On the left is a 250-piece jigsaw from the HoP, Isla Collection, featuring large pieces. Titled Steaming Along, the illustrative style artwork is by Susan M. Ridyard. It is a beautifully simple composition showing Oxenhope Station, busy with visitors at Christmas time. Oxenhope is near Haworth, famous as the birthplace of the Bronte sisters. It is the terminus of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which runs along the valley from Oxenhope to Haworth and on to Keighley.
The Ivatt 2-6-2 locomotive, No.41241 in the jigsaw picture - ex LMS (London Midland & Scottish Railway) - is currently under restoration at the K&WVR. It is part of a busy, pictorial scene including passengers, railway staff, driver and fireman, and several local children playing in the snow, nearby.
On the right is a 1000-piece HoP jigsaw which couldn't be more different than Steaming Along. Grow Your Own is an extremely detailed composition by Michael Herring comprising all sorts of gardening infrastructure and paraphernalia found on an allotment." Lots of good healthy things to eat come from Grandad's allotment", according to the legend on the box. Grandad is included in the picture along with two of his grandchildren and the obligatory dog. In the background on a branch line, an 0-6-0 'Jinty' tank engine is passing, heading two small suburban coaches; the driver is looking out of his cab at the scene below as he approaches a signal box. The allotment shed hosts a plaque showing the plot number, 27, and lots of equipment including refreshments for tea breaks. A Ministry of Agriculture, 'Dig for Victory' poster, is pasted to the inside of the shed door dating the picture to the World War II period.
May I wish all supporters/viewers of my blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.