On Sunday 19th Nov 2000 around 45 members of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's workforce, led by ace travel courier and Commercial Director Jim Loe, travelled to the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex to see our two Terriers in action at the 'Memories of the LB&SCR Weekend'. Jim had negotiated a very favourable deal which enabled us to travel in style by luxury coach, arriving Sheffield Park at around 1130am. A slight delay to the train service caused by the temporary failure of a train in the Kingscote section allowed plenty of time to explore the loco shed and view the many historic engines on display including the Terrier 'Fenchurch', its overhaul including return to near original class A1 appearance almost complete, and the Adams Radial Tank. The delay also allowed time for many to quench their thirsts at the Bessemer Arms!

Eventually W8 'Freshwater' steamed into view, piloting our old friend, E4 'Birch Grove' at the head of a rake of vintage Southern coaches. For most of our party this signalled the start of an afternoon of travel on the Bluebell's metals behind our own Terriers plus the Bluebells 'Stepney' and 2678 from the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Other engines in steam for the occasion were the SECR 01, West Country Pacific 'Blackmoor Vale' and, on station pilot duty at Sheffield Park, B4 tank 'Normandy'.

By mid afternoon it seemed as though the entire staff of the Island's Steam Railway had descended on Sussex, in addition to those on the coach trip there must have been another 15 who had arrived by other means, making this our biggest social event off of the Island for many years.

As the afternoon wore on, many of the Island contingent crowded the platform at Horsted Keynes to witness the climax of the days service - the departure for Kingscote of the 'Terrier Triple Header' featuring W11, 2678 and 'Stepney'. Then the heavens opened as we headed back to Sheffield Park behind 'Blackmoor Vale' in a train including one time Island resident, the Pullman car 'Fingal' - unrecognisable without a gaping hole in its side - for some final refreshments and the opportunity of seeing the Triple Header arrive in near darkness.The superb atmosphere was savoured as the Terriers headed off for the Loco Shed and disposal, the glow from their fireboxes reflected in the puddles on the platform.

All to soon it was time to board the coach for the return to the Island, reaching Havenstreet at 8.00pm, almost twelve hours since our original departure. The day was a magnificent success, bringing together staff from all departments of the Railway. Rumour has it that the trip was so good that there is a plan for another awayday in the spring - watch this space!