Superheros at the Hampton & Kempton Railway
by Douglas Dick
Sunday 20th August was a very big Day in the calendar of the Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway – if you weren’t there, you missed out! Not only was it Superhero’s Day but we also had a visit from the Mayor of Spelthorne, Councillor Vivienne Leighton and her Consort Christopher Leighton. The Sun smiled, Banana Woman presented the free tickets-to-ride for Superheroes of all types – Batman to Superman, Cat-Girl to Wonder-Woman, a veritable Cornucopia of Superheroes; so many for a mere mortal, such as your unworthy scribe to comprehend. Captain America (Am I right in that designation?) and his Dad look like they are looking forward to their ride: But we must not neglect the Superhero of Spelthorne, the Mayor Cllr. Vivienne Leighton, Certainly rivalling the youngsters with her smiles and asking probing questions; first we see her with Colin Clode (in the middle); Chairman of the Metropolitan Water Board Railway Society, and on the left, Consort Christopher Leighton. The topic of track gauge (which is 2 feet or 610mm) and ‘rail size’ and which came first the steam engine or the track, and which is more ‘difficult’, was much discussed. The three stand in front of the Ticket Office officially inaugurated less than two years ago by the then Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr. Mark Francis, which was also reported in the Shepperton Matters. Next came a visit to the Kempton Steam Museum and a brief tour of the Great ‘Triple’ Engines lead by the Bernard Chorley, Chairman of the Kempton Great Engines Society. After tea beside the Great Engines the Mayor returned to the Railway to enjoy the special treat of footplate ride on “Darent”, our 1902 Steam Locomotive. And can you be surprised at the broadness of the smile? It is not just little boys who dream of being an engine driver!
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