December 5th. dawned with a grey very windy day and some anxious phone calls were received asking if Santa would be at the Summerfield Miniature Railway.
However,
by 10 am Santa had arrived at his Grotto and was awaiting his first visitors. Accordingly the first train departed with a blast on the whistle and in a cloud of steam set off up the track to Hammer Hill. Fully loaded with happy families and excited children they were welcomed by the elves who escorted them in to see Santa.
After a chat with the great man he gave all the children a present to take home with them. After their visit the families boarded the train to return to Haynes End where they made their way in to the Station Buffet. Our ladies in the Buffet dispensed Tea, Coffee and Mulled Wine and Mince Pies to the adults whilst the children were given a soft drink and a fairy cake. While the adults socialised together presents were unwrapped and the contents played with. A truly festive atmosphere. With trains departing and arriving every 15 minutes throughout the day the buffet was continuously full of happy people.
Around 5 pm all our visitors had left for home, the trains put to bed and the buffet tidied up. December 6th. was also grey and very windy but Santa was once again in his grotto so the whole process started again.
BMES would like to thank all the families who visited this year and hope that they had an enjoyable experience. Also thanks to the members who ran the Grotto, those running the trains and those dispensing refreshments.
Our club members were delighted to see all the children enjoying themselves and making our own festive season start on a happy note. You can see the full image gallery here.