Steam fans pay tribute to Rev Teddy
SMOKE and whistles filled the air outside Cadeby Church as steam enthusiasts gathered in gleaming vintage vehicles to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the Reverend Teddy Boston.
Rector of Cadeby from 1959 to 2016, Rev Boston was famous for running the Cadeby Light Railway around the grounds of The Old Rectory and a large model railway from a garden shed.
Friends with Thomas the Tank Engine author the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, he was the inspiration for the Fat Clergyman in the children’s book Duke the Lost Engine.
For villagers, many of whom still remember him with affection, he was also a much-loved parish priest.
On Saturday, his widow Audrey took to the wheel of her late husband’s favourite agricultural engine Fiery Elias before laying flowers on behalf of those gathered at his grave outside the parish church of All Saints.
A handwritten message on the arrangement of red, white and green flowers and foliage read: “Teddy, thank you for all you did in the traction engine world, from all at the Market Bosworth and Cadeby SteamUp.”
A moment of silence was followed by ear-piercing whistles of respect from the assembled procession.
As well as Fiery Elias, the parade included Thistledown, a former Leicestershire County Council steam roller which once belonged to Rev Boston, and a steam wagon which took Audrey to the church for her wedding to Teddy in 1974.
The popular parish priest will be commemorated with a weekend celebration at Cadeby Church entitled Full Steam Ahead! on Saturday and Sunday August 13 and 14.
It will include a flower festival, with arrangements inspired by Rev Boston and his engines, displays of Boston memorabilia and archive film footage, and refreshments served in the grounds of The Old Rectory.
A 6pm Sunday service of evensong, open to all, will be led by Teddy’s nephew the Reverend Jonathan Boston.
Donations will be collected towards church funds.