HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country near Liphook has opened its doors for the 2018 season today (Good Friday), and will remain open over the Easter weekend.
Hollycombe’s team of committed volunteers have been indebted to some winter work carried out by a team of students from Highbury College, in Portsmouth, who gained valuable work experience during the Student Volunteers Week 2018.
The team of public service students were taught how to lay ballast and over the course of two days completed a 75m track section of Hollycombe’s narrow-gauge railway. They also helped clear the ground around the base of the steam-powered Tidman Galloping Horses.
The students were led by public services tutor Dave Allen, who said: “The work placement was a great opportunity for our students to develop their employability skills. The students were given tasks to achieve, either individually or as part of a team, which allowed them to work on their team building and leadership skills.
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Hollycombe Steam in the Country manager Simon Wildgust said: “After only two days, and lots of physical exertion, a very neatly laid section was finished off.
“The students have all been offered the chance to come back as a thank you for all their hard work to experience the narrow-gauge railway from Easter onwards – we’re sure our visitors will be impressed with their efforts.”
The team at Hollycombe are looking forward to the Easter opening.
“It’s always one of the highlights of the year when we raise steam for the first time,” said Simon.
“Many of our rides are unique, including the world’s oldest white-knuckle ride, the Razzle Dazzle, and oldest mechanically-operated fairground ride, Mr Field’s Steam Circus. For our volunteers, seeing the smiles on visitors’ faces after enjoying these Victorian and Edwardian survivors makes all the long hours of conservation worthwhile.
“We look forward to seeing our regular visitors and welcoming new audiences too. Over the Easter weekend we have an Easter Trail, with the Easter Bunny also making an appearance on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
“Hollycombe’s gardens will have plenty of spring colour with camellias, magnolias and early flowering rhododendrons all in bloom.”