Where are the dancing waiters?

For the Benton Division Rainbow Christmas outing we went to Tanfield Railway (www.tanfield-railway.co.uk) for the Santa Express. It all started way back in September when I co-ordinated the application for the tickets from Girlguiding North East England.

I cannot believe it was 2011 when we last did this trip but it was such a success I had no hesitation in doing it again. So with all my numbers and credit card at the ready I went to book the tickets on-line. First problem: the on-line booking system wouldn't let me do it for the numbers I wanted. Second problem: I e-mailed the organisers to ask how to get the order done and the reply was "we don't actually have that many tickets left but leave it with us" Hats off to all who sorted it out behind the scenes and arranged for an extra train to be put on so we could all travel together.

So on 5th December 105 excited adults and children and one harassed Joanna left for Tanfield. Apart from the coach driver missing the well signposted turning and a Rainbow with a desperate need for the toilet we got to Tanfield in time.

All we had to do was get them on the train, in the right carriages, in the dark and without losing anyone. It was going well until I was standing in the cafe passing on messages, my units safely on the train.........so who was this standing in front of me, a Rainbow who was supposed to be on the train! One Rainbow leader summed it up as  "its like herding kittens" and she is right.

Eventually we were all on the steam train and off we went. It was like a mystery trip as it was so dark outside and not much lighter inside as the carriages are all authentic and had very little light. It didn't seem to bother most of my Rainbows. Out of the darkness loomed the North Pole station all brightly lit and off we jumped to go and see Santa. Its lovely taking the Rainbows as they are so excited about it all. Santa talked to them all and they all got a present then it was time for snacks, drinks and opening presents.

Then back on the train to return to the bus, waiting to get our goodie bags the Rainbows loved the steam coming from the train and the sound of the whistle. It all added to the magical experience.

We all got goodie bags with presents and badges from Girlguiding North East England and it was time to get back on the bus to go home. I couldn't believe how fast the time went. I thought the excitement would have worn them all out and they would sleep going home. Silly me, they were even noisier going home with the added excitement of the game - how often can I drop my present/sweets/gloves on the floor without Joanna getting annoyed.

And the dancing waiters? One Rainbow said the train journey was boring as there were no dancing waiters like the Polar Express film. Well if she had only said sooner I would have done a dance for her in the aisle. Do you think that would have satisfied her?

That is another section of the Voyage Award completed "Plan and participate in an event of at least 10 hours' duration"