Monday, September 14, 2009

Fandom in the Midlands

L.G.C. Smith

Fan girls evolve. What we love changes through different stages of our lives. Last week, the Leezlet, age 3 ½, and I, age mumbledyflump, each got to indulge our deepest passions. The Leezlet got to meet Thomas the Tank Engine in person at Drayton Manor Theme Park near Tamworth, Staffordshire. I visited the early Anglo-Saxon stone carvings at the priory church of St. Mary and St. Hardulph at Breedon-on-the-Hill in Leicestershire and I attended one day of the St. Wilfrid conference at York Minster.




Thomas the Tank Engine


We were happy, happy Fan Girls.


There’s not really much to tell. The expression on the Leezlet’s face as she anticipates her first ride in Clarabelle, one of Thomas’s coaches, captures what both of us felt to a tee.




The left photo is of the interior at St. Mary and St. Hardulph, and the right one is of one of the sculptures. The church guide says it is probably a woman because the head is covered. I love her. :)

4 comments:

Sophie Littlefield said...

Oh - I *so* wish I was there with you guys! That picture in Clarabelle is the best :) Keep tearing up the countryside, you two.

Adrienne Bell said...

Oh I know that look. My boys had the same one when they met the 'real' Thomas for the first time. That train does something magical to kids, I swear.
Keep these pictures coming. They're wonderful. :-)

Unknown said...

I wish I was there too!! Absolutely love the pic in Clarabelle. And, I'm glad you are having fun but we miss you!!!

L.G.C. Smith said...

I miss all of you, too. Tomorrow is another train ride. Settle to Carlisle. Should be lovely. These dales are beautiful. Ruined castles. Old churches. Racehorse gallops. Stone walls. Thick grass. Friendly people.