Crofton Beam Engine Drive out day & Picnic Sunday 25th May 12 o'clock

Crofton Beam Engine in Steam & Picnic from 12 O'clock onwards
25th May (Sunday)

We are planning a picnic at Crofton Beam Engines, which are in steam this bank holiday weekend. These are the old steam engines that pump water up the canal at the Kennet & Avon canal at Crofton near Great Bedwyn.
See http://www.croftonbeamengines.org/

They steam up these old engines every bank holiday, but use electric al all other times of the year, to maintain the level of the canal for the locks as this area is the highest area along the canal.

They charge £8 for adults but for a group of 10 or more it is reduced to approx £6 or £6.50. Children are free.
They have a field to park in at these busy weekends, we can picnic by the buses or take our picnic over the canal. The beam engines have a nice tea room too, and a small bar with local brews.
There is the canal side to explore, Wilton Water - you can walk to the local pub in Wilton which takes 30 minutes, and the main attraction are the beam engines themselves.

There is also possibility to meet at the Chalkhill Blue pub on the A303 junction for a cruise over the downs to Crofton for those that want it.

Going:
Helen & Carl

Can you please put your name down or give ideas of numbers by Friday for the beam engine organisers. Thanks.

Ron and Linda going.

Did speak with Brian in Basingstoke tonight and his guys are going to Gary's picnic in Stratford I think he said but Brian will pass onto his club should anyone wish to tag along, more detail will follow from them should they wish to join us.

Ron

Should be okay for this one
cheers
owen

Sorry guys, but I cant make this as i'm in the Whitchurch Beer Race on Sunday 

We are coming to this,
Weather looks ok for Sunday,

Hi all
I am keep an eye on the weather and hoping Sunday will be ok-ish. If we need it we can always suggest a wet weather pub coffee or lunch idea for after the beam engines.

But in the meantime don't forget to prepare and bring your picnics. And pack them next to your brolly and suncream.

Sadly I am working again. Am looking forward to catching up with everyone at stonor

Hi all, 
Just had a chat with Carl, seems mad for him to drive over to Andover to drive all the way back when the Venue is only a. Few miles from his place, SO, for those going from Andover, Daz, Lisa and family, Owen, Linda and I, would it be suitable for us to meet at Chalkhill blue at say 11am ish and meet up with Carl and Helen at Burbage Garage, OR, does everyone want to make there own way to Burbage Garage ? Maybe convoying with meet is a very bad bet eh lol, if I don't here back from those travelling tomorrow then see ya all at Burbage garage. Pre 12 am

Ron

See you at Burbage petrol station 12 oclock.

We have friends coming over tomorrow so dont think we will be around as we are going up to Finkley.

Got the van booked in for MOT Tuesday too and desperately need to give it a service Monday it's well overdue  

Apologies Daz, I was sure I seen a post to say you were going, maybe just my age getting the better of me, have a good weekend and hope the MOT goes well, I have a spare pair of hands if you need any help,,,let me know mate

Ron

FAO Dave and Erna may be a little before 12 if you can.

Will try to get there earlier.

Had a fab day with all the guys and Gals, Joe and Terry and the Doggies, what a lovely day we had, met up at 12 at Burbage, convoy to Crofton, scary single roads but fun, parked up and had a tour of the Station which was very very interesting and what a lovely setting, set up a picnic area and had Lunch, a very nice spread indeed followed by chill out time in the sun, was a little Breezy however the sun was shining all day which was Great. We then travelled  a few miles to the swan pub and again chilled in the Garden, that was once all the onlookers asked there questions and were amazed at the Buses, what a very good day.
Many thanks to Carl and Helen for all the Organising of this event.Hope all got home safe, at least i made it today without the aid of a low loader lol, bus drove awesome today.

enjoy pics

Ron

Ps Thanks to Carl and Helen and Mum, Owen and Mel and the boys woof woof, Dave Erna Joe and Terry, Keith Sara and Adam ( awesome Mini ) Linda and Myself for a lovely day, Bring on the next venture,,, today was a huge success.

   

Thanks to everyone for coming to enjoy a gorgeous day at Crofton in Steam and the AK bank holiday picnic.

I shouldn't ever say this on a vw forum but I particularly enjoyed sitting in Adam's mini clubman estate. It took me right back to my first mini and what a well restored little mini you have.

The weather did us well and we had sun all day. Already looking forward to the next trips - club night Friday, Stonor next weekend and New Forest camping soon after. Your pics rock this week Ron, I must try harder but here are ours anyhow:

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

[img][/img]