The weather was set fine for the day and we had agreed to meet at Rutherford’s for an 11 o’clock breakfast. Far too late for me so I arrived around 10.15 and ordered the standard breakfast which is superb value at £4.75 including coffee and bread with butter. Ivor and Sylvia as pillion arrived next with the new engine, a Honda Deauville. Then came Beano and Kate chugging along with trailer in tow followed by Annette in her diesel engine. Sue steamed in on her trusty steed shortly later. A young lady called Mandy parked her push bike in line with the bikes so a great photo opportunity, providing the parents agree.

(sorry, unable to publish picture, child and data protection, etc, etc. - webmaster)

Martin puffed in next with Clive in a smoking Bambi in his traditionally late style on the timetable.

Five machines left around midday led by Beano on the shunting engine with his tender in tow only to meet a whole load of traffic but we carefully filtered past the slow moving traffic. We soon hit the A370 southbound and we picked up steam heading for the site.  Once we were within shunting distance the track was blocked due to the flood defences being built so the lead engine turned around and we headed for Langport as directed by the signal man standing duty. It was so funny to see Annette going the other way to us! However once we came over a bridge with a river below Sue pointed left and I stopped as did Ivor expecting the lead engine to turn around. I had more faith in Sue knowing the way! However after a considerable wait of about 10 minutes with no sign of Beano, a local man carrying a stoker’s spade directed us through to Langport and on to Muchelney.

Ivor and I arrived on site to find Steve, Kev and Linda already set up in their box wagons and Annette pegging out the canvas. Clive and Martin left after finishing their stoking breakfast in Weston and they arrived next. Where the heck are Beano, Kate and Sue? Obviously they took the wrong track! However we were soon all on site. Martin was soleless so Kev took the opportunity of selling him some boots for just a tenner. Bargain!

Once sorted and all set up the boules contest started. I was a miserable looser this year.

We grouped together and enjoyed the warm sun and started drinking. Linda needed loads of liquid obviously as Kev went out for more! Ask Linda about that one! Steve set up a smoking area which changed in function as a picture shows!

Merv and Shirley arrived by car to a sad story about their dog, as did Nigel and Mary to tell us all about the waterworks.

Sue lit up the barbeque and Steve took on the role of chief stoker and cook. Everyone mucked in and the table bulged with plates, cutlery and salads. The entertainment was provided by Clive, Sue, Kate, Merv and Nigel. Kate has improved dramatically and has the most beautiful voice. Sue sang as accompaniment to add volume to the vocals. Merv did several solos, one of which had vocals stating petrol at £1.50 a gallon. Those were the days!

Chatter continued well in to the night in the barn. It was a great way to spend the summer evening with friends in a superb facility.

The following morning arrived early with the dawn chorus and a threat of rain.

However Annette and I managed to pack up dry and head back to Weston. Thank goodness for her SatNav! It only took thirty miles to get home compared with the forty miles under the leadership of Beano! The rest stayed on site to chill out and enjoy their time on site.

Overall yet another superb one nighter which has become a regular annual occurrence as the atmosphere is great and we all mixed so well together. Many thanks to Clive and Sue for setting it all up yet again.