The East Lancashire Railway is adding a series of premium evening events to its calendar of fine dining, hosted by 60009 Union of South Africa’s proud owner, John Cameron.
Set to take place in one of the railway’s star attractions, the Bury Transport Museum, the fundraising evenings will include a three course meal complemented by fizz, in the presence of steam locomotive legend, The Union of South Africa.
Guests will get to enjoy a specially curated menu, including South African puff puff bites to start with, followed by Cape Malays-influenced coconut chicken with yellow rice. For dessert, the chef has kept on theme again, with a Cape Town tipsy tart with fresh cream, dates, pecan nuts and brandy.
A blend of fine dining and railway history, the event will be completed with a talk and Q&A session with John Cameron.
John Cameron has played a key part in the British Railway Industry. Having been the chairman of ScotRail, a member of the British Railways Board, and even having operated his own railway, Cameron has experience as both a driver and a fireman, and owns a number of locomotives, including 60009 “Union of South Africa.”
The Union of South Africa, a LNER Class A4 steam locomotive, is one of only six surviving A4’s and has been in private ownership since 1967. The iconic locomotive has been on display at the Bury Transport Museum since June this year – in a never before seen extended static display.
East Lancashire Railway Chairman, Mike Kelly, says, “We have enjoyed, over several years, seeing and riding behind this icon of the rails. Now, we’re delighted to extend this opportunity to our visitors to have an insight into the steam legend, speaking to the man who’s been looking after it for over 50 years.”
This is truly a unique experience and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests into the museum – to visit the displays in the day, but also attend our exclusive evening events with John Cameron. All the funds raised will go towards our Buckley Wells Rail Depot improvements.”
John Cameron adds, “I’m really looking forward to meeting some local rail enthusiasts and sharing my experience with the Union of South Africa, and also telling them about my experience in the magical world of British steam. There is so much more to it than seeing the locomotives, which is why we wanted to put these nights on – to allow guests to become fully immersed in the magic of the legends of steam.”
Tickets cost £60 per person and proceeds from this event will go towards the development of the Buckley Wells project, part of the East Lancashire Railway’s development plans for the next 10 years.
The special evenings will run on 12 August, 9 September and 14 October 2022.
To buy tickets or for more information click here or call 0333 320 2830.
