Locomotive named after Cornish Railway legend visits Cornwall as Lappa Valley celebrates landmark Grand Gala Weekend
A locomotive named in memory of one of Cornwall’s best-known railway figures made an emotional first visit to the county over the weekend, as Lappa Valley hosted its biggest-ever Grand Gala Weekend.
The two-day event, held on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June, saw visiting steam locomotives Mr Hallworth and Spirit of Adventure run on Lappa Valley’s 15-inch gauge Main Railway, signifying a milestone as the first ever visiting locomotives to run on the Main Railway.
Mr Hallworth, which visited Lappa Valley courtesy of Perrygrove Railway Adventure, is named in memory of Tony Hallworth from Wadebridge. Tony was a hugely respected figure in the heritage railway world, inspiring and mentoring generations of railway volunteers through his work across Cornwall and beyond, including at Bodmin Railway.
For many visitors and railway enthusiasts, the locomotive’s appearance at Lappa Valley was far more than a visiting engine taking part in a gala. It was a homecoming.
Spirit of Adventure, also appearing courtesy of Michael Crofts and the Perrygrove Railway Adventure, made its own mark on the weekend. As the largest 15-inch gauge Exmoor-built tank engine ever constructed, it brought further significance to an already historic event and proved a popular sight with families and railway enthusiasts throughout the weekend.
Alongside the visiting engines, Lappa Valley’s home fleet steam locomotives Zebedee, Muffin and Ellie carried a record number of passengers, with thousands of journeys taken across its three railways.
There was also visiting steam on the Lakeside Railway, with Kilgharrah running special services thanks to Kelvin Stapleton. The 7¼-inch gauge locomotive added another wonderful layer to the weekend, giving visitors the chance to enjoy guest steam across even more of Lappa Valley’s railway network.
Among the most eagerly anticipated moments were the parallel runs, affectionately known by many visitors as the “train races”. On Saturday, the bragging rights went to the visitors, as Mr Hallworth and Spirit of Adventure took victory in a thrilling parallel run which drew cheers from the crowds.
On Sunday, Lappa Valley’s own flagship steam locomotive Zebedee teamed up with Spirit of Adventure to take the honours in another memorable race, bringing one of the weekend’s most popular traditions to a suitably dramatic close.
Visitors also enjoyed double-headed trains, non-stop runs, special formations, additional services on the Newlyn Downs Branch Line, miniature traction engines on display across the site, and a packed programme of railway activity.
The weekend ended with a spectacular Grand Finale on Sunday afternoon, featuring every available Main Railway locomotive taking a final bow together. The train was formed of all available carriages making it one of the most ambitious and memorable trains ever assembled at Lappa Valley.
Ben Harding, Operations Director at Lappa Valley, said:
“Mr Hallworth coming to Lappa Valley was incredibly special. Tony Hallworth meant a great deal to so many people in the railway world, particularly here in Cornwall, and to see a locomotive named in his memory running in the county was a very moving moment.
“This weekend was a true homecoming, and we were honoured to play a part in that story.
“It was also a landmark moment for Lappa Valley. To welcome operational visiting locomotives onto our 15-inch gauge Main Railway for the first time in 52 years is something we will never forget. Seeing Mr Hallworth and Spirit of Adventure running alongside our own locomotives was absolutely magical.
“We are so grateful to everyone who came along, supported the event, took photos, waved from the trains, cheered during the parallel runs and shared the weekend with us. Carrying a record number of passengers is not something we take for granted. It reflects the wonderful support we receive from our visitors, members, railway friends and local community.”
He added:
“The Grand Finale was a very special moment. Seeing every locomotive take a final bow with all 18 carriages behind them, surrounded by cheering crowds, was a fitting end to a weekend that celebrated everything we love about Lappa Valley.”
The Grand Gala Weekend followed months of planning by the Lappa Valley team, with support from visiting locomotive owners, exhibitors, volunteers and friends from across the railway community.
Lappa Valley would like to thank Perrygrove Railway Adventure and Michael Crofts for the visit of Mr Hallworth and Spirit of Adventure, Kelvin Stapleton for bringing Kilgharrah to run on the Lakeside Railway, and all of the miniature traction engine exhibitors who helped bring extra steam, character and atmosphere to the weekend.
Lappa Valley is home to three railways, indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play, adventure golf, Frisbee Golf, swan pedalos, a boating lake, woodland walks and family activities, with all main activities included in admission.
