Steam and Carols on uplifting trip
Railway enthusiast David Thompson (event organiser) and Henry Richie (Train Manager)
John Kelly with Danny Kennedy MLA (Transport Minister) and Catherine Mason (Translink Group Chief Executive) on arrival at Newry.
The steam train stopped at Lisburn to take on water.
ABOUT 20 people from Lisburn enjoyed an evening of carol singing and a steam train journey just before Christmas thanks to the organisation and innovative fundraising skills of Lisburn man David Thompson, a retired banker and ardent railway enthusiast.
The Lisburn folk joined over 200 passengers at Central Station where Cregagh Presbyterian Church Choir accompanied by a hand-bell choir sang a selection of Christmas Carols.
They then boarded the steam train and enjoyed festive refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies as it travelled from Belfast to Newry. On arrival at Newry they were greeted by Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Councillor Charlie Casey and Transport Minister Danny Kennedy, the MLA for the area.
Following the hearty Co Down welcome the high-ceilinged station became somewhat of a cathedral for the night when passengers from the train joined with the choir as they raised the roof during another uplifting performance.
Ulster Star
06/01/2012
