Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway

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The Princess Royal visits the SWLP & LCLR


Tuesday 25th April 2017

Royal Flight Sikorsky S-76-C-2 Helicopter G-XXEB at Skegness Aerodrome on Skegness Water Leisure Park, carrying the Princess Royal on an official visit to both the Park and the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway at Walls Lane, Skegness. She was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and Directors of the SWLP before being escorted to the railway.

Princess Anne chats with the LCLR`s Peter Balderston as they walk to the railway, accompanied by Ian Ellis, John Chappell and the Lord Lieutenant.

(Photo - John Raby)

LCLR volunteers are presented to The Princess Royal on the station. Line up left to right Richard Shepherd, Dave Enefer, Peter Balderston (with back to camera), Jim Smith, Mick Allen, Chris Bates and Mike Newbold.

(Photo - John Raby)

Jim Smith explains some of the history of the line.

photo - Claire Smith

Chris Bates MBE, our train guard for the day with Mike Newbold, our FaceBook editor.

(Photo - John Raby)

After meeting the volunteers the Princess and her party choose to take a ride in the Ex Ashover Light Railway carriage, rather than the open ex WW1 carriage due to the unseasonal inclement weather.

(Photo - John Raby)

After the train ride Princess Anne speaks with driver Paul Walkinshaw.

Photo - Dave Enefer

After her visit to the railway the Princess was taken on a tour of the Skegness Water Leisure Park before formally opening the sites new Reception buildings. A view of her helicopter with the LCLR Walls Lane station in the background.

Photo - Dave Enefer

Return to the airfield as goodbyes are said. All at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway wish to thank the Princess Royal for honouring us with her visit.

Photo - Dave Enefer

The helicopter takes off into a blue sky above our ex GNR somersault signal.

Photo - John Raby

Video - John Raby