My Little Boy, Harry, Having His First 'Train Ride'

Harry and I were accorded VIP status last weekend by the three friendly operators of the Masterton Miniature Train Society's 'rolling stock' . . . the little red and black choo choo that circles the lake in the town's picturesque Queen Elizabeth II Park & Gardens.

Jo, the uber-friendly ticket booth manager, insisted on making sure that I and my little guy had safely seated ourselves in a carriage. Nice.

David the Driver (the Engineer?) did the honours on his own mobile phone, making sure the moment was captured (his photographic handiwork is featured here on this page).

And Brendan the Overseer organised a second round of photos when the journey was complete. That's the photo you see on the front page.

These three volunteers are gold. The throughput of excited kids that sunny Sunday afternoon was massive. They worked their tails off. Thanks, special people, for taking the time to make my little boy's afternoon exciting, too. And for ensuring I had a photographic reminder of it.