Not an obvious mix, but the Vivary Park crowd were once again out in force this year to provide rides for the children (and of course the slightly older ones) attending this year’s Taunton Flower Show. We obviously could not write about a typical English event without mentioning the weather, which this year did have its downpours, but on the whole did not really spoil the day.

Although everyone involved arrived bright and early to get the track up and running, there was unfortunately very little interest in our end of the Park until late morning when people visiting the catering area began to notice us and all of a sudden, they were strolling up for rides. As always, once spotted by eager children, very few parents got away with allowing their little ones just one ride!

Gerry Willis on his ever faithful Diesel Electric was able to keep going from dawn to dusk whilst as usual, Phil Mortimer on his Britannia (on Friday) and Gordon Roberts on his Sweet Pea (on Saturday) took their time steaming up with their locomotives which required their usual pampering sessions to get a good head of steam going.

The Sweet Pea affectionately known as “Jasper” even dressed for the occasion and many a visitor to the track commented on his “window boxes” on either side of the cab.

Station Master John Henson with the help of some of the other regular volunteers kept the track operating and most importantly of all, Viki Mortimer ensured all present were “topped up” on teas and coffees.

At the end of another busy afternoon at the Taunton Flower Show the Vivary Park crowd were once again able to relax and have a moment of fun themselves when they gathered for a “photo shoot”. (See the front cover).

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