Trains and Boats …………

Having previously done a 'recce' and found a superb walk, on the day, the weather was against us and the walk could easily have turned into a cruise around the Ashdown Forest there was so much water about.

So, this is how mariners turned train spotters, and set off not for a walk around the Ashdown Forest, but for a walk around the Bluebell Railway at Sheffield Park, which at least had plenty of shelter from the rain - and a bar! As it was Christmas, there were several trains in steam, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours train spotting and drinking coffee. We all indulged in a lot of nostalgic remembering of steam trains and childhood before heading for The Brambletye where we were joined by a few non train spotting mariners for a very tasty Sunday lunch.

Next year, should the weather again be bad, then we will organise a walk around Gatwick Airport for plane spotting purposes - then write up can be called Trains and Boats and Planes!

Trevor Denham