Exbury’s Alex is youngest engine driver

Railway-obsessed Alex Clements of Marchwood has, at just 17, become qualified to drive passengers on Exbury’s steam railway.

It is believed that Alex, a pupil at Brockenhurst College, is the youngest driver in the country to pass the stringent tests that allow him to take charge of a train full of passengers.
He gained his ticket to ride in time to become one of Exbury’s ‘Santa Special’ drivers just before Christmas, when deep snow turned the ride through the Gardens into a real winter wonderland.

“This is a great railway to learn on and to drive because the gradients are quite steep and the engines are superb,” he said.  Alex, whose father is a railway civil engineer, hopes to follow a similar career.

His work experience took him to Exbury Gardens in the New Forest two years ago when he tried everything from gardening, office work and railway work.

“There was no doubt what he wanted to do,” said Ian Wilson, Exbury Light Railway foreman, who taught Alex to handle the controls. “He wasn’t so good at office work, but his engine driving is exemplary!” Alex is also interested in video-making, with some of his videos of “Steam in the Gardens” and triple-heading events showcased on the Exbury website at www.exbury.co.uk.

“This year is the tenth anniversary of the Exbury steam railway and it’s fitting that we celebrate Alex’s achievement at the same time,” said Nigel Philpott, Marketing Manager of the world-famous Rothschild Gardens.
“To mark the anniversary we’re offering all paying visitors who ride the railway in the high season, a free Gardens return in the autumn,” he said.