CORNISH STEAM PREVAILS
While Storm Darragh was battering the UK in early December, the only train services running in Cornwall on the 7th were theBodmin Railway’s ‘Santa by Steam’ specials. Despite the force 11 winds, a track inspection was passed and passengers braved the conditions to ride behind GWR Small Prairie No.5552, whose services ran to time. Bodmin’s publicity officer Jimmy James praised the railway’s efforts, saying:“ A dedicated,largely volunteer, workforce with a contingency plan can achieve a lot when required.” No.5552 is pictured alongside Port of Par 0-4-0ST Bagnall Judy at Bodmin General on December 10, during the heritage line’s first ever Christmas market event.