Click here for the 1945
naming
Following the completion of the restoration, Wadebridge had her
renaming ceremony at Bodmin General station on 29th October 2006, just two days
short of the 61st anniversary of the original naming ceremony. This time the
Mayors of both Bodmin and Wadebridge officiated.
Click on the images for a larger version.
Cllr Nick Saunders, Mayor of Wadebridge (back to camera) and
Cllr Lance Kennedy, Mayor of Bodmin are almost lost in the huge crowd that
turned out for the renaming.
Photograph © Andrew Chalmers-Stevens
The locomotive was on the 2:00 pm service from Bodmin General, returning at
2:45 pm when the renaming ceremony was held. Following a speech by the
Wadebridge Chairman, John Butcher, the new nameplates, magnificently made for
us by Roger Franks of Iron Brothers in Wadebridge, were unveiled by the two
Mayors to loud cheers. Dave Mitchell, the Wadebridge Engineering Director, made
a short speech and blessed the engine and Keith Searle, a Director representing
the Bodmin and Wenford Trust, made the final speech. The train then left for a
trip down to Bodmin Road and back, after which WADEBRIDGE retired to the
shed after a good day's work.
"Out of the mists of time". WADEBRIDGE heads
her train into Bodmin General station.
Photograph © Robin Pearn |
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The covered nameplate before the ceremony
Photograph © Andrew Chalmers-Stevens |
Wadebridge Town Band plays for the occasion.
Photograph © Robin Pearn |
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Wadebridge Chairman John Butcher chatting with the Mayors
Photograph © Robin Pearn |
John Butcher making his speech.
Photograph © Julie Butcher |
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The Mayors of Bodmin and Wadebridge draw back the Cornish flags
to reveal the nameplate.
Photograph © Paul Mallett |
Then stand back to admire the engine.
Photograph © Julie Butcher |
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Keith Searle makes a short speech on behalf of the Bodmin and
Wenford Trust.
Photograph © Paul Mallett |
The two Mayors chatting with John Butcher and Dave Mitchell.
Photograph © Paul Mallett |
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The unveiled nameplate after the ceremony
Photograph © Rupert Coomber |
The Wadebridge Town Band and Mayor, Cllr Nick Saunders at the
back, pose beside "their" locomotive.
Photograph © Geoff Vaulkhard |
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Shannon Richards, the Band's youngest member, presents a
bouquet to Bodmin Mayoress, Mrs Sandie Kennedy.
Photograph © Geoff Vaulkhard |
There are no larger versions of the above two
photographs. |
Below is a clip by John Stubbington of the
Mayors' speeches and the unveiling of the nameplate from the renaming
ceremony.
If you have a pay-as-you go dial-up account you are recommended to click on
the first link, though the second link is, of course, the better being larger,
but does take a while longer to download. |
| Video R1 (approximately 1.98 mb wmv file) |
Video R2 (approximately 4.50 mb wmv file) |
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directly to this page, please follow this link to the main site.
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