The August Bank Holiday weekend marked the 40th anniversary of our open days at Quainton and the event was celebrated in some style over 3 hectic but very enjoyable days.

Photo:
Allan Baker - David Matthews shows off his anniversary Headboard

Saturday saw steam running in both yards with Met No. 1 and Beattie 30585 both adorned with special headboards beautifully designed and constructed by David Matthews. In the evening 130 members and friends celebrated with a pig roast buffet carved by David Horsley and Peter Mitchell. The meal was rounded off with a slice from a very special cake featuring Met No.1 - the handiwork of Judith Emmerson.

Photo:
Allan Baker - Roy Miller flags off the "Anniversary Special"

Entertainment included a skittle alley and coconut shy whilst the 6989 group worked overtime to get the loco ready for footplate rides powered by D2298 with Chris Tayler at the controls. An unexpected bonus was a visit by the only air-worthy Vulcan Bomber, which flew over and even gave us a lap of honour. The weather was perfect and it was a happy and enjoyable event.

Photo:
Allan Baker - Guests enjoying the hog roast

Sunday saw a bumper turnout of Rover Cars for the annual rally, whilst we were pleased to welcome 90 original LRPS and QRS members from 1969/70, some of whom had not seen each other and indeed the Centre for many years. Tina, Kate and the catering team provided a splendid buffet with a beautiful anniversary cake. The party duly adjourned to the Brill platform where after formalities Roy Miller flagged away the anniversary special.

Photo:
Allan Baker - Tina Jones and Kate Carson-Hatton with the anniversary buffet they produced

Monday came with the annual Veteran and Vintage Car Rally organised by Bev and Dave Potter who, true to the 60's theme of the event, appeared in full "flower power" costume! The "Quaintonian" shuttle service from Aylesbury was well patronised all day and the crowds rolled in, keeping our stalwart volunteers (some of whom had been on duty for all 3 days) at full stretch.

Truly a memorable weekend.

Stop Press from QEL 18.9.9. The celebrations passed off very successfully and a number of letters of appreciation (and donations) have been received from members and visitors who have not been to the centre for a number of years. The weekend was very hard work for all volunteers on site and it's nice to know their efforts were appreciated.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 2009 and so does not reflect events in the 5+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
QRS 40th Anniversary Weekend - Allan Baker - Quainton News No. 102 - October 2009