SWANAGE RAILWAY'S FIRST ALL FEMALE DRIVER AND FIREMAN TRAIN CREW ON 7th SEPTEMBER 2007

News Item and Press Release from Andrew P.M. Wright
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright unless otherwise acknowledged.
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History has been made on the Swanage Railway with the first ever female driver and fireman working passenger trains on the relaid Purbeck Line.

Andrew P.M. Wright has supplied nearly 50 photos of this historic event involving resident LSWR Drummond M7 0-4-4 tank No. 30053. To see the full set of photos, please scroll down the page.

Passed fireman Annie Mitchell of Poole and Pat Platt of Langton Matravers of Swanage worked the 4.30pm from Swanage to Herston, Harman's Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden park and ride on the Friday of the Swanage Railway's autumn steam gala.

Their locomotive was Victorian-designed M7 No. 30053 which was built at Nine Elms in London during 1905 and was returned from the USA to the Swanage Railway in April, 1987.

After returning to Swanage with their train, the pair worked an empty carriage stock (ECS) train back to Corfe Castle where Annie and Pat left the stock in the goods yard - shunting the rake under the dramatic ruins of the Medieval castle.

The M7 then stood in the 'down' platform at Corfe Castle waiting for an 'up' train - steam operated because of the gala - from Swanage to arrive while Annie Mitchell and Pat enjoyed a cup of tea.

After returning to Swanage with their train, the pair worked an empty carriage stock (ECS) train back to Corfe Castle where Annie and Pat left the stock in the goods yard - shunting the rake under the dramatic ruins of the Medieval castle.

After the 'up' train left Corfe Castle, the M7 returned to Swanage light engine.

The Swanage Railway always welcome new volunteers - both male and female - in the operations department. For details, contact volunteer co-ordinator Mike Whitwam on 01929 475212, 01929 422555 or 07831 385926 or email 'volunteer@swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk'.