A HOST of guests in costume took a trip back in time to the 1940s on Carol and Colin Fuller’s last ever private train hire party, which took place on the Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line last Saturday.

Over the last 11 years, the Medstead couple have hosted around 25 such excursions as a ‘thank you’ to fellow re-enactors who support the railway’s War on the Line and Christmas Leave events, as well as family celebrations, such as their son’s 40th birthday.

But, steaming behind LMS ‘Black 5’ Number 45379 is, according to Mid Hants Railway volunteers, to be the finale.

Keen steam train enthusiasts, in the past the Fullers have owned steam locomotives and various bits of rolling stock and still maintain strong ties with the heritage railway, working from time to time as volunteers at special MHR events and as actual evacuees during school visits.

“Talking to youngsters about the evacuation is a great privilege,” said Mr Fuller.

Their train hire excursions have always been joyous affairs, and this one was no different, as a host of costumed soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, Brownies and Girl Guides joined civilian re-enactors in recreating the atmosphere of the 1940s on board their last private hire train, with music, singing, dancing, and on-board refreshments, adding to the fun.

“As always there was a strong demand for Jelly Babies and chocolate biscuits,” said Mr Fuller, who added: “The sadness of our last ever private train hire was offset by the happiness of those on board.”