Photos: -
Below [above left] we picture Janice, Chris and Graham waiting the call.
[above right] Question time for Pete while Dick Hardy puts some posers to him
A happy group - Eddie seated and (from left to right) Pete, Janice, Graham, Chris and Dick Hardy.

The footplate examinations of new firemen and drivers took place on 13th October 1985. Our independent examiner, Richard Hardy, expressed a wish that he would like to have Metropolitan No. 1 for the important day. So, at 8 o'clock, on a fine Sunday morning, our five examinees were all busy cleaning, oiling and making Met. No. 1 ready for the road. To make the day more interesting I sought the services of a guard, so that the vintage train could be used.

About 11.30 am there was a full head of steam and all was ready for the exams to begin. With the lamp on the engine, the staff in the cab, Mr Hardy said "Ladies first" - so, with Eddie Ives as fireman, Chris Tayler as shunter and Janice driving, we set off to pick up the stock. The testing time had started.

The rest of the day was taken up by the other candidates, Eddie acting as fireman all day.

All agreed it was a very interesting day and our congratulations to the new drivers: Peter Bradbury, Janice Uphill, Graham Tyler and Chris Tayler - and to our fireman: Eddie Ives.

Many thanks also to our guard: Ken Manton.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1986 and so does not reflect events in the 25+ 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:
Class of '85 by Reg Uphill - Quainton News No. 59 - Spring 1986