Thomas the Tank Engine - 80th Anniversary Celebrations - updates
19th-21st September - a weekend of celebration for the whole family.
To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the very first publication of the Thomas the Tank Engine Books. The Revd W H Awdry lived in Rodborough. The community of Rodborough village are hosting a weekend of entertainment and activities for both adults and children.
Friday 19th Sept 7:30pm: St Mary Magdalene Church, Stroud, GL5 3TX
an evening with Stuart Butler called “The Fascination of Railways”. This entertaining show will feature social history contextualising the Reverend's books as well as music, song, audience participation, and famous poems such as Night Mail.
Saturday 20th Sept: multiple family activities from 10am until 4pm as follows………
Retrace Revd Awdry’s connections with our community by attending the guided walk, participate in our own Thomas trail, have a go at driving the Thomas themed electric train layout, listen to a Thomas story being read and you may even meet Sir Topham and Lady Topham Hatt!
You can also join Chris Beckett and add a piece of glass into her fused glass art that is being made for our new community centre, or the exhibition being hosted by Remembering Rodborough showing links to our past history of the local railway and Revd Awdry, or look at the art work exhibition in the church by local schools and Rodborough WI.
Saturday 20th Sept 7:30pm: St Mary Magdalene Church, Stroud, GL5 3TX
we are delighted to welcome the daughter of Revd Awdry, Veronica Chambers who will be talking about “The Thomas the Tank Engine Man”.
Sunday 21st September: 2:30pm St Mary Magdalene Church, Stroud, GL5 3TX
Revd Peter Francis with be concluding the celebrations on Sunday with an afternoon family church service celebrating “Thomas the Tank Engine our Rodborough Church celebrity”.
The above events will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church, The Old Endowed School and within Rodborough village.
Tickets for each talk are available online from Ticket Source. Tickets cost £7.50 each and online bookings will be open from 9am on August 1st.
Tickets for “Fascination of Railways” talk
Tickets for “The Thomas the Tank Engine Man” talk
Refreshments will be available at both evening events and refreshments and home baked cakes will be served throughout Saturday by the Rodborough WI.
We look forward to seeing you all whether you are a train buff or just keen to support this event.
If you feel that you could offer some help at this event, please contact Jane Chamberlain on 07866 773291 or chamberlain491@gmail.com
The Awdry window St.Mary Magdalene Church, Rodborough