On Saturday 13th July, the Swanage Railway Sygnets embarked on an adventure to the Isle of Wight Heritage Railway.
A group of 20 Sygnets, along with Leaders and parent volunteers set off from Southsea, boarding the hovercraft to Ryde. Our adventure continued as we transferred to the Island Line, making our way to Smallbrook Junction. Here, we transferred again onto the Isle of Wight Heritage Railway, where a day full of history, engineering, and fun awaited us.
Our first stop was the carriage works. We saw first-hand the craftsmanship that goes into maintaining and restoring the vintage rolling stock. Next, we explored the Train Story Museum, a treasure trove of railway history. The exhibits and interactive information boards brought the rich history of the Isle of Wight’s railways to life.
A highlight of the day was the guided tour of the engine shed. Our guide walked us through the process of repairing and overhauling the locomotives. We were interested to see several engines in various stages of restoration.
As the day ended, we headed back to Ryde where we enjoyed fish and chips by the seaside before heading home on the hovercraft to the mainland.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Isle of Wight Heritage Railway for hosting us and providing such a memorable experience. It was an educational and inspiring day that left a lasting impression on all the Sygnets. We’d also like to thank our Sygnets, whose enthusiasm and impeccable behaviour were a credit to the Railway.
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