Cranford: buy the DVD! See the Locomotive!

I hope you all had a good start into the New Year. I was shovelling snow, so at least my New Year’s resolution “more sports!” was up to a good beginning…

What can you expect for 2010 on “Joyful Molly”? Well, for one, it’s the COLLINGWOOD YEAR – though I’m usually more for celebrating people’s birthdays than the dates of their deaths, I’ll make an exception of Old Cuddy.

There will be book reviews, all kind of naval-related information, odd and fun things dating from the 18th century – many interesting tidbits have collected on my desk, so it should be a fun ride for everybody.

Let’s start with the information that the BBC’s bonnet-drama “Cranford” (see my review) is already out on DVD. You can buy it on Amazon, just click the cover below.

“Cranford” takes us back into a time of great change; the railway was both amazing technological achievement and threat, a great adventure to some, incalculable danger to others. There’s something particular fascinating about steam engines, and it’s so good to see the many enthusiasts who keep this important part of our heritage intact and preserve it for future generations.

All technical and historical aspects aside: when it comes to the railway, I’m on the same page with my grandfather: steam engines rock. Move over, ICE, ACV and Shinkansen, we’re talking about  the real thing here!

Locomotive Bellerophon, used in the BBC bonnet drama "Cranford" and luckily still operating! See the Bellerophon in Staffordshire (lads not included).

Regular readers of this blog will very likely think of the Battle of the Nile or Trafalgar upon hearing the name “Bellerophon”, but not only Captain Darby’s li’l bum boat carried that name. The wonderful locomotive you can admire in “Cranford” is also called “Bellerophon”, and you’ll be happy to know the BBC didn’t blow her up for real.

Nigel Brazier, the driver of the “Bellerophon”, left a message on JM:

As an aside you might like to know that the railway scenes were all shot at the Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire. The locomotive used is Bellerophon which was built in 1874 so is 30 years too young in reality, but looks reasonably accurate for all that.

I had a look at his blog and the website to go with it, and I can only recommend that you pay a visit to

FOXFIELD RAILWAY (website)

UNOFFICIAL BLOG

The Foxfield Light Railway is one of the UK’s earliest heritage railways. The line was built in the 1890’s and unlike many lines which follow valleys, the Foxfield Railway maintains a 5 ½ mile round journey which boldly crosses open moorland, hills and woodland. This results in spectacular sounds and sights as the locomotives climb the steepest gradients as trains steam through Scenic North Staffordshire to terminate in the remote woodland halt of Dilhorne Park which offers one of the finest un spoilt views across the open moorlands where very little modern life can be scene…

And what’s the best thing about it?

The railway is staffed by volunteers and trains operate every Sunday and Bank Holidays from Easter until Christmas. We will also be running summer mid week steam train on Wednesdays from 22nd July to 26th August. Special trains for groups can be arranged for other times and the railway is available to hire for corporate events.

So if you’re looking for a great day out, that’s the place to go. You’ll also support a great cause, and slowing down in our hectic times is always a great thing. Two thumbs up to the people who keep the Foxfield Light Railway alive – choo-choo-choo!