What a pleasure for the retired miners to see the little steam engine that once ran the railway trucks from Kilmersdon Colliery to the incline that took them down to the main Radstock line.

The steam engine, now named “Kilmersdon” following a recent refurbishment, is now running trips at Midsomer Norton Station.

All the miners were treated to three rides up and down the line, and some made it on to the footplate.

A welcomed lunch of fish and chips was put on in the restaurant carriage with visits to the signal box and museum.

It was fantastic news when Paul Loader made it to the gathering. Paul is the son of Nelson who worked on the locomotive’s engine, and the grandson of Herby Loader, who drove the steam engine!

The day was sponsored by the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust, this is one of many events put on throughout the year for the retired NCB employees.

Bryn Hawkins