You can of course pay on the day at any of our stations, but may find it most convenient at Ropley ° (for our free and plentiful car parking)
If you prefer, you can
using our 24/7 secure on-line
booking website and avoid possible queues for admission
* .. best in the World
° SatNav: "Station Hill, Ropley, SO24 0BL"
 'Thomas' in action at Ropley Photo (August 2006): Tony Wood Brake van rides in Toad,
hauled by Thomas. Photo (August 2006): Tony Wood
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| 8th
- 16th August 2009: We advise that you arrive before 10 a.m. to make the most of your Day Out With Thomas. Activities run between 9.35am and 4.30pm Trains travel through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside via our four stations: Alresford, Ropley, Medstead & Four Marks, Alton |
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travel ticket includes: • Freedom to travel all day on trains steam hauled by locos such as 'Spencer' or on 'Daisy' the diesel railcar. • Trains run approximately every 30-40 minutes from 9.35am to 4.30pm. • FREE rides with 'Percy', 'Thomas' and 'Toad' • FREE brake-van rides pulled by 'Diesel' at Alresford • FREE 'live' entertainment with Mr. Wizard shows and a bouncy slide on Ropley picnic area. • Look out for 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller' and other characters. • FREE face painting at Ropley station. • Miniature railway running at top of Ropley picnic area. • FREE colouring competition at Medstead & Four Marks station (inside platform 2 waiting room.) • See 'Bulgy' the bus and 'Trevor' the traction engine on static display in front of Alresford station. • 'Thomas' does not pull passenger trains between stations as he is busy giving visitors rides at Ropley station.
Although you can pay on the day at any of our stations, you may find it most convenient at Ropley (with our free and plentiful car parking) |
Facilities
on site include: • FREE car parking at Ropley station in a large field. • Hot & cold food and drinks available to purchase from stands at Ropley plus the West Country Buffet at Alresford station. • Toilets available on the steam trains and at all stations. • Disabled toilet located at Alresford (inside the Old Goods Shed), Ropley and Alton stations. • Baby changing facilities at Alton, Ropley and Alresford Goods Shed building. • Gift shops at Alton, Ropley and Alresford plus 'Day Out With Thomas' merchandise marquee at Ropley. • Picnic sites available overlooking Alresford and Ropley stations. • FREE buggy parking, picnic storage, baby feeding and nappy changing in a marquee at Ropley station. • First Aid from St John Ambulance available in front of Ropley station. Please alert a member of staff if you require first aid at any time during your visit. • We advise that you park at Ropley station in the large FREE car park as parking is limited at Alresford and Alton stations.
All subject to availability on the day of your visit |
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SatNav:
"Station Hill, Ropley, SO24 0BL"
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 Thomas and Spencer at Ropley (11th April 2009) |
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Three photos (11th & 12th April 2009): Steward Legg |
View
of Percy from Ropley signalbox
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8th April 2009: Sir Lancelot is a friend of George the steam roller Photos
(8th April 2009): Marianne Hawkins
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The miniature railway at Ropley, hauled by a diesel replica at Easter ! Movie (1MB, 12th April 2009): Tony Wood
| 5th April 2009: | |
 Two photos (Alresford, 5th April 2009): David Creasey |
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Percy and Toad give rides
at RopleyTwo
hotos
(5th April 2009): Russell Burgess
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4th April 2009:
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Photos
(Ropley, 4th April 2009): Aria Tabatabai (Loco Shed Ranger) |
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| Three
photos (on a wet day in August 2008): Ken Grinstead Movie: Percy in action (3½MB, Alresford, August 2008): Nic Green |
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10th August 2008: Cheeky little Percy giving brake van rides at Alresford Thomas
at his bedtime at Ropley
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Cheerful locos in Ropley yard Three
photos (10th August 2008): David Creasey
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Read e-mails sent by our Thomas event customers How to get to the Watercress Line Miniature railway at Ropley stationLetters from visitors to our August 2006 event |
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 Cheeky little Percy gives brakevan rides at Alresford. Photo (12th August 2006): Chris Cornell |
 Report: Thomas visits Denmark (April 2008) |
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Our Thomas on YouTube (use search term : watercress thomas ) Easter 2008 photos and web-movies (March and April events) Some
web-movies of Watercress Line Thomas
events
Report and movies from the Easter 2006 event Pictures from our Thomas event at Easter 2005 August 2004 Easter 2004 August 2003 April 2003 August 2002 Easter 2002 |
Briefing for visitors from outside UK
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| 19th August 2007 Days Out With Thomas
Another view of one of the fine locos on the miniature railway at our August Thomas event Photo
(19th August 2007): Mr
Wizard
Fastest miniature railway ever? (2.5MB, Ropley, 17th August 2007) |
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| 18th August 2007: Percy, viewed from the signalbox at Alresford Photo
(18th August 2007): Stewart Legg
(MHR Volunteer) |
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| Today James visited Woking station
disguised as a 2CV Photo
and report (18th August 2007): David Charlesworth
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Movies: Thomas and his train (1.7MB, Ropley, 17th August 2007): Tony Wood |
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| While everyone was
cheering Thomas outside, the station cat
was indoors doing what cats do best Photo
and report (15th August 2007): David Charlesworth
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| So early in the morning at Ropley
that few visitors to
our Thomas
event had by then arrived. Henry
and Percy
'have the road' for Alresford and await only the token before
departing: Henry to haul the first train up from Alresford and Percy to
give brakevan rides all day. Photo (August 2007): Tony Wood |
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| Young volunteers at the loco shed clean Thomas Movie (1MB, 11th August 2007) Henry departs from Ropley with a big train for Alton Movie (4½MB, 11th August 2007) On the miniature railway, rides proved very popular with our visitors. The locos and stock were made at home by MHR volunteers |
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Photos
and movies (11th August 2007): Tony Wood |
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| 15th
April 2007 - Easter 2007 Days Out With Thomas Movie: Thomas and Diesel (1.4MB, 15th April 2007): Mike Pearson N.B. No races between locos from 2007 on |
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Simeon's Fat Dream Comes True at our Easter 2007 Thomas event Photos
(15th April 2007): Tony Wood
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| 9th
April 2007
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at
Ropley: Diesel and Thomas (Movie, 2MB) CP has a conversation with Thomas (Movie, 3.4 MB) |
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Movies and photos
(all 9th April
2007): Tony Wood
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| 8th
April 2007: "Daisies" during our Easter 2007 Thomas event Photo (8th April 2007):
Dave Warwick
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| 1st April 2007: Ropley loco yard has a fun feel to it Photo (1st April 2007):
Henry O'Dwyer
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From: Rene Ehlers From: Annette Savill Sent: 14 April 2009 16:59 Subject: Day Out With Thomas - thank you A huge THANK YOU to everyone at the Watercressline who made our Day Out With Thomas a truly memorable event. Our boys and we enjoyed the many activities and the cheerful atmosphere; the highlight must have been watching Thomas and Percy going up and down the line at Ropley. The love and dedication of your many volunteers made this day a hugely enjoyable day out, we will definitely come back! Our own "Small Controller" (Benedict) was overjoyed when he met the real Fat Controller, we thought you might like to share this moment. With best wishes Annette From: Adele Glenn Sent: 09 April 2009 23:00 Subject: Days Out With Thomas I wanted to say thank you all your "staff" for the wonderful Days Out With Thomas. I brought Grandchildren on Tuesday and Thursday this week and we all had a really enjoyable time. Everyone was so helpful, patient and friendly. It was brilliantly organised and we all agreed that we're looking forward to next time! Most sincerely Adele Glenn, William, Henry and Edward From: Caroline Meech Sent: 06 April 2009 20:06 Subject: A bit of a splash - caught on camera today with Thomas Hi There I visited the Watercress line today with my family and friends to celebrate three young boys' 3rd birthdays. We all had a fabulous time, thank you. During the day one of the engines was re-filling its water tank when the pipe came loose and showered everyone with water... I caught this on camera and thought it might be a nice snap for your archives :-) Best wishes, Caroline Meech From: Helen Lewis Sent: 06 April 2009 12:46 Subject: A Big Thank You! I just wanted to say a great big thank you for a really great Day Out with Thomas on Saturday. My 2 year old little girl absolutely loved it. She just couldn't believe her eyes at first!! I thought it was all very well organised, especially the baby changing facilities, and all the volunteer staff were very cheerful, helpful and chatty with all the children. We will no doubt come again. Helen, Paul and Abigail Helen Thornhill Sent: 05 April 2009 08:24 We went to the Thomas day yesterday (4/4/09) and would like to thank everyone involved in the day. We all had a fantastic time and my son who is 5 couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Thomas, Daisy, Toad, Percy and Diesel. Once again, many thanks for a great day - and keep up the great work. Helen Thornhill From: The Lumb family Sent: 31 August 2008 23:52 Hello I felt that I wanted to add to your collection of complimentary emails ! My family and I visited 'Day Out With Thomas' during the summer dates 2008, and absolutely loved our day out. What a fabulous time we had - in every way. My son aged 6 thought he was too old for Thomas - and left home in the morning with a face like thunder ! - turned out to have a super time and has asked to go back next year !! He was mesmerised by the steam engines and was overjoyed to be standing next to one engine as it coupled onto its carriages. My daughter aged 3 simply loved meeting all the train characters and was ecstatic to ride on her favourite 'Daisy'. There was ample to keep everyone amused, no waiting around, tasty food, very happy atmosphere, free face painting and bouncy slide, and very very helpful and friendly staff (sounds to me like a parents' dream day out !!). Considering that the staff had been doing the same job all week each and every one of them! were exceptionally friendly and talkative to the children which made them feel really special. I would recommend 'Day Out With Thomas' to anyone with children of any age and we have even bought a multi-frame to display our pictures of the day in our house. Many thanks again The Lumb family Fareham From: Sarah White Sent: 10 April 2008 10:04 Subject: Day Out With Thomas, 9th April 2008 We got to Ropley at about 9am yesterday and got to see Thomas having his face and buffers cleaned to get ready for the long day ahead. We had a lovely day as always. Jasmine (5 years) did ask after Percy though! Thank you Mrs Sarah White Miss Jasmine White Sadly,
Percy wasn't well, so the Fat Controller told Duck to take his place
this time ... tw
We did get a ride
with Duck. Hope
Percy gets better soon, we will be back in
August ...
Jasmine 10 April 2008 18:43
From: Rob Jones Sent: 25 March 2008 08:19 Subject: Thomas Day Out - Monday 24th March 2008 We just wanted to say thanks for a wonderful day out at “The Watercress Line – Thomas Day Out” yesterday. My son Leo is only 20 months, but he enjoyed every bit of our day. He recognised many of the trains, and got to ride on Thomas. The effort made by everyone who volunteers is outstanding, and this is shown not only by the well preserved engines and buildings, but also by the friendly relaxed environment. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has a child watching Thomas the Tank Engine. Thanks again for a brilliant day. We will be back very soon. Rob, Joanne and Leo Jones From: Sharon, John, Bradley and Harvey Nicholson Sent: 25 March 2008 10:32 Subject: Day Out With Thomas, Saturday, 22nd March 2008 Dear Tony Just wanted to let you know that my family and I had a fantastic time this Easter and the snow added to the excitement for my boys Harvey and Bradley. Having a picnic on the train was an experience for them both. Had many rides on Thomas and Toad and Harvey still keeps talking about it. Thanks again and I hope all who book enjoy their day as much as us. Regards Sharon, John, Bradley and Harvey Nicholson From: Jon Blanchard Sent: 22 August 2007 14:04 Subject: Thomas Day Out Dear Sirs I would just like to express my sincere gratitude for the fantastic time we had last week at the Watercress line. It was the first time I had been, although I am Hampshire born and bred. Both myself and my family were very impressed by the quality of the organisation. However, the most important thing was undoubtedly the response of the people working to make sure the day was enjoyed by all. Even at the busiest times we found the volunteers (station personnel, guards, drivers, administration, car park attendants, etc., etc.) very polite and helpful, especially as I am sure they are asked the same questions over and over again. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that they demonstrated levels of service long gone in many organisations that in theory are meant to be serving the customer. My wife (who is Spanish) feels exactly the same as I do. And of course I have to pass on the gratitude of a 3 year old boy, who is not old enough to express his feelings in writing as well as I hope I can, but who without doubt spent one of the best days of his life with you all. Thank you once again and we hope to see you all next summer. Yours faithfully, Jon Blanchard From: The Lyttles Sent: 16 August 2007 21:48 Subject: Thank you! I just wanted to say a big thank you for such an enjoyable day out meeting ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and his friends. I came on Tuesday 14 August with my father, my 2¼ year old daughter and my 9 month old son and even though it poured with rain all day long it did not dampen our spirits! My daughter is a huge Thomas fan and loved riding on Oliver, meeting and standing on Thomas and seeing Daisy, James & Donald. My son had his first ride on a train and loved it! In fact it was such a great day out that none of us wanted to leave! The day was made complete when just as we left the car park at Ropley, Thomas left the station on his way home and ‘peep peep peeped’ just as my daughter shouted good bye to him…she honestly believes he was saying goodbye to her! She has told anyone who will listen that she has met Thomas and we really look forward to coming back at Easter to see Thomas again. Thank you very much to everyone at Ropley who made it such a fantastic day. 20 August 2007 17:35 From: David Snow Sent: 19 August 2007 22:44 Subject: A nice story Tony Whilst at Alton station on Monday selling tickets I got into conversation with a gent plus his young son having a slight foreign accent. I asked him where he came from and his answer was Slovakia. Apparently his son is mad keen on Thomas so a visit to a Day Out With Thomas event took priority over a beach holiday in Greece. He resorted to the Internet looking for an event near a big airport and came up with the Mid Hants. He then found a B&B in Alton again using our website. The two of them flew to Stansted, had a brief visit to London and then took the train to Alton. They had all day Sunday and again Monday on the railway and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Jim Russell gave them a bird’s eye view of the line from the front of Daisy on Monday morning’s trip. The B&B owner did them proud by driving them to the station on Monday morning. Come Tuesday they were back at Alton for a last farewell to Henry before taking the train back to London en route to the airport and home. A good story of the MHR helping the UK export drive and local trade in Alton. Regards David (MHR Volunteer) From: Cathryn Bennett Sent: 18 August 2007 09:06 Subject: Day out Hello Tony Just wanted to say what a truly wonderful time I had with the girls and my Mum yesterday at the Day Out with Thomas! We have been to several of these events in the past, but this was our first time at a Mid Hants one and I have to say how incredibly well organised it was, right from the parking when we got there to the incredible friendliness and generous hospitality of the wonderful MHR staff and volunteers. I loved the idea of the buggy park; although I no longer use one it is a really great thing to be able to leave things like that in a safe and secure place (picnic hampers too!) Thomas and Friends all looked fantastic. The miniature railway was wonderful too and Caitlin (youngest) loved riding on it, in fact we had to physically remove her at one point! Percy was doing sterling work down at Alresford and his footplate crew were having a high old time waving to just about anyone and everyone with huge grins on their faces all the time we were there! It was nice to see Trevor (Traction Engine) and Bertie (Bus!) in the car park there too, nice touch!! Toilets were plentiful as well! I know you have been running these days for a long time now, but this is just so well planned and organised, it goes like clockwork!! We'll be back again in April for certain for the next one!! And also in October for the Magical Express and December for the Santa Special too if the girls have their way!! Cathryn From: Maggie Webb Sent: 11 August 2007 20:48 Subject: Thank you Dear Sirs, Today our family, son, daughter-in-law, 2 year old grandson and ourselves, Nana and Brian, came to see Thomas and friends. What a wonderful day, we all had. When I saw all the cars I must admit I thought it would be a bit of a scramble, but the day unfolded and Milo so enjoyed his birthday treat. To see his little face light up every time he saw a choo choo will stay with me for a long time. A big thank-you to everyone who made our day so enjoyable - the organisation is a credit to you all. Thank you Yours sincerely Maggie and Brian Webb From: Siri Young Sent: 13 April 2007 22:34 Subject: Thomas the Tank Engine 13/04/07 I would like to thank everyone connected with the Watercress line for the most fantastic day out. I brought my 4 year old daughter and my parents-in-law to the Thomas Day out today and it exceeded all our expectations. Although she only knows of Thomas and his friends from comics my daughter was totally enthralled. She could not believe it was possible to ride on Thomas' train. I was very impressed with the facilities on offer and thought it represented excellent value for money. However my abiding memory will be the thoughtfulness, courtesy, enthusiasm and cheerfulness of all the volunteers. To the 'ticket collector' who punched her ticket 'a big thank you',to the 'Fat Controller' - you were terrific, to the engine drivers, stokers, workers in the yard, shop assistants, the lady who lifted her on and off the trains, station personnel - you all made a 4 year old's dreams come to life. We were just faces in the crowd on a very busy day for you but we will remember the fun we had and your kindness for a long time to come. Thank you Siri and Hannah Young, Hayling Island From: Paul Harrington Sent: 13 April 2007 21:57 Subject: Meet Thomas! Hi Tony, I feel compelled to write regarding our 'Day Out With Thomas' a day or two ago. I am a regular visitor to the MHR, a RAT season ticket holder and intend one day soon (once the kids have grown up a bit) to begin many years there as a volunteer. My eldest daughter, aged nearly six, is very keen on Thomas. Such that it is our nightly bedtime story as often as not. She is also a regular visitor to your website to play the Thomas videos (even in her favourites file!) but being able now to read, she saw when the Thomas event was on. The trap was set and Dad was duly conned into a day off. I was reticent. I know the faces on the engines are good fun (even for adults) and I know the revenue can only be a good thing for the railway. But I love a sleepy Sunday in the sunshine chuffing up and down letting the world pass by and I didn't much fancy the crowds and the queues just do what I felt was pretty much the same thing. How wrong I was. What a fantastic day. The two eldest children had their jaws on the floor in the car park when they saw Henry pulling the service train up into Ropley ( a very neat magnet patch over 73096 by the way) only to be bettered by my daughters sharp intake of breath and a tap on the leg as she spotted... yes..... the Fat Controller!!! Normally a very shy soul. I turned around to find her talking away 19 to the 12 about various discipline issues she felt needed airing, such as his being a little harsh with Thomas as he had not meant to let the troublesome trucks misbehave, etc., etc. Suffice to say the day went from strength to strength. We rode behind Thomas, in Toad, behind Percy, Henry and in Daisy. To boot, the new picnic site at Alresford is perfect. By the end of the day all my wife and I had to do was load 3 very tired, very happy kids into the car and off home. Lucky I suppose that the weather was kind and good fortune that the fff brewery is but a short walk from M4M. But what a perfect day.... and lets not mess about.... even we adults, railway mad or not , enjoy sharing in the magic of Thomas, even if we think we don't. Well done to everybody involved. Obviously so many days' annual leave sacrificed. Obviously so many hours of preparation, and all for the railway... but also for the kids. I saw so many gleaming eyes that day that I'm sure my generation and the next will continue steam preservation. To that end, events like 'Thomas' become more than just revenue generators but also future generators. My sincere thanks to you all Harry From: Steve Egginton Sent: 07 April 2007 18:39 Subject: Thomas Day Saturday 7th Thanks for a lovely day out - a real introduction for William my three year-old - to Thomas and Co. and of course the other loco's on the line. I'm sorry to say that this was my first visit to the Line, for more than twenty years - being a young lad when my Mum and Dad took me. I'll try and leave a shorter interval next time! We all had a lovely day - which was so well organised. There was much to do and see and the folk running the day were all so friendly and helpful. You've done yourself proud! Cheers Steve and Jane Egginton From: Iain Stevenson Sent: 18 April 2006 08:11 Subject: Thomas the Tank Engine Tony I would just like to express my heartfelt appreciation for a wonderful day out with Thomas and friends. The organisation on the day was first rate, I think we managed to see almost everything and got at least two rides on the mainline trains as well as a ride in "Toad the brake-van". I'm not sure who was more excited, me or my two year old son! This is a day out I would recommend to anybody with even a passing interest in "Thomas and friends". The staff were hugely enthusiastic and friendly all day (even at the end of a long Easter weekend!) Many thanks for a wonderful experience, hopefully to be repeated soon Iain Stevenson From: Hannah Helyer Sent: 16 April 2006 18:50 Subject: A day out with Thomas We had a fantastic day out with Thomas & his friends today. Our 20-month son particularly loved the racing between Diesel and Thomas; so much that I had to show him the web movie on your website over and over again!! All the family had a brilliant day and can't wait to do it again. Our only small disappointment is that we didn't get to see more of Percy - we saw him go up and down twice when we were in the cafe but he disappeared somewhere in Sodor!! Thanks again! Hannah Helyer From: Kelly Adamson Sent: 16 April 2006 08:15 Subject: Thomas Day Out I would like to thank all the staff there for their help and assistance as we went to Alresford Station to join Thomas at Ropley. My son Oliver enjoyed it very much - didn't stop talking about him all afternoon - and my daughter who is disabled in a wheelchair was able to enjoy the day too as the staff helped us get on and off the trains. It was a shame that they didn't get to go on Diesel or Thomas as the queues were long, but we all enjoyed the day. Thank you ever so much for making it a wonderful day for us all. Kelly, Dave, Jazmin, Oliver, Martin (Grandad) Chris (Nana) From: Katie Sharp Sent: 13 April 2006 18:58 Subject: Thomas Day Out We had fun at the Thomas Day Out 13th April 2006 My brother Rory's favourite part of the day was when he looked inside James's drivers cabin and pretended to be the driver. My favourite part was having a ride on Diesel, and helping Mr Wizard with his magic tricks. My baby sister Emily thought that Thomas was the best Choo Choo train there. by Katie Sharp, aged 7 From: Darren Ginger Sent: 12 April 2006 19:34 Subject: Thomas Day Out Hi Tony Just wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you to everyone at The Watercress Line for a great day out. After 4 visits in the last couple of years my daughters, who are 7 and 3, are slowly becoming steam converts and look forward greatly to our days out. We have attached some of their favourite pictures from today. If anybody is looking for something to do over the Easter break I don't think you could find a better day out. Thanks Darren, Jo, Phoebe and Hayley From: Paul Emery Sent: 09 April 2006 20:12 Subject: A day out with Thomas Dear Tony I just wanted to drop you a word of thanks and would ask you to pass this on to all colleagues at your amazing Railway. I have just spent a whole day with my wife and 2 children Sophie (4) and Adam (2) at your Day out with Thomas. And what an absolutely incredible day it was. I am 37 and I don't know who was more a kid, myself or my children. My children have never been so excited in their lives before. And your staff were fantastic, you could tell that they were having as good a time as your visitors. I could not fault it. I would and already have recommended you to others and have already started to look into the footplate course you hold. As a bus driver I would love to further my experience and have a go. So to finish off I would like to offer my congratulations on a well presented, organised and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Keep it going and we will be back very soon. Kind regards Paul Emery From: Simon Howlett Sent: 15 August 2005 10:46 Subject: Thomas - 14th August - Thanks Hi Thank you everyone for a cracking day out yesterday. Three generations of the Howlett family enjoyed ‘A Day Out with Thomas’ on Sunday. My little lad liked his ride on Toad (ably pulled by Thomas at Ropley) and during our run into Alresford my Dad was recounting his train-spotting days in the 1950’s and some of the engines he used to see on a daily basis around the Southern Railway region. Of course, the line and the event would not be where it is without your dedicated staff / volunteers - we could clearly see the hard work behind the scenes, especially touring the engines on display at Ropley. These are the events that the little ones (and dads) always remember. Someone went to Nursery today muttering ‘trains’ still wearing his ‘Thomas’ sticker! Thanks again Simon Howlett |
| The
Origins of Thomas the Tank Engine Loco Shed page gives news of 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and his visits to other railways 'Thomas The Tank Engine' Official Website for details of 'Thomas' events in UK and elsewhere How to make paper models of your favourite 'Thomas' characters Awdry Homepage (Rev Awdry wrote the 'Thomas The Tank Engine' stories) |
| Drew's
Unofficial
'Thomas The Tank Engine' Page gave us kind
permission to use: |
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How to get to the Watercress Line
www.watercressline.co.uk
Copyright © Mid Hants Railway Ltd, Tony Wood and contributors as acknowledged
