Dead Men's Spex Keep Calm and Carry on at The North Norfolk Railway

Hi there

Well we had a great weekend at Holt and the weather gods were incredibly kind to us. I don't know how the organisers of the North Norfolk Railway 1940s event manage it, but every year it is warm and dry.

It was fun to see familiar faces again and we are used to being the most photographed stall - Dead Men's Spex always attract a response whether it be laughter or shudders!

Dead Men's Spex view on the world!

The biggest event of the weekend had to be the shunt; where an engine was derailed as it went to turn round at Holt station. Fortunately it was only a slight derailment as it was going very slowly and was not attached to any carriages. No one was hurt but the fireman and driver were shaken up.  See The Eastern Daily Press  article for more details.

The beleaguered engine 

I heard an ominous clunk but Dead Man was too busy chatting and missed it completely. However, the news soon trickled in from our customers. It caused chaos as it disrupted the running of the other trains, knocked out the electricity in the canteen and knocked down the wall in front of the buffers. However, it was Keep calm and Carry on as you would expect in wartime Britain!

Business as usual - a train leaves Holt for Sheringham after the derailment

Everyone summoned their stiff-upper lips and continued the serious business of enjoying themselves. Luckily we had our sandwiches and flask with us, I was a Girl Guide in my youth, - other people were less fortunate and had to ages wait for their picnics!


Well that's all for now, Mrs Deadman