Well, we are drawing to the close of another year and a quick look back through the blog shows this was probably the busiest yet. No need to go over everything we’ve done (you could buy the blog book – see postings below – for that!). Needless to say a number of people have worked very hard to assist this year and my thanks go to them for really helping make a difference and ensure the performance our visitors enjoy is amongst the best in the World!

Next year there are two exciting events, plus even more regular steam around the site, the Y7, the return in the summer of the NER coach, ongoing restoration projects, visits by engines and of our own to other locations plus all the usual developments such as those we have seen this year. We should also see Dunrobin arrive along with the private saloon. I hope we will be ‘side tipping’ and maybe even loading the tipper by steam… A number of Friends projects should be complete, including the SOS bus and street sweep. Closest to my heart (maybe curators shouldn’t have favourites, but I do and this is it!), there is a chance the Lewin may move under its own power later in the year – and hauling a rake of restored chaldrons with it will be a wonderful moment!

I hope readers will forgive the Douglas Adams reference in the title of this post!

It therefore remains only for me to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Below: Jonathan Clay’s painting of the Lewin as it should look by this time next year…