Home»All my photos»2013 Railway Photos»Peter's 70th Birthday Express 18 May 2013

To mark this milestone in my life on the following day, we hired Pete Waterman's fine ex-GWR Observation Saloon for the whole day's steam diagram on the East Lanncashire Railway between Bury, Heywood and Rawtenstall. The beautiful coach has been fully restored and provided a comfortable private venue for 60 family and friends attending the celebration.

Our motive power for the day was the magnificent Gresley N2 0-6-2T running as GNR No 1744, built over 20 years before I was born for demanding suburban work in North London. It performed excellently throughout the day in the hands of Paul McManus and his colleagues.

As I had many other demands on my time, most of the photos in this gallery were taken by my good friend Dave Kilkerr, with a few by myself and Bob Hargreaves.

Our heartfelt thanks for an excellent day go to Laura Duncan, Paul McManus, Irene and John from the buffet department and all their ELR colleagues. Also to Percivals the caterers, Slattery Patissiers of Whitefield for the magnificent 'Crab cake', and Procast for the splendid headboard. Each one of our guests, whose ages spanned nearly 90 years, enjoyed the day immensely. Jan and I are most grateful to all of you.