Good luck, Rupert.
I took my husband for a day out on the Severn Valley Steam Railway for their spring gala, and wish I hadn't. Although the main carpark was full I went up the drive because I wanted a disabled place but there weren't any and nowhere to turn so I reversed quite a long way with people walking round me all the time and another car edging closer and closer because he wanted to get past. My parking sensors were going berserk which is why I didn't realise there was a low wall behind me until I hit it. Just as well I was going so slowly.
We ended up driving round trying to find somewhere to park, which ended up quite a way from the station and had to walk back (wheel in my case). We just managed to miss our train so had to wait for the next one. The ramp on was so steep my chair wouldn't go up it so I had to walk while the chair was man-handled (it's a power chair so very heavy). Good journey there with some nice people in the guard's break with us who went to the buffet to get us drinks. Again I had to get down the ramp on foot because of the steepness. When we got to Kidderminster we got off to have a wander round the station and get a coffee only to discover it was two hours before our return train so we got back much later than we expected. Long walk back to the car park which seemed to have moved so we did a round tour of Bridgnorth before meeting someone who could direct us. Went to use the disabled toilets only to have someone open the door while we were in there - the lock didn't work. This happened twice. Finally back in the car and drove home via the local chippy.
On the plus side, the dog had a whale of a time because he had lots of fuss made of him and was told he was handsome, gorgeous, clever - all sorts of compliments. He doesn't usually get that because he's usually working as a guide dog.
Relaxing now. Next time we go on the steam trains it will not be on gala day!!
