Inspirational Islanders: Geoff Hammersley-Norton, Isle of Wight Steam Railway

A passionate steam enthusiast, Geoff is a volunteer signalman at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and is responsible for authorising and controlling the safe movement of all trains on the Railway.

“After living and working in Croydon, South London, for many years, the more genteel pace of life on the Island was one of the main reasons for (semi) retiring over here.

Now living in West Wight, my most favourite place has to be the seafront at Totland Bay. There is nothing like going for a walk with my wife on the seafront between Totland Bay and Colwell Bay – with a possible stop for coffee on the way.

Being a lifelong steam buff, my favourite event has to be the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Steam Show, this is closely followed by other events such as Steam Punk weekend and Christmas week with the Santa Specials.

My earliest memory of the Island is coming over for holidays with my parents. I was about 10 when we first started coming over – 58 years ago – and even then there was always so much to do.

If I only had an hour to spend on the Island and I was on my own, I would obviously recommend a visit to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. However, if my wife was with me, I would probably be persuaded to visit Godshill with its myriad of ‘olde worlde’ shops and restaurants.”

Wightlink is a long-standing supporter of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway through our Wightlink in the Community programme and we often transport steam locomotives across the Solent. Our partnership also enables the Railway to host a successful calendar of events, an essential element of its ongoing sustainability.