Awdry Extravaganza 2025

Especially for Wilbert Awdry and those of the Talyllyn Railway

I once again returned to Wales for the Talyllyn Railway's yearly Awdry Extravaganza. For those who may not know, the Awdry Extravaganza is a weekend long railway gala held by the Talyllyn Railway to celebrate the life and work of the Rev W. Awdry, author of The Railway Series. 

This was to be the last Extravaganza for a while, and considering that it was the 80th anniversary of the books featuring Thomas and his Friends, the railway really went all out. With a plethora of new events, special guests, and visiting engines, this was truly gonna be an extravaganza like no other.

Travel

My weekend started on the Wednesday. I took the train up to Dublin to stay the night with my friend Peter, as we had an early start the next morning. We arrived at Dublin Port for our ferry at 7.30am, where we met the rest of our group. This was my first time on the ferry to Wales, and it was a very pleasant trip.

We arrived at Holyhead Port, where we caught the train to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we visited the first heritage railway of our trip, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. We then boarded the train for Penrhyn on Double Fairlie No. 12, David Loyd George. From there, we took one last train to Tywyn, where we checked into our accommodation.

Day 1

{The Handover}

An early start to the Extravaganza as we rushed to Wharf Station to collect our day tickets and catch The Handover ceremony, where Wilbert Awdry's daughter, Veronica Chambers, would give a speech officially opening this year's event. While here, we walked around the Wharf, having a look at what was going on, and caught up with old faces.

Myself & Veronica Chambers

{Awdry Exhibition}

My first event of the weekend was the Awdry Exhibition. This was a showcase of Awdry's original workings, official props used in the show, and much more. On display was a massive layout of Maron Station with engines such as Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, and others running throughout the weekend.

Just opposite were some large scale props which were used for close up shots and interacting with the large scale narrow gauge characters. Alongside these were some of Awdry's original models of Thomas, Edward Ainne & Clarabel, which he built himself to run on his layouts. Plenty of information and behind the scenes photos were on display at the exhibition, with some never before seen materials making an appearance.

We had no other events scheduled for the day, so we decided to catch a train to Abergwyngregyn, pulled by No. 7 dressed up as Ivo Hugh. We had a great attachment to this engine since it is a heavily overhauled Andrew Barclay that worked in Ireland for Bord na Móna.

When we arrived at Abergwyngregyn, we got some shots of the engines passing and pulling into the station before checking out the other exhibition. This exhibition had more props and behind the scenes materials on display, along with two of Awdry's original layouts, engines running and all.

Day 2

{Hike}

Day two started with catching a train, pulled by Numbers 1 & 2 dressed up as Albert and Gerry, respectively. We took the train to the end of the line at Nant Gwernol. From here, we watched the engines run around for the return train before hiking up to the abandoned Bryn Eglwys Quarry.

{The Talking Train}

In the afternoon, I had a ticket for a special talking train with a live guided trip of the line, speaking of the history of the railway and its connection to Wilbert Awdry and The Railway Series. Our host was none other than railway historian Tim Dunn, who presented an in-depth and lively insight into the Talyllyn Railway.

Day 3

{Rusty's Line Inspection}

On the last day of the Extravaganza, I boarded the Rustys Line Inspection charter pulled by No. 5, Midlander, dressed up as their Railway Series counterpart, Rusty the Little Diesel. This was a special train as Midlander, had been recently restored to running order only a few months beforehand.

{Photo Charter}

The Photo Charter was the last event of the weekend. A special train up the line, giving people the opportunity to capture shots of the engine, recreating photos from the Railway Series. No. 3 dressed up as Sir Handel had the honour of pulling the last train of the weekend, marking the end of five years of Extravagazas.

Grand Finale

To mark the end of five years of Extravaganzas, a grand finale was organised to get as many people as possible to gather with the engines for one last photo. As the engines were being shunted into place and the crowd began to grow, the atmosphere got more and more ecstatic, from chanting the engines' names to singing, topped off with a grand send off of whistles from the engines, it was like nothing I've ever experienced.

Post Awdry

{The Vale of Rheidol Railway}

Following the weekend, my friends and I made our way to the Vale of Rheidol Railway at Aberystwyth. We checked out their railway museum, which had a plethora of engines on display, before taking a train pulled by No. 7, Owain Glyndwr, to the end of the line at Devil's Bridge high up in the mountains.

{Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway}

On our last day in Wales, we paid a visit to the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway. Unfortunately, no steam engines were running this day due to the ongoing heatwave for fear of trackside fires, but we did get to check one out in their display shed. We took the train pulled by No. 17, Diena, from Welshpool to the end of the line at Llanfair Caereinion and back.

A great way to finish off the week by visiting two other heritage railways with so much history and merit in their own right.

Conclusion

And that wraps up the last Awdry Extravaganza for the foreseeable future, and what a weekend it turned out to be. I want to give a massive shout out to the Talyllyn Railway, its events organisers Luke Ryan & Daniel Long, along with all the volunteers, for creating such an incredible event. With people coming from all over the world to see this iconic railway, celebrating all things Awdry, it really goes to show all the love and attention that went into these events, and I think we can all say there is nothing quite like it! 

{Vlog}

Once again, I decided to vlog my trip to the Awdry Extravaganza on my Quirky Productions YouTube channel, and I have attached the link below if you would like to check that out. It features a lot of footage I couldn't fit into this blog, so check it out if you'd like to see more of the Talyllyn Railway.

Vlog: https://youtu.be/gOGrCzntpX4

"Stay Golden"

-Trev

*TALYLLYN RAILWAY LINKS*

If you'd like to check out the Talyllyn Railway, I have provided links below to their website, and if you can, please consider donating to help keep the wheels running on the railway with a heart of gold.

Website: https://www.talyllyn.co.uk/

Donate: https://www.talyllyn.co.uk/support/donate/

Marriage Equality Referendum - 10 Years On

Especially for those who fought for the rights of equality

May 22nd, 2025, marks ten years since Ireland voted overwhelmingly in favour of Marriage Equality. This was a landmark step forward for gay rights in Ireland, a country that had only decriminalised homosexuality 22 years earlier. Today, in honour of the 10th anniversary, I am going to discuss the referendum, how it came to be, and life after the historic Yes Vote.

How It Happened

After the Stonewall Riots of 1969, the gay rights movement had gained a new life worldwide, and Ireland was no exception. Following the long fight for the decriminalisation of Homosexuality in 1993, Senator Katherine Zappone and Dr Ann Louise Gilligan officially began the fight for marriage equality in 2003 by advocating to have their Canadian marriage recognised in Ireland. The Civil Partnership Act of 2010 established rights for civil partners similar to rights of married couples and was seen as a stepping stone towards marriage equality. 

After the 2011 general election, Ireland not only saw the first openly gay TDs elected to the Dáil, but the new programme for government included potential changes to the "Provision for the legalisation of same-sex marriage." The issue was considered in 2013, where it was decided that the state should be required, rather than just permitted, to allow the marriage of same-sex couples. 

However, any changes to the constitution must be agreed upon by the Irish people, meaning a referendum would have to be called. In December, then Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that a referendum would be held "no later than mid-2015." 

Campaign

The campaign had begun. Key figures included David Norris and Panti Bliss, alongside many organisations and political parties. The referendum was set to be held on May 22nd, 2015. People flocked back to Ireland in their hundreds to secure the Yes vote, many of whom had left to seek more inclusive lives. 

The No Campaign heavily fell back on the argument that a child should have a mother and father, which was not only a separate issue from the vote, but is one I feel most people would agree that, as long as a child has responsible and caring parent or gaudians, it doesn't matter what genders they are.

I don’t remember much from the time of the referendum, but something I do remember is asking my family how they were going to vote. For some reason, as a child, I had a very real fear of hell, despite not being very religious, and over the years, this fear would be a big part of my OCD. Some of my siblings jokingly said they were going to Vote No, and I thought they were serious. But when they said they were actually going to Vote Yes, despite feeling anxious that something bad would happen to them, I was secretly relieved.

Result

The result was an overwhelming Yes Vote. With a turnout of 60%, the final result was 62% to 38%, with over 1,200,000 voting in favour of Marriage Equality.

Ireland officially became the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriage through popular public vote. Considering that Ireland had only decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, this was a huge milestone, and in my opinion, this vote was the turning point for Ireland, forever changing the world's perception of a nation once strongly rooted in old fashioned religious morals to one of acceptance and inclusion.

There are little to no referendums I have seen that sparked as much joy as the Marriage Equality Act. Watching back on archived footage following the Yes results is simply heartwarming. To see people cheering and dancing across Dublin, with nearly every street full of colour, is just incredible.

Coming Out

I wouldn't come out myself until 2019, four years after the referendum, after years of constant inner battles with myself, trying to convince myself I wasn't gay. When I finally came to terms with my own sexuality, the relief nineteen year old me felt in finally accepting myself was incredible, a relief I can imagine that one would have to go through themselves to fully understand.

Being a gay man has not always been easy, especially in rural Ireland. Being out isn't all pride and rainbows, like what is often portrayed. But I have no doubt that no matter how tough it may be, I am 100 times happier being out and honest with myself than I ever was or would be had I stayed in the closet. 

Conclusion

I was lucky to come out in a world much different prior 2015, 1993 or even 1969, however, the LGBTQ+ Community still face many challenges today. Several countries are regressing in their LGBTQ+ laws, Trans people being used a political cannon fodder and Trump, with his loud following spreading misinformation and hatred about those in the community. The fight for equality may never truly end, but as long as there are people who are willing to fight for what's right, good will always prevail. 

To those who faugh for our rights such as David Norris, Panti Bliss and the countless campainers, from the young closeted teen to the openly queer man I am today I thank you for fighting all those battles so that I may live in an Ireland where I don't have to hide my sexuality or campaign for the right to marry the person I love. 

To those in the closet or struggling with their sexuality, take your time. Coming out is something we have to do at our own pace, and there will always be someone to listen to you.

"Stay Golden"
-Trev

*Supports / Helpful Links*

LGBT Ireland: https://lgbt.ie/

Number: 1800 929 539

Belong To: https://www.belongto.org/

Number: 01 670 6223

National Gender Service Ireland: https://nationalgenderserviceireland.com/

Number: 01 211 5045 

GenderEd: https://www.gendered.ie/

Number: 01 873 3575

Transgender Equality Network Ireland: https://teni.ie/supports/

Number: 01 873 3575

Britt Allcroft

Especially for Britt Allcroft

A sad start to 2025 as it was announced that Britt Allcroft, creator of the "Thomas The Tank Engine" TV Series had passed away. It was so surreal to hear that the woman who created my childhood had passed away so suddenly, even while writing this blog it still feels like it's not true.

Many of you will be familiar with the show "Thomas The Tank Engine" but perhaps not as many of you will know of the late Britt Allcroft. She was an incredible woman who had such a fascinating life so today, as tribute to Britt, I want to tell you about the life and journey of this extraordinary entrepreneur.

Who Was Britt?

Britt Allcroft (born Hillary Mary Allcroft Coote) was born in West Sussex, England, in 1943. At the age of 16, she changed her name to Britt as she began to venture into the media world eventually becoming a TV & Radio Producer working for companies such as the BBC, ITV, and PBS. In 1979, while working on a railway documentary, Britt was introduced to the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and fell in love with his books, "The Railway Series" about Thomas and all his friends.

"It really didn't take me long to become intrigued by the characters, the relationships between them, and the nostalgia they invoked," Britt spoke to Awdry keen to bring his stories to life, but Awdry was hesitant after a few failed TV adaptations prior meeting Britt, however, he was eventually convinced and Britt went about acquiring the rights.

Thomas The Tank Engine 

In 1980, Britt Alcroft co-created what would later be known as "The Britt Allcroft Company" with her then husband, and over the next four years began raising funds to create Season 1 of "Thomas The Tank Engine", including remortgaging her home to produce a pilot episode. She collaborated with director David Mitton to film Season 1 with model engine props equipped with working eye mechanisms and smoke units all filmed on large sets the size of a household garage.

After scoring celebrity talent with Ringo Star as the narrator, the first two episodes of "Thomas The Tank Engine" aired on British TV on October 9th, 1984. The show was an instant success and in the years following would have a total of 24 Seasons and thirteen movies including a theatrical movie release. 

Wilbert Awdry, David Mitton, Britt Allcroft

Success

Under Britts guidance, "Thomas The Tank Engine" went from strength to strength as she began marketing the show in other countries. In 1989 Thomas was introduced to its American audience through a new show called Shining Time Station", which would go on to win a Daytime Emmy Award that same year. Japan also fell in love with the little blue tank engine and following its introduction in 1990 it was another roaring success. 

Thomas had become a household name. Toys were plentiful across many ranges such as ERTL, Wooden Railway, Motor Road & Rail, and VHS tapes galore. In 1996 Britt Alcroft was approached by Paramount Pictures to write a script for a "Thomas The Tank Engine" Movie. After releasing Season 5 and a change in financial backers, a Thomas movie was green-lit and production began on what would become "Thomas And The Magic Railroad".

Thomas and the Magic Railroad

"Thomas And The Magic Railroad" was released July 14th, 2000 scoring big celebrity involvement including Alec Baldwin, Peter Fonda, and Mara Wilson (child star of Matilda). Britt Allcroft even had a role voicing a new magical engine named Lady. The movie became a passion project for Britt which went through many drafts and rewrites before its release showing Thomas on the big screen for the very first time.

However, Magic Railroad was not a success, receiving a 4.2/10 score from IMDb and a 21% rating from Rotten Tomatoes. The movie was not well received by fans and critics due to several aspects and would go on to change the general perception of the franchise. Britt, as writer and head of the company, would unfortunately be held accountable for the movie's failure. 

Post Magic Railroad

Following "Thomas And The Magic Railroad", Britt was forced to stand down as head of her own company but was kept on as an executive producer and later script consultant. When Britt stepped down "The Britt Allcroft Company" was renamed to "Gullane Entertainment". While the general perception towards the show was changed, the toy sales flourished thanks to the movie keeping the franchise afloat, this would be the pattern for years to come.

Gullane would go on to make season 6 and season 7 of Thomas The Tank Engine with a spin-off series "Jack and the Pack" while also acquiring many other TV licensees such as Fireman Sam, Sooty, Art Attack, and others. In 2002 "Gullane Entertainment" was bought out by"Hit Entertainment" which later dissolved Gullane. It was during this transition period when Britt Allcroft resigned from her remaining roles and from this point on would have no more involvement with the show.

In the years following her departure, Britt would keep a keen eye on the show and would voice her opinions on the various reboots the show faced. Even as recent as 2021 she would express her disappointment towards the "All Engines Go" rebrand, and how it simply wasn't Thomas.

An Unlikely Fandom

In 2023, a Documentary was created by Brannon Carty called "An Unlikely Fandom" which explored the impact that "Thomas The Tank Engine" had on children and adults alike. Britt Allcroft took part in this documentary being interviewed by Carty where she spoke of her time with the show and discussed why the franchise was still so appealing to people 40 years on.

During the premiere of "An Unlikely Fandom", Britt made a surprise appearance in which she received a roaring welcome from fans. It's heartwarming to think that the love for Britt and her work never faded and that she received such a gesture from the adults she helped raise.

Between taking part in the documentary, appearing at the premiere, and her warm reception to her fans, this was perhaps the most significant interaction Britt Allcroft had with the fandom she created and is a lasting testament to who Britt was as a person.

A special thank you to Brannon Carty for allowing me to use his work in this blog. A talented director and thanks to whom we got to hear and interact with Britt Allcroft in her final years and for that I say thank you, Carty. I highly recommend checking out his work on his platforms where he posts behind the scenes from the "Unlikely Fandom" documentary and his work with Britt.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlikelyFandom

Website: https://www.unlikelyfandom.com/

Conclusion

It was thanks to Britt Allcroft that children across the world ever got to see Thomas and his friends on their screens. Without Britts involvement it is unlikely Thomas would have gained the success it did or garner the audience it has today. She thrived in a male dominated industry and created a show that could teach lessons to children and adults alike.

As a child, I loved "Thomas The Tank Engine", even as an adult I still have fond memories of "Thomas The Tank Engine". There is just something about the all model production that Britt and David created that really fascinates me. The show has created so many memories for me from watching countless video tapes and building track layouts all around the house. It also holds a special connection to my late nan who I loved very much as a lot of my early memories are with her and playing with my trains.

Britt, I want to thank you for all the love and attention you put into creating a show that kept me grounded and provided a space I could turn to as a child with undiagnosed autism. The memories I hold between me and my nan I will hold dear for the rest of my life and I have you to thank for that. We were very lucky to have someone like you in this world who created a show that influenced so many children and gave them a sense of entertainment, wonder, and comfort.

"Sometimes, all it takes is a little train engine, and the spirit of the child within us, to see the beauty in our lives, and hope that we can always find it there"

- Britt Allcroft

Dedicated to Britt Allcroft

1943 - 2024