Steaming ahead to Coalville

The peripatetic Permanent Way Lodge no. 9951 enjoyed lunch on the Great Central Railway from Louchborough Central station, on this former main-line heritage railway, on Saturday 16th May.

Dining to an exceptional standard on the ‘Carolina’ dining train, the brethren along with partners (including former Head of Worcestershire Freemasons, Bob Vaughan) later headed over to nearby Coalville. Master of the Lodge, Paul Brinkworth, is also a member of Grace Dieu Lodge no. 2428 which meets in the impressive Coalville Masonic Hall, where a warm welcome and buffet supper was provided.

After the meeting, Tom Ingall of the Great Central Railway Trust - and a BBC reporter and presenter - gave a compelling presentation on the incredible work to restore the ‘missing link’ between the Great Central Railway (GCR) and the GCR North. This is a gap of just 500 yards removed by British Rail, a challenge which included reinstatement of a bridge over the Midland main line, repair of a bridge over the Grand Union Canal (both completed), as well as construction of a road bridge and viaduct to replace a missing embankment.

The alms collection raised £400, to go towards the reinstatement fund. An outstanding day! Brethren with the slightest interest in railways would be welcome to future meetings or as joining members!