A volunteer, who found the Swanage Railway and help to rebuild the heritage line from day one in 1976 has achieved his dream of driving into Swanage on the footplate of his favorite locomotive.
Julian's favorite locomotive, the A4 No. 60009 ‘Union of South Africa' hauled the ‘Swanage Belle' from London to Swanage on Thursday 21st September 2017.
Waiting on the platform at Swanage to greet Julian was his Father Doug, who is 88 years old and his sister Joanne. Sadly, his mum Madge died in 2015 and didnt live to see him live his dream.
Julian said: “It was a real lump in the throat moment – very emotional. The reality was even better than the expectation – the experience has affected me even more than I thought it would. Absolutely brilliant! I've been wanting to do this for almost 30 years and it was very special indeed to have my father and my sister waiting to greet me on the platform as I steamed into Swanage station on the footplate of ‘Union of South Africa' – an amazing moment,” added who was the locomotive owner's representative.
He added “It was a cracking run going down the main line from London and steaming through Corfe Castle on ‘Union of South Africa' was wonderful. The Swanage Railway has always been my first, and favourite, railway and ‘Union of South Africa' is my first, and favourite, steam locomotive. I have been supporting No. 60009 for 27 years and am lucky enough to enjoy the privilege of being a member of the locomotive's support crew,” added 55-year old Julian after giving his father and sister a big hug on the platform at Swanage station.
If you would like to volunteer at the Swanage Railway… Please contact Swanage Railway volunteer co-ordinator Mike Whitwam on 01929 475212 or email him iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk.
- Visit the Swanage Railway Website
For more information
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