A series of evening fine-dining events has been added to the East Lancashire Railway‘s calendar which are set to be hosted by 60009 Union of South Africa’s owner, John Cameron.

The events are set to take place at Bury Transport Museum and the fundraising evenings will include a three course meal.

The menu for the evening will include South African puff puff bites to start with, followed by Cape Malays-influenced coconut chicken with yellow rice. The meal will finish with a Cape Town tipsy tart with fresh cream, dates, pecan nuts and brandy for dessert.

John Cameron will then finish the evening with a Q&A session.

Union of South Africa has found a home at the Bury Transport Musuem after being withdrawn from service.

Tickets cost £60 per person, with proceeds going towards the ELR’s Buckley Wells Project.

The special evenings will run on 12 August, 9 September and 14 October 2022.

To buy tickets or for more information, visit the East Lancashire Railway website.

ELR Chairman, Mike Kelly, says: “We have enjoyed, over several years, seeing and riding behind this icon of the rails. Now, we’re delighted to extend this opportunity to our visitors to have an insight into the steam legend, speaking to the man who’s been looking after it for over 50 years.”

“This is truly a unique experience and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests into the museum – to visit the displays in the day, but also attend our exclusive evening events with John Cameron. All the funds raised will go towards our Buckley Wells Rail Depot improvements.”

John Cameron adds: “I’m really looking forward to meeting some local rail enthusiasts and sharing my experience with the Union of South Africa, and also telling them about my experience in the magical world of British steam. There is so much more to it than seeing the locomotives, which is why we wanted to put these nights on – to allow guests to become fully immersed in the magic of the legends of steam.