Steam along to the unveiling of plaque to Thomas the Tank engine's author (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Trains in Box Tunnel inspired the Rev W V Awdry's The Railway Series
1:00pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in News By Craig Jones
Mike and Fran Ralli, who own Lorne House in Box, with the plaque commemorating the Rev W V Awdry, best known as author of the The Railway Series books featuring Thomas the Tank engine
Children will be steaming along to Lorne House, in London Road, Box, on Saturday afternoon for the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine on Saturday.
The Rev Wilbert Awdry, who lived there between 1920 and 1928, will also be there for the event, which starts at 2.30pm.
The house was known as Journey’s End when Mr Awdry lived there, until he was 18, and he was inspired to write The Railway Series as he heard steam engines powering up the hill at the nearby Box Tunnel from his bedroom at night.
During the event at Lorne House, which is now a bed and breakfast, Mr Awdry’s son Christopher will talk about the story of Edward’s Day Out, while daughters Veronica and Hilary will talk about their father’s life.
For more information, call Lorne House on 01225 742597.