Larkrail 2026…

What have I let myself be roped into here then!?! Larkrail 2026, a thoroughly enjoyable day talking to many of you, catching up with old friends, putting faces to names and enjoying meeting several new wonderful individuals - a rather fantastic experience and well worth the journey…

Hosted by the warm and generous Simon Castens at his home, I drove down on Friday and after dropping the layout off in the shop so it didn’t cook during the day met up with Mick and Yvonne at Simon’s for a spot of lunch. Lovely to meet such friendly warm people, with a real connection to Iain after working on the book. The evening saw my good friend and business partner Steve arrive despite buckled rails to help setup before joining us for dinner at Chez Castens.

Myself, Jerry, Simon and Clinker on Friday night at close of setup. Thanks to Steve for the photo!

Saturday started early after a tough night with very hot temperatures. I’ve never met such a wonderful group of people in a few short hours. The day started well when Matt (builder of the Lebanese layout, who was also a Bath local) suggested coffee!

Matt’s wonderful layout set in Lebanon.

As the throngs began to arrive and the queue for Cameo’s extended so many familiar faces and some new ones all wanting to talk and what a gift, a superlative filled day in that manner. Simon sold so many books he had to go back and pick up fresh stock, and I talked so much I nearly missed lunch.

Pete’s shades of Lochdubh…

As the day wore on new faces continued to appear, old customers and potentially new ones spending a few moments longer to talk as things calmed down. Towards the end of the show blog regular Tom offered, or was perhaps ‘forced’ into taking the helm and who then encouraged some members of the audience to get involved. Fantastic energy for the hobby, from all, but the conversation with Tom was one of the highlights. Thanks you for the book too, Tom!

Llanastr, the OG.

Simon’s evolving sewage works.

My Manning Wardle on Will’s lovely Rye.

Come half four and the whole thing was wrapped up in an hour and a half and we were sat in the pub beer garden and the good conversation continued into the evening. Especially good to meet Will in person - a younger chap I hope to encourage into authoring something in due course. Later Pete and Tom, both familiar faces were good company along with Matt again - whose energy and creativity I found very infectious too… back to Simon’s with Clinker for some dinner and a well deserved rest.

Coalbridge Street looking all grown up, on Friday evening.

Today we’re off to see Jerry and the cohort staying with him for a brunch before people head for home. I however will be back at Simon’s where we hope to do some work on the railway, if it’s not too hot, and have a relaxing afternoon before I head back home on Monday.

If I saw you and haven’t mentioned you, I’m sorry. I valued each and every conversation yesterday. I could barely talk by 4.30pm! Great you could all make it, I hope you enjoyed the show. My first Larkrail, probably not my last. Until next time, more soon…

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