face as he is following his passion, and as trains went in and out of the platform, it was evident. Not waning at all over the day. The guard would blow his whistle, the driver pulled the chord for his engine’s whistle in reply, and another train would set off.

Passion is love in action.

Trains being mechanical need a bit of help sometimes, especially when steam is involved, and society members interwove their expertise, support and much banter, so everyone could keep their engines running.

The gentle kindness of teamwork, as the sun graced us with her presence all day.

Stories and news were shared, along with future plans being made.

Nature gifted us with a peaceful space.

Tim and I had time to be, and we were so grateful. This photo was taken and became a running joke.

We rounded off the day by having dinner together at a restaurant next to the River Weaver. The food was delicious and hot, and we all nattered and laughed a lot. The joke about us in our festival chairs was a theme. Shocker!

It is a magical place, run by lovely people, and the blessings of being with like-minded folk are priceless. 🩷

Happy Independence Day to all our American friends. ❤️