With the Agricultural Power from the Past (APftP) event looming (August 29 – September 1st), opening the Festival of Agriculture which runs throughout September, the first bookings of visiting attractions have been made.  These are the well known Port of Par ‘twins’ Alfred and Judy (perhaps better known to some as inspiration for Bill and Ben in the Thomas the Tank Engine stories!).  The event differs from previous years as it is now more heavily agricultural in its theme.  Our main transport focus events wise is centred around the April Festival of Transport, so this event will not have as many transport exhibits as in previous years, but a great selection is still being assembled and will accompany numerous working displays around the site, with the old favourite displays still evident.  There aren’t any trams booked to appear at this event – we are working on something special for next year!  More on the wider Festival of Agriculture will appear on the main Museum website over coming weeks.

The Par pair are based at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway in Cornwall – www.bodminrailway.co.uk and have travelled widely in recent years, including a visit to the Tanfield Railway in 2009.  I am delighted that the B&WR have been able to release them for the event am very much looking forward to seeing them at work in the Colliery for the duration of the event.

Below: Seen at Tanfield in 2009 during their visit and participation in that year’s gala, Alfred (left) and Judy are seen alongside each other outside the five road shed at Marley Hill. Alfred is number 3058 built in 1953 whilst Judy, number 2572, dates from 1937.

Below: To emphasise their tiny stature, these shots show the pair hauling passenger trains at Tanfield during the 12th and 13th September gala in 2009.