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Watercress Line 15th May 2005
John Rooney Tribute

John Rooney Tribute - 15 May 2005 from Stephanie (his sister) and family and on behalf of John's Mum

We just wanted to write and thank all the people who managed to get up so early on a Sunday morning to pay their last respects to John.  It was nice to see so many and I think you would all agree, even though the circumstances were sad, everything about the morning (including the weather) was perfect, and it was a very proud moment for myself and family for John to be honoured in this way.

Also a big 'THANK YOU' for the lovely brass plate you had commissioned in memory of John which is displayed on a bench at Alton, it was very special to get off the train and see it there. 

Thank you all once again, I know 2CV's were a very big part of John's life.

With warm wishes Stephanie


(click to see larger pictures)

convoy meets
convoy meets
convoy
Sunday 15th May was cold, bright and clear as 2cv-ers gathered near Winchester to attend the tribute to John Rooney, who died in February.
convoy
Pub
GOT
 
Led by John's daughter Kate, who was driving John's beloved blue 2CV GOT, tThe convoy of sixteen cars made its way to Ropley Station on the Watercress Line. On the way we passed the Chequers Pub in Ropley where John regularly enjoyed a pint.

 
Watercress line

  The convoy parked and was joined by others at Ropley station, including colleagues from Freightliner where John used to work and his son Stuart works. The Wessex Ducks club flag was raised.
 

  John's Freightliner colleagues had worked for 600 hours cleaning the diesel engine "Ivanhoe" ready for the occasion. A specially made name plate 'John Rooney 1951 - 2005' was fitted onto the front of "Ivanhoe".
 
 
Ivanhoe slowly moved back and forth in front of the onlookers in tribute.  
The Ashes The Flowers  
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John's ashes were scattered by family and close friends on the bank overlooking the line and flowers were left to mark the spot. One last look and then we were ready to travel on the Watercress Railway.  
The Journey The Journey The Journey The Journey  
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John's railway colleagues had gone to a lot of trouble to remember their friend and help make the event go well.  
The Journey The Passengers The Passengers The Passengers  
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Stuart had reserved a carriage in the 9:15 train to Alton for John Rooney's family and friends, so we all joined the train for the run to via Medstead & Four Marks to Alton.  
The Passengers The Passengers The Passengers The Passengers  
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It was a lovely carriage in the old-style with lots of wood; it was very comfortable and the views of the Hampshire countryside were wonderful.  
The Passengers The Passengers The Passengers The Passengers  
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Everyone enjoyed the journey despite the sadness of the occasion.  
en-route  
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The Station The Station  
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At Alton there was a 20-minute break before the train went back.  
Seat Platform  
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A bench on the platform displayed a shiny new brass plaque commissioned by the Wessex Ducks in memory of John; the seat was put to good use while we waited. Then it was all aboard and back to Ropley.  
Conclusion watercress line  
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Clearly John is remembered with great affection and it was a fitting ceremony, which took place on a lovely May morning.  

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