A mannequin representing a World War II evacuee, named Annie, was discovered aboard a train carriage in Minehead, holding a can of cider. She had gone missing from her usual spot at Blue Anchor station during a busy railway gala in Somerset. Station master Robin Whichard reported that staff were unaware of her absence until they received a call from Minehead station. It is believed that a group of individuals at the gala had taken Annie without being noticed. Upon her return, staff jokingly placed her in a wheelchair to bring her back to Blue Anchor. The Diesel Gala, which runs from June 4 to 7, features a variety of steam locomotives along a 20-mile route.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the playful spirit often associated with events like the Diesel Gala, while also underscoring how public displays can occasionally lead to unexpected situations. The mannequins, previously housed at the STEAM museum in Swindon, serve as cultural artifacts representing a significant period in British history. The light-hearted nature of this story reflects community engagement with local history and heritage, as well as the importance of maintaining connections to the past through educational displays and events.
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