Manning "Matthew Murray" at Middleton...

Paid a return visit to the Middleton Railway, Leeds, yesterday. I was last there in 1974 - things have changed a little... Visit "Middleton revisited" on Geoff's Rail Diaries for a trip up the line, in the company of a fine little Manning Wardle, and a glimpse of the splendid new "Engine House".

Sir Gomer of Shackerstone

As promised, here's the illustrated account of a trip to the Battlefield Line, and our ride down the line in the company of "Sir Gomer".

Visit "Sir Gomer of Shackerstone", the first 2008 entry (what a miserable spring it's been!) on "Geoff's Rail Diaries"

Sir Gomer

Just back from a pleasant little trip to Shackerstone, home of the Leicestershire's "Battlefield Line" - and a ride behind a very fine ex-S Wales NCB Peckett 0-6-0ST "Sir Gomer"
A Rail Diaries entry will, of course, follow in due course...

Little Moreton Hall - Cheshire Contrast

The 15th century moated manor house near Congleton, Cheshire. Click the thumbnail for more photos
Little Moreton Hall
Originally uploaded by geoffspages

Cheshire Contrast

Jodrell Bank
Originally uploaded by geoffspages

It can't be more than a dozen miles from Jodrell Bank to Little Moreton Hall - but the contrast couldn't be much greater. The weather, despite the forecast, provided us with some bright sunshine and blue sky. Follow the thumbnail for more photos

Zodiac clock, Snowshill

Zodiac clock, Snowshill
Originally uploaded by geoffspages

An outing to the Cotswolds - ending with a visit to Snowshill Manor and its amazing collection of - er - collectables... Follow the thumbnail for more photos of the exterior; visit the National Trust's Snowshill page for more information.

Berrington Peacock

Peacock tail
Originally uploaded by geoffspages

Easter Sunday - a cold wind, sleety showers, the sun doing its best to stay behind the clouds... Not a great day for an outing to Berrington Hall, just inside Herefordshire, between Ludlow and Leominster. Nevertheless, there were one or two opportunities for the cameras - follow the thumbnail to Flickr for more.

Steamy old slides

1000, 5690 at Ais Gill
Originally uploaded by geoffspages

I've been scanning some old slides, taken 20 - 30 years ago, when I spent perhaps more time than I should going out snapping the steam specials (haven't bothered so much in recent years - too many people - and trees - and inevitably photos identical to those of many others...)

Click the thumbnail to follow through to lots more steamy old slides on Flickr