RODBOROUGH prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the Thomas the Tank Engine series.

‘The Three Railway Engines’ was published in 1945 and features the now well-known Edward, Henry and Gordon.

Thomas actually first appeared in the second book.

During the first weekend in October, The Old Endowed School will host a train themed celebration.

We are looking for photos and memories of Dudbridge railway station and the Dudbridge ‘Donkey’.

Readers may remember the circus arriving at Dudbridge and the remarkable sight of elephants and camels parading up Dudbridge Hill.

The Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his wife Margaret spent many happy years in the Parish of Rodborough.

Rev Awdry died in 1997, not living to see the completion his specially commissioned window in Rodborough Church, featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and poignantly, Wilbert himself, shutting the train shed door

On Sunday, October 4, a unique church service will see the participation of donkeys dressed as train characters!

We understand that some of this will be filmed by the BBC to be used in a commemoration Songs of Praise programme.

Remembering Rodborough can be contacted by email at rememberingrodborough@gmail.com or by phone on 01453 752159.

We will also be at ‘The Coffee Pot’ at Rodborough’s Old Endowed School on Wednesday, August 19, from 10-12, with our photo history archive and coffee and cakes.

We welcome all visitors and would love to share any memories.