Watched by Graham Flight (Chairman and Secretary Bluebell Railway plc), Dame Vera Lynn blows a whistle as a signal to release 50 balloons. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Dame Vera Lynn waves a green flag to start the 50th Anniversary Appeal. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Balloons emerge from the subway as Dame Vera Lynn waves the green flag to launch the 50th Anniversary Appeal. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Dame Vera Lynn with Nicholas Owen. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Graham Flight (Chairman and Secretary Bluebell Railway plc) says a few words at the start of the event, watched by Roger Kelly (Funding Director) and Tim Baker (Commercial Director). 07.08.2009
Roger Kelly (Bluebell Railway Funding Director) explains the nature of the 50th Anniversary Appeal. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
An attentive crowd including Sir William McAlpine (second right) listens to the speeches. A charming lady (in the brown boots) was filming for ITV Meridian News and a suitable piece subsequently appeared in the evening news. 07.08.2009
Nicholas Owen and Roger Kelly (Bluebell Railway Funding Director) pose at Horsted Keynes. 07.08.2009
Virginia Lewis Jones, Dame Vera Lynn, Avril Gaynor (Bluebell Railway Press Officer), Councilor Lee Marmara, Mayor of East Grinstead and the Mayoress, Mrs Emma Marmara. 07.08.2009
Gordon Pettitt OBE (on the left) poses under a sign that was (nearly) appropriate to his former occupation. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Councillor Lee Marmara, Mayor of East Grinstead and the Mayoress, Mrs Emma Marmara (centre). Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Charles Hudson MBE, BRPS Trustee, poses with Councillor Ginnie Waddingham, latterly Mayor of East Grinstead. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Dame Vera Lynn on the Southern Railway. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Councillor Amanda Dean, Mayor of Lewes. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Nicholas Owen shares a lighter moment with some members of the Bluebell team. Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Chris Cooper, BRPS Trustee (left), with Councillor Margaret Baker, Mayor of Haywards Heath and David Cockram (right). Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
OK chaps, how are we going to get the balloons out from under the canopy.... Horsted Keynes 07.08.2009
Distinguished guests were given a tour of the East Grinstead Station site. 07.08.2009
Distinguished guests were given a tour of the East Grinstead Station site. 07.08.2009
The footings for the rear wall of the platform are now complete and can be seen on the left. Construction of blockwork to form the rear wall of the platform starts next week. East Grinstead 07.08.2009
The Hon. Lady (Judy) McAlpine talks to Sam Bee, Vice Chairman BRPS and Councillor Amanda Dean, Mayor of Lewes. East Grinstead 07.08.2009