Memories of steam vicar 30 years on
STEAM enthusiasts are planning to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of popular parish priest the Reverend Teddy Boston.
Remembered on his gravestone as manager of the Cadeby Light Railway, Rev Boston died on April 1 1986 aged 61.
Some of his most prized engines are still in steam and his portly figure will remain familiar for posterity within the pages of the famous Thomas the Tank engine books.
A friend of author the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, Rev Boston was immortalised as The Fat Clergyman in Awdry’s book Duke the Lost Engine.
He ran a narrow gauge track around the grounds of The Old Rectory in Cadeby, where he was vicar, and built a large model railway in a shed near his house.
The quirky collection, which also featured larger steam engines, was opened monthly to the public even after his death, until his widow Audrey moved and sold much of the stock.
Now steam enthusiasts and Teddy Boston fans are working to restore and reunite his beloved pieces for a weekend rally at the Great Central Railway’s Woodhouse Station in Quorn, on Saturday and Sunday August 13 and 14.
The event is being co-ordinated by the railway’s business development manager Michael Stokes, who used to live in Cadeby and now owns the late vicar’s steamroller Thistledown.
Teddy’s traction engine, still owned by Mrs Boston, and other narrow gauge locomotives and stock from the original Boston collection will also be there.
In addition, present-day parishioners will be welcoming visitors to Cadeby Church with a flower festival and steam-related displays.
It is planned to show projected cine films featuring Rev Boston and to have refreshments served in the church hall.
A Celebration of Teddy Boston in Cadeby will be held on August 13 and 14 to coincide with the steam rally and will end with a service of thanksgiving to be led by Rev Boston’s nephew, the Reverend Jonathan Boston.
To find out more about the steam rally call Mr Stokes at Great Central Railway on 07710 934788.