Clergyman's model railways collection under the hammer

The same series of auctions at Toovey's will also include items from the estate of another well-regarded South Downs figure, Ann Poupard, who died in February of this year, and who was instrumental in establishing the Steyning Festival.

The late Rev Norman E. Lemprire, who died in March last year at the age of 80, was rector for Sullington and Thakeham with Warminghurst from 1981 until his retirement in 1992.

In 1934, at the age of six, Norman was given his first, treasured gauge O locomotive, '˜Yorkshire', which his widow still owns.

This was clearly a defining moment in what he later called his '˜lifetime of joy' collecting and, above all, running model trains.

In his adult life, Norman always had garden railways, in varying sizes and stages of completion, in addition to his indoor sets.

When he lived in Devon, he built a huge run of track around the outside of an old tennis court and took great pleasure in inviting fellow train enthusiasts and Exeter Cathedral choristers for afternoons of viewing and operating, followed by tea.

Auctioneer Rupert Toovey said: 'The Rev Lemprire is remembered for his warmth, hospitality and, of course, his passion for model trains.

'Visitors to his rectory, myself included, would very quickly be offered tea and invited to see his latest set-up.'

Norman was a keen member of Worthing and Shoreham railway clubs and exhibited at shows across the South of England.

His wife and family have retained just a few of his trains. The remaining collection of mainly gauge O rolling stock, track and accessories, with some gauge 2 items, will be offered in 70 lots on Tuesday afternoon June 16.

The following three days of auctions at Toovey's will include items from the estate of Ann Poupard, who died in February, aged 61.

Ann is credited with starting the Steyning Festival, which in its third year '˜stands as testimony to her creativity, energy and determination to put Steyning on the cultural map', friends have said in tribute to her.

The majority of the contents of her former home, Charlton House in Steyning High Street, will be auctioned at Spring Gardens on Friday, including an eclectic mix of furniture, garden accessories, collectors' items and light fittings.

For further information, contact Toovey's on 01903 891955 or visit www.tooveys.com.