Gloomy skies and pesky showers did little to dampen the enthusiasm of dads who were treated to a Fathers Day Special at Midsomer Norton Station on Sunday. Family carriages were hauled by Joyce, the resident Sentinel steam loco, and backed by the visiting Class 03 diesel shunter for a ride up and down the track, accompanied by cake for all the dads on board. Visitors also appreciated the Museum, Buffet Car and visits to the Signal Box (where the coal fire was a particular attraction!).

In addition, some lucky dads were there for an actual ‘Driver Experience’, driving the Class 08 diesel shunter. One of those – Alistair Wilde – who had travelled all the way from Oxfordshire, said: “It was a fantastic experience. I’ve always wanted to drive a diesel shunter”

The station is open every weekend and the next big event will be the Steam Gala, July 2nd to 4th, featuring Austin 1 – a visiting steam locomotive coming to us from Llangollen Heritage Railway in Denbighshire, North Wales. Austin 1 is an 0-6-0 saddle tank steam locomotive built by Kitsons & Co of Leeds in 1932 for the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge.

Booking for all events and rides is through the website. https://sdjr.co.uk/