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Over 450 feet of track, through tunnels, over bridges, around watermills and past a pond – this model railway has it all. And it’s all for a good cause.
The HSBA Garden Railway, a G Scale garden layout in a St Mary back garden, with a not-so-modest social media presence of 30,000 Instagram followers, has been the main attraction of a series of open days this summer.
The third and final 'Garden Railway Open Day' of this season is set to take place next Saturday – August 17 – in aid of Dementia Jersey.
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At the first open day of 2024, more than £2,350 was raised to support Finni's Ark Animal Sanctuary and £2,456 was raised for Healing Waves Ocean Therapy at last month's event.
Curtis Stanier, who is behind the attraction, has previously spoken to Express about building a locomotive haven in his back garden and fulfilling a childhood dream in the process.
Opening up the creation to the public was also once talked about, but now it's the reality.
For the last time until next summer, Islanders can visit to watch the miniature trains (4% of the size of the real things) clack around the St Mary garden, complete with sounds, lights, steam, etcetera. Children can also take part in a scavenger hunt, with a prize at the end.
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Organisers said that volunteers will also be on hand to run multiple trains throughout the day, and visitors are welcome to stay as long as they like and enjoy the layout.
There will also be guest appearances from Thomas and some of his friends and a 'Railway Cafe' with snacks and refreshments.
Writing on the model railway's Instagram page, Mr Stanier thanked the hundreds of islanders who visited and played their part in raising "valuable funds" for local charities – and to volunteers and sponsors who help the events go ahead.
Islanders can find out more and book their tickets (£4 for adults, £2 for children) here.
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