A very wet and wild Whitrope failed to dampen the strong at heart who ventured out to take part in an historic weekend on Saturday last.
The Waverley Route Heritage Associations Annual Open Weekend was at first sparsely patronised but as the day progressed they saw a steady stream of passers by including groups of Motorcyclists and one bedraggled cyclist was offered a newspaper to sit on whilst consuming a hot beverage.
Last year saw the Official Opening of the Heritage Centre by the Rt.; Hon; Michael Moore MP Secretary of State for Scotland and Hawicks very own superstar, Madge Elliot.
The difference this year was Madge was on holiday and the Association had the very first Loco to run on any part of the route since the demolition train in the 1970s.
Members came from far and wide with one couple from Ashbourne in Derbyshire making a day trip to Whitrope to join in the festivities.
The first lady passenger was Mrs Joyce Crooks wife of Chairman Ian Crooks who was not only honoured but well pleased with the experience.
Sunday was by far the better day with folks arriving and enjoying the sunshine between the torrential downpours and the thunder and lighting.
Many a story was told by ex railway workers enthusiasts and WRHA members whilst waiting for the showers to stop so they could explore the newly laid track and other railway works on going.
The Ruston shunter loco which is on loan from our friends at the Rutland Railway Museum performed beautifully and with out a hitch, whilst renovation continues to be carried out on the WRHAs own Fowler Shunter by our engineers.
A great day in spite of the weather and comment was made how good the Viennese fingers tasted.
Some confusion seemed to have arisen when some members of the public arrived thinking that Loco rides were available when in truth, as stated on the WRHA website and subsequent literature, that this was an opportunity to view the first operating locomotive since closure.
The WRHA would like to apologise for any misunderstanding as cab experiences are limited to members only to comply with rail regulations and insurance.
The heritage centre is open to the public at weekends and future operating weekends will be announced shortly.