Report on Highley to Hampton Loade Outing, Nov 1st by Paul Francis

HIGHLEY INFORMATIVE…

An informal record of the first outing in the Out Here project, on a crisp Nov 1st.

A memorial to the miners who worked in this area, descending from shafts at Highley and Alveley, which were linked by a passage beneath the river.

Like pin-ups and crab, rock can be dressed or undressed. This, we were reliably informed, is dressed.

River high, muddy path. But two weeks ago, it was really dry. Or so Dave says.

Looking back from Alveley to Highley, across the valley. Note the golf course.

Pumpkin-coloured logs, sliced from alder. (According to the guy with the chainsaw.)

Dave takes the opportunity to get writing advice from a real professional.
(You may not know that Anna Massey drops in for tea at Tom’s?)

The train arriving at platform One, Hampton Loade…(I’d like to have included a photo of the roaring fire in the waiting room, vividly described in the outline of the tour. Unfortunately…)

A carriage for sorting mail, one of the coaches from the train involved in the Great Train Robbery. (Which was also showing video footage of Auden’s Night Mail).

Paid for with many euros of regeneration money, the Engine House at Highley is trainspotter heaven, but also has a pleasant café and balcony with a view

Many thanks to Dave for a great day, much enjoyed by all. Paul F.