What's Here & What's On
Day out with Thomas
We hope you enjoyed a Day out with Thomas 2008. The event ran from 9-24 February 2008 and offered rides behind Percy and Diesel, face painting, story telling, the chance to have a photo taken with Thomas and much more.
Thomas will be back again in February 2009. We will be announcing the dates here as soon as they are available - keep your eye on this page for further details.
More about Thomas
The stories of Thomas and all his friends began with a little boy, Christopher, suffering a long period of illness. As he lay in bed, Christopher’s father, Reverend W Awdry, told him stories about different railway engines. Christopher’s thirst for more stories grew and so the world of 'Thomas', 'Gordon' and 'The Fat Controller' took shape. Christopher soon memorised each story and would correct his father if any detail were omitted. To avoid this embarrassment Reverend Awdry decided to write the stories down and draw pictures of each character. Christopher’s mother thought the stories were rather good and she persuaded her husband to send them to a publisher.
In 1945 the first book in the series was published - 'The Three Railway Engines'. 'Thomas the Tank Engine' appeared in the second book in the series, published in 1946. The books’ illustrator, C Reginald Dalby fleshed out Reverend Awdry’s pencil sketches and created the iconic look that is now recognised by children around the world as ‘Thomas’. Christopher himself went on to write books for the 'Thomas' series.
Stories are still being written about 'Thomas' and he has made a movie, inspired a theme park and starred in his own television series. 'Thomas' has travelled a long way from that poorly little boy’s bedroom.
Day Out with Thomas™ Thomas & Friends™
Based on the Railway Series by Reverend W Awdry
© 2006 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. A HIT Entertainment Limited company