Its Christmas time at the delightful East Lancs Railway.
We’re to be hauled through the Irwell Valley tonight.
We are dining on Christmas fayre with distinction.
‘Eyup Cocker, I’m reet chuffed, we’re gonna be alright.’

The City of Wells shushes her gentle contentment.
From Bury to Rawtenstall, her festive journey to enjoy.
She courteously waits as we embark and sip Prosecco.
In Pullman carriages with silver service - the real McCoy.

With dinner suits and dickie-bows as our agreed attire.
At The Trackside bar we savour a liquid canape or two.
Before pulling crackers, telling jokes and selecting wine.
Shall we have a bottle of red and white, or maybe two?

We settle down to our sumptuous four course festive meal.
Somewhere near Summerseat we stop as they serve the soup.
‘Perhaps another roastie please and a few more sprouts.’
Brian’s Montepulciano wine arrives and he’s cock-a-hoop.

Our waiters and waitresses are impressively longsuffering.
We’ve known their friendly faces for years, one and all.
They make our evening special with courtesy and humour.
Despite nervously thinking they’re in for the long haul.

As the train returns to Bury we finish with a mince pie and coffee.
We leave her and head to The Trackside for more booze.
By now we are well and truly into the spirit of the season.
But soon we wander back to the Premier Inn to snooze.

Another festive train ride over and we are keen to book again.
To experience the crisp white linen and first-class service next year.
We choose different designer dickie-bows every time we come.
Constant things though are the Christmas dinner and the beer.