A Bridgnorth Weeknd, Shropshire Mar 2015

Last weekend we made the short journey southwards to just beyond Bridgnorth. The occasion was the social weekend for the Audlem Ramblers - many staying in the Pub and just two of us on the adjacent campsite.

We tried out our 'new' (2001) motorvan, having sold the bigger coach built Roller Team to get a 'slimmer' Fiat Panel Van.



Our previous motorhome

Our 'new' Fiat Ducato MWB - Murvi Van

 

Chris enjoying her craft activities whilst I went walking!

 

Walking with the Audlem Village Ramblers - here on top of Brown Clee Hill,

the highest top in Shropshire at 540m (1770ft)

It was very cold with a strong wind!

Good views though, back to the Wrekin and across west to the Wenlock Edge and the Mynd

Descending the open moor westwards - we covered 10.4 miles and climbed 1883 ft

A big thank you to Peter for leading us! 

Lunch stop at the delightful Anglican Norman Chapel in Heath near Bouldon, Shropshire

Built in the middle of the 12th Century, there are some medieval coloured wall paintings that are to be renovated

 

Note the distinctive Norman arch over the main door and arrow slit windows

 



After the most enjoyable Saturday Night Ramblers Meal in the Pub, we awoke to a wet Sunday!

Seemed the ideal day to call in on the way home at the Severn Valley Railway at Bridgnorth!

Always a delight, here are some pics taken at the Bridgnorth Station and Engine Shed

 

 

'Sir Keith Park' on Shed. A modified 'Battle of Britain' Class Southern Railway Pacific.

Built in Brighton Works in 1947 to the Bulleid design and later modified in 1958.

This loco was named after the New Zealand RAF WWII Commander

Here the Great Western Region 2-8-0 2857 hauls the afternoon train

Build by Churchwood in 1905, it was rescued from the Woodham's Scrap Yard and restored to running order in 1975

Next in was Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0 43106, pulling the Dining Train

Here seen running around to the shed for re-coaling and water

This is the only surviving loco of the 162 that were built between 1947 and 1952

Taking on water and coal before the run back to Kidderminster

Getting ready to set off, tender first, on the return trip

We will be returning in September for the Autumn Gala!

A great finish to a great weekend!