Twelve years ago, a little engine called Joyce arrived at Midsomer Norton Station in a bit of a state. Now, many working hours later, she is smartened up and ready for work.

On Sunday, 13th November, Joyce was back at work hauling the trains. This is the first time the Sentinel Steam locomotive has been officially rostered for passenger trains after her official naming ceremony by Paul Atterbury, earlier in the year. After a bit of a hiccup in the morning, caused by wet leaves on the line, when the Diesel had to come and give a helping hand, Joyce performed very nicely for the rest of the day.

The number of passengers greatly exceeded expectations and the coaches were filled on nearly every trip. The Sentinel pulled a coach load of about sixty passengers and the brake coach behind, up the line and back again all day. Adults and children alike were excited to be able to chug behind Midsomer Norton’s very own steam locomotive. Steve Ehrlicher was on guard duty in the brake coach and Charley Davies was Controller for the day.

Charley Davies was pleased, and relieved, at Joyce’s perfomance. He said: “I admit I was holding my breath when we had the classic rail excuse of leaves on the line, but Joyce didn’t let us down and finished the day in wonderful style. We are looking forward to her next excursion with the Santa Specials.”

In December, she will be pulling the Santa Specials on December 11th and 12th and giving rides for the Mince Pie specials on December 17th and 18th.

Gail Coleshill