This is the stories of IVOR THE ENGINE. yes children he really did exist. He lived not far away from Seligor when she was a little girl, and I know that my three brothers and sister were great fans of this little ENGINE CALLED IVOR. Of course, in Welsh the name Ivor is written as Ifor, which is pronounced Evor, all very strange. But then so is my Seligor.
I do hope you enjoy these little stories. You might know of Oliver Postgate, it was him who wrote the book's as well as many other cartoon characters that you see around today. I know I have an idea.

   Chapter Two

Well what did you think of Ivor the Engine, I was wondering if any of you have been on the little train that goes up Snowdonia in Gwynedd North Wales. It's not far from Blaenae Ffestiniog where the Coal mines are open to the public as well. I remember my first visit with the school. I do believe you don't have to dig for coal now, that you can pay for your ride into the caverns.

So where were we, oh yes singing the wheels on the bus with Tilly and Toby and oth Candy and Sweetie hiding under the car blanket, cos the noise was so bad.
"Toby, how much further is it to Llangollen, it looks an awful long way in this map book?"
"That's because it is a big scale, that's all." Toby grinned. "We will only be about another ten minutes and then you will be able to see the town."
"Oh gosh, I am so excited. I love to see the old steam engines, all those puffs of steam going up into the clouds, oh it's beautiful Toby, really beautiful."
     Tilly leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes to the beautiful scenery that they were diving through, she was soon dreaming of Ivor. Toby carefully steered the Land Rover, making sure not to go over any big bumps. On his left the trees were growing tall and he knew that it wouldn't be long till they hit the T junction.
      And there it was right to go towards the Horseshoe Pass, and left to go into the town of Llangollen and the railway station. He indicated to go left, they would be going back over the Pass but not until they had seen Ivor the Engine.
They were going to be early and Toby was pleased because it meant they could eat their picnic that Tilly had put together and take Candy and Sweetie for a quick walk and a wee!
Tilly woke up just as Toby pulled into the layby by the park. Putting the leads on the dogs, then picking up the poopper scooper and some paper they went through the gate and along the path were the bins were to dispose of any accidents.
Then when the dogs had enjoyed a small walk they went into the main park and sat a a table to have their picnic.
      "Oh yummy," Toby said as Tilly started taking all good things out of the basket. Toby reached acroos and opened the flask. It all looked just right and would you believe it, Tilly had even made sure to add some spare chicken and good things, (chewy stuff) for the dogs. Their tails wagged like mad and candy even had the cheek to bark at a little Snoopy dog, left his own picnic and wanted some of his chicken. little divil. .
       "What time is it Toby, I remembered everything else but forgot my watch." She laughed.
 "Time we were putting everything away I think. Come on you two," he said to the dogs. "Back to the Land Rover with you." It wasn't long till the dogs were back in the vehicle and Toby had found a parking place near to the railway line. Soon they were sitting on the platform  waiting for mid-day to arrive and Ivor the Engine with it. Tilly bought a couple of postcards so they could send some to their friends in England and Sara Salt up in Scotland.
Do you like them, here is one of Ivor the Engine and how he has been rebuilt so the children of today can see him for real again.

Although at first sight this is a side tank loco, it is in fact  a typical Peckett saddle tank but with cosmetic side sheets built down to the running board.
 With additional whistles and other details, this permits the loco to masquerade as the fictitious
 Ivor the Engine– M&LRTC Ltd signifies Merioneth Llantisilly Rail Traction Co. Ltd. &
 Following a complete refit and overhaul the loco is a lively performer despite her size.
 
You must all know that Thomas the Tank Engine also has a special Train made up to look just like him. he comes to Llangollen alot as well. I used to love the old steam engines, but it is 50 years since we had lots here in the UK. Diddily takes both of her dog;'s down are old railway track for their daily walk. Well they walk with her Peter while I ride on my posh wheelchair. It's a wee bit bumpy but it's a beautiful walk... / ride (hehe)
This is what it looks like now, maybe not so green as this was taken a couple of years ago. It has all been relaid now, which I love because I missed going for my walks.

I think that this is quite a good place to stop for tonight, because....
...     On their way back home that went through the famous Horseshoe Pass, and something happened that was not what they expected at all.... However I will show you another one of Tilly's Postcards.... I will hopefully be here tomorrow. Take care Diddilydeedot.xxx

I really don't fancy them riding their bikes down the pass, but I really hope that they are not going to ride back up. oh dear me... dangerous that you know!

Sara was so excited, she could see the balloon in the  sky.
"Hello Sara" shouted Tilly. "You look like a little flea from up here." she laughed.

"Who have you got with you?" Sara shouted back.
"This is Toby Bucket, he is my best friend from Wales."

The air balloon landed in an open space.
 Tilly made sure it was tied safely to a tree stump after she had turned off the burner.
Sara thought the air balloon was really lovely.

Toby began to fetch small baskets and then a large box out of the balloon's basket. Tilly began to lay the picnic out on the grass.
Just look at all the good things they had bought with them.

 

It was quite a big box.  Tilly had to open the basket door.
Sara wondered what could be inside it.   
Toby dragged the box onto the grass and pulled up a panel at one end. Sara's eyes grew wide in amazement as out trotted two little sheep.

Sara was so happy, now she had friends for her pet cows

We must say goodbye to Sara now children.

"Goodbye Sara."

"Goodbye Tilly."


"Goodbye Toby, I hope we see you all again soon."

"Goodbye Children where ever you are, goodbye. xxx