Whilst Nanna prepares a picnic Chloe and Jamie get ready to see Thomas.
On Sunday we took our three year old granddaughter and 20 month old grandson for a day out to
see Thomas the Tank Engine at the Watercress Line in Hampshire for the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine.
We rushed to get there for 9.45 a.m. because that is the time Thomas arrives. It was a special day at the Watercress Line as Thomas and his friends came to visit and it wasn't long before Little Man spotted Thomas, all smiling. He was overjoyed and didn't stop waving all day.
Thomas has travelled all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a ride with us.
Thomas looked good and Jamie and Chloe were totally convinced it was him. The magic was there.
This Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends chugged their way into our hearts.
Sir Topham Hatt took time away from his busy schedule as Controller of the Railway on the Island
of Sodor to meet James and Chloe and have his photograph taken with them. He also very kindly signed their certificates.
Jamie being introduced to Thomas' Engine Driver - who, to our great surprise, turned out to be Greg, a friend of Grandads!
The ride on Thomas was short, but fun. There are a couple of carriages hooked behind and you get to enjoy sitting in those. All the children loved it, and Dads, and there was a buzz of excitement.
There was a sparkle in children's eyes as they waved Thomas off on his next journey.
Rides behind Thomas take place throughout the day and you can ride as often as you like.
You can also ride behind a "Friend of Diesel" to Alton via Medstead.
Minstead station is very pretty:-
It was a gorgeous hot day and we enjoyed our picnic at the Ropley picnic area overlooking Thomas. It was such fun to watch Jamie and Chloe jump when Thomas kept blowing his whistle.
Little Miss also loved the Bouncy Slide, Tea Cup Rid.e and Miniature Railway in the Picnic area. Everything you see and do is FREE once you have bought your ticket at the Station entrance.
The bouncy slide is just in this photo:-
After our picnic we went for another ride to Alresford Station, about 15 minutes, waving at Rosemary's house on the way. This time we had a compartment to ourselves.
The day flew away. Jamie and Chloe started getting tired, so Caroline headed off home. They were exhausted and dirty (no amount of wet wipes were enough) at the end of the day. Just what little boys (and girls) like!....mummies not so much, but, hey, an extra dose of washing powder and it all comes out.
Some comments on Trip Advisor say the day is rather expensive. We disagree, there is so much to do and the look on James' face when he saw the "life-size" Thomas was worth the entry price alone!
Overall it was a great family day out. The children really enjoyed it. The volunteer staff, thank you Ann and Chris for your advice, were very friendly and helpful and the trains look great. The organisation is fantastic. The Fat Controller who has a chat with you while you wait on the platform and poses for photos was a lovely touch.
Really useful information:-
There is free car parking in a large field next to Ropley station. Signposted off the A31. Then a short walk up a hill to the Station. Inside there is a secure Buggy Park in a Marquee in front of the station (with nappy changing facilities). You can also leave your picnic bags here too to save lifting them on and off trains.
Thomas is in Ropley until 16th August, 2015. I understand he will return in April 2016.
Toot toot toot and off we go......
