Together with The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the romance publisher makes tracks to create one woman’s dream steam train proposal
29th February is traditionally the only day a woman can propose to her partner, and this year champions of romance Mills & Boon have run a national search to find the UK’s most romantic woman and create her dream proposal scenario. Throughout their 100 year history, Mills & Boon’s authors have always been inspired by romantic trends contemporary with the time of their writing, and the publisher are delighted to continue this tradition by encouraging women to take control of their romantic destiny this leap year.
Mills & Boon received over 100 entries – ranging from popping the question on the Saharan set of Star Wars, to flying a flag from the top of Ben Nevis – but the outstanding entry came from Fiona Boubert, whose dream is to propose to her partner whilst dining on a private steam train.
Fiona, a civil servant in her mid-40s, met her partner Neil, who works for thetrainline.com, through mutual friends in 2009. They had their first kiss at a railway station, and then spent the first year of their relationship commuting between Hartlepool and Edinburgh on the East Coast line, until Neil moved to Scotland in 2010. As train journeys will always hold fond memories for the couple and Neil loves vintage trains, Fiona asked Mills & Boon to create the ultimate romantic moment on their own private steam train.
The very happy couple on their own train - WJP Photography
Working with The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the team behind the iconic brand-new Peppercorn class A1 Pacific steam locomotive Tornado, Mills & Boon will take over the Watercress Line in Hampshire on 29th February, giving the couple not only their own steam train, but their own private line for the day. Tornado will take the couple through stunning rural Hampshire, and they will be served a three course champagne lunch in a beautifully restored Pullman dining car.
Tara Benson, of Mills & Boon UK said “I’m chuffed that Mills & Boon made this modern marriage proposal so romantic for Fiona and Neil. This leap day, Fiona will take one giant leap for womankind. Romance readers know that women are as responsible as men for creating and maintaining the romance in their relationships. At Mills & Boon we loved the super-contemporary leap day proposal combined with the classic romance of steam trains and champagne. We wish the couple a very romantic happy ever after.”
Mark Allatt, of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said “When we built Tornado we were helping to recreate the romance of steam and we are delighted that Tornado is able to be a part of Fiona and Neil’s own steamy proposal. We wish them every happiness.”
You can see the Meridian TV report here - http://www.itv.com/meridian-west/fullprogramme/ - the report starts at minute 20.00..
No better backdrop for romance - Tornado - WJP Photography