There was plenty of excitement last weekend as our very own No. 1 Wroxham Broad took a trip down south to visit the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway for their popular Autumn Gala.

The event, held on 18-19th October 2025, saw Wroxham Broad join the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway’s home fleet for a weekend of non-stop steam action along its famous 15-inch-gauge line between Hythe and Dungeness in Kent.

A Locomotive with a Story

No. 1 Wroxham Broad has long been part of our history at the Bure Valley Railway. Built in 1964 and later rebuilt in 1992 into her current form as a steam-outline 2-6-4T, she’s been a familiar sight on our line ever since. What made last weekend even more special was that this wasn’t her first visit to the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch - she actually spent time there in the 1970s, so it was a real homecoming of sorts!

A Warm Welcome in Kent

The team at Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway gave her a wonderful welcome. The Autumn Gala featured an intensive timetable of passenger trains, photo-runs, and plenty of opportunities for visitors to see all the engines in action - including our much-loved No. 1. Enthusiasts and families alike gathered at New Romney Station to catch a glimpse of her in steam and enjoy the spectacle of so many locomotives running together.

The visit brought together the famous “Three Sisters”. Built as part of the same class, Wroxham Broad, Katie, and Sian shared the rails for the first time in 30 years, delighting enthusiasts and crews alike. The gathering offered a rare chance to see the trio working side by side, celebrating their shared heritage and the engineering legacy that links three railways across the country.

“It was fantastic to have Wroxham Broad with us for the weekend - a lovely engine and a real crowd-pleaser. We’re grateful to the Bure Valley Railway team for making the visit possible,” said a Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway event organiser.

The feeling was mutual! Our team was delighted to see No. 1 Wroxham Broad represent us at such a well-loved heritage railway and help strengthen the bond between our two lines.

Keeping the Spirit of Steam Alive

Events like this highlight the strong sense of community across the heritage railway world. Loaning locomotives, sharing expertise, and supporting each other’s events keep these special engines running - and help inspire the next generation of steam fans.

We’d like to thank our friends at the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway for looking after No.1 Wroxham Broad and giving her such a warm welcome.

She’ll be back on the line in Norfolk soon, ready for more adventures between Aylsham and Wroxham!

Photos and videos from the weekend can be found on our official Facebook page - and keep an eye out for more updates as she returns to service here at the Bure Valley Railway.