Once again we took part in the Watercress Line's Morris Day - displays of Morris cars of all ages, plus Morris Dancing up and down the line.
We were at Alton in good time for the 11:20 departure to Alresford, time for a dance or three on the platform, next to the gleaming coaches
but someone's technology was not playing ball...
A final spin before boarding
Up to Medstead and Four Marks, hauled by a GWR-liveried 0-6-0 "Collett" goods loco assisted by Class 33 Meteor in fragonset livery - a "Slim Jim" capable of operating the tight tunnels of the Hastings line. We had to wait at the signals, but when the all clear came, the driver blew the whistle with a jet of steam, answered by the diesel's horn.
Here's the aforementioned diesel (which we left behind at Ropley)
And here's the "Collett" at Alresford (it arrived from the South Devon Railway on 25th June this year).
That's enough of trains for now - were here to dance, in the station yard with the Morris cars.
And we're met by Hobos, who dance turn-and-turn-about with us.
It's great to have enough dancers to do Alton Morris - with a little help from Rosie
it's just one of those dances
Hobos were excellent - good dancing, wonderful music, not just noise and bravado as border sides can be
The other Morris ... cars
Back to action
The trombone adds that je ne sais quoi to the music
We do our best though!
The weather cleared enough to let the hankies fly at the end of the street dance
The cloggies dances to Dale's sung accompaniment
And so, back up the line to Alton, this time hauled by West Country Class Bodmin, and old friend.
Like a dream disappearing into the mist ... we have to hurry off to the Market Square to dance
But there was no one in the Market Square so, after a brief refreshment break, we moved down to the High Street in the middle of the French Market. In light rain, we danced Alton Morris again - you can't have too much of a good thing!
Hobos take a turn
Followed by Beau Knot
Then it's Knickerbocker Glory
Followed by Anstey Mill
The day concluded with the Rose
Which ended with a Mexican Wave - maybe people were thinking about tonight's football!!
So, a very enjoyable day out, despite the damp weather.