Heritage railway enthusiasts enjoyed a rare treat today (17th May) as a heritage steam locomotive chuffed through the Petersphere.
The Hampshire Hills Lunchtime Tour – hauled by ex-LNER B1 class 61306 Mayflower – set off from West Brompton in south west London this morning before taking part in an historic photo shoot alongside Brooklands Museum, Surrey, to mark exactly a hundred years since the world land speed record was broken on the now defunct motor racing circuit.
Thank you to all who made our re-enactment of the F. Gordon Crosby painting of the 350hp Sunbeam racing a steam locomotive possible. 🏎@BrooklandsMuseu, National Transport Trust, South Western Railways, @Beaulieu_Hants, @LondonBusCo & Talbot Darracq Register.
— Steam Dreams Rail Co (@Steam_Dreams) May 17, 2022
📸 Jack Boskett pic.twitter.com/lqfte87jj2
Continuing down to Woking, Winchester and Fareham, it greeted us in Petersfield at around 12:50pm. Those dining onboard were served a three-course meal.
After passing Liss and Liphook, it arrived into Platform 3 at Haslemere where a water tanker awaited.
In this special programme, Harrison RB, Jo Gray and James ‘the Captain’ Birdseye meet the crew including the engine’s driver and fireman and Head of Passenger Services at tour operator Steam Dreams, which is based in Guildford. Our reporters Alison Glasspool, in Liss, and Stephen Martin, in Tilmore, speak to fellow trainspotters.






A view of the Mayflower passing through our area between Tilmore and Sheet. pic.twitter.com/YXJarx9Ctl
— Petersfield’s Shine Radio (@shineradio) May 17, 2022
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I did propose before we got to Woking; and Nickie said yes. Then a few more cocktails at the Slug and Lettuce, and we staggered home. Our wedding is on September 23rd at Highcliffe Castle 😊
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Wonderful news… thanks so much for letting us know! btw that’s where I went to school – what a coincidence! Lots of love Jo – was lovely meeting you both & being a tiny part of your special day xxx