“IT’S JUST wonderful to see it back,” was the sentiment expressed by Mid Hants Railway patron, TV gardener and Holybourne resident Alan Titchmarsh as the first steam train in more than a year rumbled into Alton Station on Valentine’s Day – and not just any steam train!
The world’s most famous steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman enthralled all those lucky enough to have tickets for its maiden journey on the Watercress Line – as well as all those gathered on the embankments and bridges to catch a glimpse of the iconic engine.
The greatest crowd, though, was gathered on The Butts green – where hundreds of schoolchildren enthusiastically waved their Union Flags as the Scotsman made a ceremonial first crossing of the new Whitedown Lane bridge.
“It’s just so exciting to have it reopen, we’ve all waited so long,” Mr Titchmarsh said, referring of course to the Mid Hants Railway, now fully open again between Alton and Alresford, and joined once again with the commercial rail network.
“It’s such an important part of Alton, all the way through to Alresford, and it’s been a real hardship at our end of the line to have done without it for so long.
“I know it’s quite controversial to say it, but I actually think it’s quite a handsome bridge too. That the Flying Scotsman is going over it to open the line again is just wonderful, and the fact it’s here for a couple of weekends; it couldn’t be more special.”
Trains continued to travel between Medstead and Alresford for the duration of the works, but the partial closure had a profound effect – with visitor numbers down by around a third last year.
It was therefore important, explained Mid Hants’ joint general manager Liam Kenchenten to “come back with a bang” – and it has cost the railway just under £100,000 to bring the Flying Scotsman to Hampshire. The gamble has paid off, with 6,500 seats to travel on the famous loco between February 14 and March 6 selling at £40 each.
Liam added: “Inevitably, with one of our main stations being unavailable, we’ve seen a dip in visitor numbers. Which is why we want to make such a big bang of this event – so that so we can remind people that we’re here.
“Naturally challenges come up, but everyone’s worked very hard to overcome them. We are an organisation of 600 volunteers, supported by a number of paid staff and it’s all a team effort.”
Mid Hants Railway chairman Richard Lacey added he was “privileged” to have the Flying Scotsman spearhead the reopening, and also paid tribute to the line’s staff and volunteers.
He said: “We’ve had to make endless preparations for this locomotive to be here. If I may, I’d like to pay tribute to all the staff and volunteers on the line who’ve worked so hard to make sure this has happened.”
Also on the platform was East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds. He said: “It is an absolutely brilliant day and such a great way to celebrate the reopening of the Alton part of the line.
“It’s a great attraction, and it brings a lot of people to the town, so it’s really important that people know the whole of the Watercress Line is up and running again. It’s a truly remarkable enterprise, and long may that continue.”
The occasion was particularly symbolic too for Alton councillor Ginny Boxall, whose grandfather Thomas William Jones once drove the Flying Scotsman during the Second World War.
The Flying Scotsman will be available to view on the Watercress Line up to March 8. Details at www.watercressline.co.uk