Report by Tony Bullock
Saturday 3rd, December 2016 dawned bright and clear and the crew at Summerfields Miniature Railway were up early and made their way to Haynes to prepare for the weekend Santa Specials.
By the time the first families arrived to book in four locomotives were in steam and coupled up to their coaches, the Station Buffet was warm and hot drinks were available.
Around 9:55 am the first train was loaded with excited children and their families. A message was received from Santa’s Grotto that Santa was there and waiting for the children to arrive.
At precisely 10 o’clock with a blast of the guard’s whistle and hoots from the engines the first train set off up the track in a cloud of steam. Fifteen minutes later another loaded train departed heading up the track.
After a while a train arrived back at Haynes End with happy families having seen Santa and the children clutching their new presents. They made their way to the Buffet for refreshments and to open their presents. This continued throughout the day until all visitors had left and the crew cleared up and wearily left for home.
It was not long before all crew members were back at Haynes End ready to start again on Sunday. Another bright frosty day but rather cold. However, all was soon ready and more expectant families arrived to experience the Santa Specials.
Once again with clouds of steam and the sound of engines working hard up the track, echoing over the fields, the children were transported to the Grotto to see Santa Claus.
For the rest of the day trains were departing and arriving at Haynes End, the Buffet was full with children playing and adults enjoying their refreshments. At last it was all over for another year.
As the crew cleared up and made their way home they were tired but happy that they had brought pleasure to our visitors and particularly to the children.. Some 562 people were booked and catered for this year, which in itself was a record for the club.
The club thanks all our visitors for their support and our members for their hard work in making a memorable weekend.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Santa’s Little Helper
View the 2016 Santa Specials Gallery here (opens in a new window)