ANGLEMOG VISIT THE FAWLEY RAILWAY MUSEUM

by Ian & Freda Hunt      

Fawley Railway Museum may be found in a picturesque part of Oxfordshire known as Fawley Green. It is maintained and run on behalf of the owner, Sir William McAlpine by the Fawley Museum Society.

    The museum is not open to the public, but three or four times a year, Sir William opens the grounds of his home and allows pre-arranged visits to invited groups.

Somersham Station Rebuilt in the grounds of the museum

    On Sunday, 8th July, 2001 Anglemog were privileged to make such a visit. The day dawned damp and grey but thirteen Morgan sports cars and their occupants braved the day and made their way to the Little Chef, Brentwood in preparation for the journey to Oxfordshire.

    As we made our way west on the M25 the weather closed and rain began to fall, fortunately not heavily or for the whole journey. After a drive of about an hour and a half we found ourselves safely in the main car park of Fawley where we waited to be assigned parking places. Whilst waiting we were joined by Trevor and Pauline Morgan in their red 4/4, who had driven over from Abingdon and then by Dudley and Cheryl Pusey in their slightly damp blue 4/4 from Cambridge, later a further four Morgans drew into the car park swelling our number to nineteen cars.

Pulling up the gradient

    The members of the Fawley Museum Society were all very friendly and made us most welcome, we were directed to park our cars in small groups around the grounds as an additional exhibit for other visitors, whilst we picnicked and viewed the exhibits.

    A working steam locomotive, drawing an open wagon and brake van gave rides throughout the day and anyone taking the trip was treated to the sight of an Indian Stork patrolling the lake, free roaming wallaby, emu, rhea and a large number of their eggs in a nest under the trees, we also saw various species of deer. None of these animals appeared perturbed by the huffing, puffing and rattling of the ancient steam train pushing and pulling its load up and down the very steep gradient which made up the mile or so of standard gauge track. Three lucky members of the group were treated to a ride on the footplate of the locomotive 'The Fawley Mountaineer', the grins on their faces said it all.

Taking on water

    Amongst the various exhibits of railway memorabilia can be seen a large 00 gauge model railway, a collection of Rolls Royce motor cars and an old taxi cab which gave visitors a ride up to the main gate and back (Without even having to tip the driver.)

Young at heart

    Our thanks go to Sir William and members of the Fawley Museum Society for allowing us to share in their passion for the age of the steam train and giving us a most enjoyable day.