Saturday 16th June 2001

This event was run in conjunction with the MG Car and Octagon Car Club. The evening included trips on the Steam Railway from Bodmin General Station, up the new stretch of opened line to Boscarne Junction and to Bodmin Parkway.

	A Jazz band greeted us when we arrived and boarded the train playing throughout the entire evening. The Buffet Car was fitted with a ' licenced' bar, although no Licences are needed to cover the serving of alcohol on trains as long as the train is moving - the same regulations as apply to boats.
We were treated to the sight of the firebox and a full head of steam when our Saddle Tank 'Swiftsure' coupled up to our carriages at Bodmin General Station for the start of our evening on the Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway. Six 'Steam, Jazz and Beer Specials' are run during the year and we were fortunate to be able to participate on this event.
	'Swiftsure' soon attracted a congregation of nostalgia hunters keen to rekindle childhood memories of the 'golden age of steam' by simply standing next to and savouring the characteristic smell that only came from steam railway engines.
That nostalgia could only be sated for some by riding on the footplate for the entire journey! Ron Henderson, the representative of the MG Octagon Car Club spent the entire night shovelling coal and sweat while his partner sat in the carriage - 'Some Date' Jean was heard to comment!
	On our return to Bodmin General Station, we were treated to a Bar-B-Que served by the staff of the Steam Railway. While we ate our meal, the engine shunted the carriages back and uncoupled before moving to the other end of the train for our onward journey to Bodmin Parkway
Our stop at Bodmin Parkway (Main Line) Station coincided with the arrival of a 'modern' train on the adjacent express line, which was greeted with a cacophany of boos and hisses from those on a 'real train'. The New Jubilee Jazz Band struck up once again, to the amusement of passengers on the main line train, and proceeded to play 'The Runaway Train'.
	Our 'powerplant' once again positioned itself at the 'pulling end' and while the Jazz Band played, the beer was flowing freely in the Buffet Car. The quality of the music remained high in spite of the fact that the band positioned themselves at the bar during the journey, they even accepted the request to play 'Ice Cream', a favourite of many Jazz fans.
It was noticeable that wherever the band went, the beer followed and as is always the case when a group of beer drinkers congregate, someone always drinks from the wrong glass. This poor trumpet player can't believe that someone had polished off his drink!
	The evening was a resounding success and one which must be repeated in the future. At £11:50 per head, including food, a wonderful event ensued with fine music and Real Ale from Skinner's Brewery in Truro to compliment the food. The New Jubilee Jazz Band are congratulated for their professionalism and they also provide the music on the Riverboat Shuffles from Falmouth to Truro. Those who missed this opportunity to enjoy a great evening out are strongly recommended to attend the next.