A4 owner is set to host special dining events at Bury museum
JOHN Cameron, the owner of LNER A4 Pacific No. 60009 Union of South Africa, is to host a series of fine dining events at the East Lancashire Railway’s Bury Transport Museum where his locomotive is currently on display.
The fundraising evenings include a three-course meal complemented by champagne, in the presence of the 1937-built locomotive that John bought from BR in 1966.
The events will be completed with a talk and question-and-answer session with John.
ELR chairman Mike Kelly said: “We have enjoyed, over several years, seeing and riding behind this icon of the rails.
“Now we are delighted to extend this opportunity to our visitors to have an insight into the steam legend, speaking to the man who has been looking after it for more than 50 years.
“This is truly a unique experience and we are looking forward to welcoming guests into the museum to visit the displays in the day and also attend our exclusive evening events with John Cameron.
“All the funds raised will go towards our Buckley Wells Rail Depot improvements.”
John 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 heritage railway, the Lochty Private Railway, John has experience as both a driver and a fireman and owns several locomotives, including No. 60009 Union of South Africa.
Sharing the magic
He said:“I am really looking forward to meeting some local rail enthusiasts and sharing my experience with 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.”
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.
The special evenings will run on August 12, September 9 and October 14. Tickets cost £60 per person.
To buy tickets or for more details, visit www.eastlancsrailway.org. uk/summer-holidays-at-the-eastlancashire-railway/ or telephone 0333 3202830.