BGRA Logo

Butterley Garden Railway Association


2023 King Charles III Coronation Weekend

Someone said, "How about a Steam and Cream Day", then someone else suggested, "What about on Coronation Day", then we all said, "GREAT IDEA .... LETS DO IT".

Mike agreed to cook the scones, some delicious strawberry jam was bought, after a short debate about the best flavour, and Clotted Cream was ordered from Devon. We agreed to buy some Union Jack bunting and various flags were recycled from previous celebrations.

Many of us decorated our trains and Alan even made a Royal Coach and we all just wished for good weather.

The weather forecast for the Coronation was horrendous but we are far from London. As the day arrived the forecast was overcast with heavy showers but as it turned out, it was very warm, very sunny and overall perfect.

The excellent weather and big turnout prompted a huge number of photographs. I counted over 80 and at least two videos. A Brilliant day.

Joe, Mike, Alan and Elliot took the photos.

(Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th May 2023)


Some of these photos, in high quality, can also be seen on the BGRA Instagram Page or other BGRA Social Media Sites.


Mike and Elliot's Photos

Saturday 6th May


Decoration setup

A small group got in on Saturday to set up the decorations. (Mike's photo)

Decoration setup

Many thanks to everyone. (Mike's photo)


Sunday 7th May


Elliot's photos

Colin's Lilla pulling mixed goods.

Elliot's photos

Joe chats to Tom in the sunshine.

Elliot's photos

Joe and Elliot run a double headed express.

Elliot's photos

Two Roundhouse Millies have a great run.

Elliot's photos

Joe's red Millie leads Elliot's Green Millie.

Elliot's photos

Another show of double heading as Joe runs both of his Roundhouse Berties.

Elliot's photos

Chairman Alan concentrates on something. But can you see what? More below.

Elliot's photos

Flags everywhere.

Elliot's photos

Sidings full.

Elliot's photos

Everywhere looking colourful.

Elliot's photos

A great day for photos.

Elliot's photos

Joe lines up a shot. One of many taken this day.

Elliot's photos

There was much buzzing but great photos from Alan's drone.


Alan's Photos


Alan's photos

Alan's drone takes some great photos from an unusual angle.

Alan's photos

The day was very sunny.

Alan's photos

And surprisingly warm.

Alan's photos

Our members had a marvelous day running and relaxing.

Alan's photos

But where were the public?

Alan's photos

MRT ran a DMU but ther was no bunting and few passengers.

Alan's photos

So the public must have stopped at home. Well we weren't going to share Mike's scones and clotted cream anyway.

Alan's photos

Eric steams up his Alco.

Alan's photos

Sidings busy.

Alan's photos

A great view of our layout.

Alan's photos

Mike and Glenis tackle some of the weeds.

Alan's photos

Alan's respendant Coronation Coach.

Alan's Video of the Day part 1 (2:44 mins)

Alan's Video of the Day part 2 (1:16 mins)


Joe's Photos


joe's photos

Tom's reliable old Mortimer.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Mike's Tal-Y-Llyn rounds the corner from the back loop.

joe's photos

Joe's Black Bertie.

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

Mike's Dolgoch.

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

Joe's red Millie.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Tal-Y-Llyn with prototypical train, rests in the station.

joe's photos

Eric's WD Alco.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Joe's black Ragleth.

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

Eric steaming up.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Glenis making sure the garden looks top notch.

joe's photos

Elliot runs his Silver Lady with a mixed goods train.

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

Alan runs his impressive Coronation Train.

joe's photos

With a rather grand Coronation coach. Mostly 3D printed, including the loco.

joe's photos

The start of Double Heading fun. Joe Runs his pair of Berties.

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

Eric runs his well decorated Harlech Castle.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Elliot joins the fun and double his green Millie with Joe's green Millie.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Colin's Lilla joins the fun on the Bottom Track.

joe's photos

joe's photos

Colin and Tom tend to their stock in the Upper Track siding.

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

joe's photos

Colin's Lilla ends the filming on a wonderful day.


If you have more photos to add to this or other galleries then please send them to bgrawebsite@gmail.com.