Wizard Week

25th October to 2nd November 2008

27th October 2008:

Movie (13.6MB) :

Ivatt departs Ropley towards Alresford on Footplate Experience (Intro) course; Wadebridge arrives through Bighton Bridge into Ropley with down Wizard Express; BR Std5 #73096 departs Ropley with up Wizard Express

From: Nigel Wilson Sent: 26 October 2008 11:24 Subject: Wizard Week Hello Tony I see you are using our 2006 letter on the Wizard Week page, well as we promised we've been back (last year as well as this). We all had a great time yesterday, trains activities and all. Attached are a few pictures including two happy boys with their 'goodie bags' and Mr Wizard featuring the 'Wizz Bang 5000' magic wand (ummpa, ummpa, stick it up your jumper - you have to be there....) Also some video (mainly of trains of course) at: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=brP-tMWLdP4 Best wishes Nigel, Michael and Philip Wilson
Photos (25th October 2008): Nigel Wilson
Photo (Medstead & Four Marks, 29th October 2006): Henry O'Dwyer
More Wilson photos from the day: One Two And two MOVIES of the trains: One Two	From: Nigel Wilson Sent: 29 October 2006 21:05 Subject: Wizard Week Hello Tony As you know we come to the MHR regularly but today was the first time we have come to Wizard Week and wow what a great show! We all loved it, no praise is too high for the range and variety of entertainment. Activity packs a great success, as was the competition. Loved the Owls, Bats and Snakes. Boys enthralled by the magic show. We have never seen a Wizard serving in the buffet car before or a Witch Ticket Inspector. Not to mention the trains! Nice to see 4160 with a fire in, 45231 sounded superb. On the way home I said to the boys, "Well I think that was the best day of the holiday, what do you think?" Michael said "Yearrr". Philip said "I think it was the best day in my whole life." Enough said!!! We'll be back next year. Philip, Michael and Nigel Wilson

	Photo (Alresford, October 2006): Henry O'Dwyer
	Wizard Express approaches Wanders Curve Photo (31st October 2004): Henry O Dwyer

Berkley Owls

Two photos (21st October 2006): Stephen Leek

From: S. Davis
Sent: 25 October 2005 19:49
Subject: Wizard week
Hi Tony,
We visited the watercress line today (wizard week) and just want to say a big thank you to all involved in the obvious hard work setting it up. The children had a wonderful time and loved the Mr Wizard show at the end of the line. A truly lovely day was had by all. My son is still wandering around the house dressed in his dressing gown ready for bed but still with the wizard hat on and magic wand in hand!
Many thanks
Mrs S. Davis
Berkshire

1st November 2004:

Wizard Express approaches Wanders Curve

Photo (31st October 2004): Henry O Dwyer

27th October 2004: Lots of excitement today. Many children and mums came in the appropriate clobber. In the marquee at Alresford there was a lovely little pipistrelle bat all wrapped up in deep red velvet, and he (she?) didn't seem bothered about being disturbed in early afternoon when all righteous bats are fast asleep (but flash might have been unkind, so no pic)
	There was a 10mph Temporary Speed Restriction at the overbridge near Wanders Curve, then #41312 accelerated the Wizard Express up 1:60 gradient towards M4M. An enthusiast vacated train windows nearest the loco, so I just held the camera at arm's length to catch this *Movie* (5.5MB) for you. (Note that when it returned from its travels, it bore a smokebox numberplate that did not match cab side numbers) Six Photos and a Movie (all 27th October 2004): Tony Wood

26th October 2004:
A very unusual volunteer who helped out at Alton on 26/10/04

Report and photo (26th October 2004): David Scard (Alton Station Staff)

Judy Nicholls of the Little Green Dragon Bookshop, Alton, reading stories in the Griddle Car - she was excellent !

Report and photo (26th October 2004): Brian Simmons

Malcolm Lawrence and Rod Wicks being interviewed by Meridian TV on Sunday

Photo (24th October 2004): Ken Grinstead

	30th October 2003: Some of the mums entering into the spirit of Wizard Week Photo (29th October 2003): Mr Wizard
Wixie the Wizard Yes, it really is Rod Wicks under all that purple gear! Photo: John Sanders
	Photo: Richard Hunt
29th October 2003: Louisa, 10 months, was surprised to learn that she was one of the youngest wizards at the event yesterday Photo (28th October 2003): Mr Wizard
27th October 2003: Henry O'Dwyer captured the loco aspects of Wizard Week Carriages bear names with a King Arthur theme for the event ... Kevin Wilson captured the Ropley sunset ...
Two photos (26th October 2003): Henry O'Dwyer

Ken Grinstead caught Robin Higgs* in full flow

* MHRPS President

From: Stephen Hoadley
Sent: 26 October 2003
Had a wonderful afternoon on the Railway today. But, my goodness me, winter is coming! Herewith some snaps that capture something of the atmosphere conjured up by steam and cold weather. Talking of conjuring up, all the Railway’s young visitors seemed to be having a good time
Stephen Hoadley

One Two Three Four

26 October 2003:

The first day of the Wizard Week was well attended by many wizards and witches. The staff of the stations and trains got into the mood, wearing capes witches' hats or even horns on their heads. Mr Wizard performed his Haunted Castle Show helped by Earwig the Owl and a small wizard The Great Wizzo and Auntie Mini Witch, all searching for the hidden treasure. The Fancy Dress Competition drew many entrants in all age groups

Spooky Grotto photo (right, 25th October 2003): Chris Cornell

Mr Wizard (above) took photo (right) of two fancy dress contestants, 26th Oct '03

More pictures

How to get to the Watercress Line