Polish Day at Avon Valley Railway 26.6.05. Now with Pics!

[madhattie]

From the Bristol Evening Post:

http://tinyurl.com/8vf9l

LOCO'S POLISH FOR BIG DAY

BY RUPERT JANISCH R.JANISCH

11:00 - 24 June 2005

Members of the Polish community from across Bristol and further afield have been invited to Avon Valley Railway this weekend to welcome back an unusual steam locomotive. The Polish engine, named Karel, is returning to service on the railway after a long and expensive overhaul and the occasion is being marked with a theme day.

Folk dancing, music and exhibitions will celebrate Karel's return to service.

News of the day's events has spread as far afield as Trowbridge and Cheltenham, thanks to the enthusiastic backing of George Peszynski, honorary consul of the republic of Poland in Bristol.

Since Poland joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, the Polish population in the South West has soared, with thousands of Poles coming to the UK to find work.

Mr Peszynski, who will be at the event with his wife Krystyna, said: "I'd like to express admiration and gratitude for the initiative to restore Karel.

"I also applaud the idea of holding a Polish Day, something which will maintain and promote the friendship that happily exists between our two countries."

The locomotive was built in 1954 for industrial use in Polish mines and steelworks. It was bought in 1991 for export to the UK but not restored to working order until 1998. It was in use at the Avon Valley Railway for several years but was taken out of service a year ago for restoration by volunteers.

When it was in Poland the engine was not called Karel - the name is partly in honour of the late Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla, and partly as a pun on Carole, the name of the wife of the owner Rob May.

Other attractions at the event will be folk dancing from the Polish team Kujawy, plus songs from the Polskie Kwiaty Choir.

There will also be details of the Wolsztyn Experience, a project that enables qualified steam crews to travel to Poland and take control of large steam locomotives on scheduled high-speed freight or passenger trains.

The day will take place on Sunday at Bitton Station, starting at 11am. For further details call 932 5538.

[madhattie]

This sounds great fun! Anyone going?

News of the day's events has spread as far afield as Trowbridge and Cheltenham.

That didn't half make me laugh..

[James]

C'mon then, PICS!

[madhattie]

C'mon then, PICS!

Here you go

Starting with the loco herself:





A quick trip down the river:





Back in time for the next train:



On to Bitton for mucho singing and dancing:



A brilliant day out, in blazing sunshine, and run by a group of people who ooze friendlyness and professionalism. 10 out 10!