Growing up around Victoria
With one of our crew celebrating his 29th birthday last week, it got us thinking about getting the youngsters involved. Wendy’s eldest, Jack, has just turned 29 and when Wendy and her family first purchased Victoria, Jack was only 5 years old, and Wendy’s youngest, Seren, was only 2 years old, so for them they have always had a life with steam engines.
Wendy says that she is lucky as both of her children have taken to having steam engines around and now they are both able to look after any of their engines as well as anyone else. But not all children follow in their parents’ footsteps when it comes to steam, I think that’s because it can be hard work, long days and you have to give up much of your free time if you want to enjoy the engines.
Wendy is keen to keep the youngeters getting invovled, this is why she takes time to write her fantastic storybooks and talks to all the children she can when we are out with Victoria, Albert and Francois.
Lets keep the younger generation involved or there will be no steam in the world, encourage and involve and we are sure to keep this wonderful hobby alive!
We thought we would share just a few pictures of Wendy’s children, Jack and Seren, growing up around steam.
Jack and Seren at one of our first rallies with Victoria back in 2003, Jack was 6 and Seren 3.
Jack and Seren riding in Victoria's coal bunker in 2003, maybe we should try and recreate this picture!
Here Jack is steering Victoria, he was about 6 years old.
Jack and Kev taking Victoria round the rally field in 2004, Jack again steering.
Jack and Seren checking Victoria's fire at The Weald and Downland Museum, Singleton 2013
Jack with his Dad on the road in 2018.
Jack steering on Garrett "Lady Olivia" on the road in 2015
Jack and Seren onboard Albert in 2025
Jack on the road with our road train in 2023.
Jack on the road steering for a friend on their Marshall in 2021.
Jack and Seren with their Dad, Lloyd, checking Albert over, they are both now able to help with maintenance and repairs.
Jack and his girlfriend, Alice, are now in charge of our engine "Albert", they look after him, clean him, help repair him, drive and steer him everywhere, we as parents just pay the bills!
