Thomas and Friends – The Story
December 17, 2008
Rev. W Awdry had a passion for steam trains from being a small child. In 1943 when his son was ill in bed with measles he began to entertain him with stories of steam engines Edward, Gordon and Henry.
Initially these stories were not for publication and were just jotted down on scraps of paper. They were finally written down when Christopher, Rev. Awdry’s son, asked him to.
Rev. Awdry’s wife offered the scribbles to a publisher in 1945 and the first book entitled “The Three Railway Engines” was published. In the same year Rev. Awdry made Christopher a wooden toy engine named Thomas for Christmas. Stories were then told about “Thomas The Tank Engine” and the rest as they say is history! The series of books that followed set in the fictional Island of Sodor became a publishing smash hit.
In 1984 Thomas aired on ITV and became an instant success. In just a few months 8.5 million people were tuning in to watch these wonderful stories. The audience extended to adults who adored the marvellous railway models in the series.
Thomas went to America in 1989 then to Canada, Japan and Germany! He has now appeared in more 130 countries worldwide. Thomas The Tank Engine’s popularity has created a vast audience and appetite for all things Thomas. There is a theme park in Japan and I’m sure if you have a fan in your house you’ll have been on a “Day Out With Thomas!”
So here’s to lots more years of Thomas – a great idea with a wonderful story behind it.
Further Thomas And Friends Information
Childrens Bedding and Accessories - Official licensed childrens bedding, curtains, bean bags, towels, clocks, gadgets and other accessories. Transform your kids bedroom into a character themed bedroom....characterland.co.uk
Thomas the Tank Engine Pyjamas - Available in 4 sizes, ages ranging from 12 months to 4 years, perfect for any little Thomas the Tank Engine fan....
rainbowtotz-childrenswear.co.uk
Peek-a-Boo Gifts - Interesting greetings, gifts and homeware for any occasion, for family or friends...
peekaboogifts.co.uk
Thomas & Friends Set - Specialists in the Take Along Thomas Range. Find Engines, Rolling Stock, Road Vehicles,Playsets and much more, including rare and hard to find items....
tootinthomastrains.co.uk
Children`s Toys - My Little Monsters Ltd specialises in the supply of pre-school children’s toys and gifts....
mylittlemonstersltd.com
Twinkle Star Charts - Children`s reward charts, children`s learning charts, teaching clocks, framed clocks, wedding menus, personalized pens, calendars, invitations and much more. No minimum order requirements.....
twinkle-star-charts.co.uk
Tin Toys - A comprehensive range of retro and antique tin and tinplate toys for the discerning collector. Find robots, space toys, tin cars, tin trucks, aeroplanes, boats and many other tin toys.....
tintoycollector.co.uk
Antique and Collectible Toys - Dealing in Antique toys and Collectibles. Find over 300 old toys for sale, a pictorial toy library, old toy catalogs (photo copies) and old toy general information. List your toys for sale....
antiquetoys.com
Remote Control Toys - A wide range of remote control toys including remote control airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats and more...
rctoysbargains.com
Kidzfun - Birthday Parties, Music & Movement classes for children from walking age to 4 years. Activities include physical exercises, songs and rhymes with live piano music. Each class is for 45 minutes with healthy fruit snacks....
kidzfun.biz