12 November 2007

STEAM PRESSURE UP FOR SANTA’S HELPERS

Christmas is on its way and all the hard work for most families is just about to begin.  But for some rather special volunteers, the hard work is already under way: the elves and helpers for the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s ‘Santa Special’ team.

Throughout December, the great man will be in his special ‘grotto’ railway carriage, parked next to Winchcombe station.  And packed steam trains will bring excited youngsters of all ages from Toddington to Winchcombe where they will meet Father Christmas and collect a rather special present from him.

The GWR has gained a reputation for offering one of the most enjoyable ways to meet Santa Claus but it takes a lot or organisation.

“Santa Clause is a real celebrity so we need to make sure he is well looked after. We’ve worked hard with him to make sure we have presents that visiting children will really enjoy,” said the railway’s chief Elf, Colin Fewell.

“This is a special occasion for hundreds of families and we receive hundreds of letters from happy people who feel their Christmas holiday hasn’t started until they’ve enjoyed the GWR’s Santa Specials.”

The GWR’s Commercial Director, Ian Crowder adds: “Planning for our Christmas period started soon after last Christmas. By mid-Summer, presents are ordered, booking arrangements made and tickets go on sale in September.

“We think this is going to be one of our best years yet. Bookings are well ahead of the same time last year and although there are still spaces on all of our Santa trains, some are now almost full.”

Bookings can be made by downloading the booking form from the website(www.gwsr.com) or calling 01242 621 405.

Dates for the GWR’s Santa trains are:

Departure time from Toddington
 

Departure time from Toddington Sat Dec 1st - 11.15 13.15 15.15 - Sun Dec 2nd - 11.15 13.15 15.15 - Sat Dec 8th 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 - Sun Dec 9th 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 - Sat Dec 15th 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 - Sun Dec 16th 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 - Fri Dec 21st 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 - Sat Dec 22nd 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 16.30 Sun Dec 23rd 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 - Mon Dec 24th 10.15 11.45 13.30 15.00 -

Media contact: Ian Crowder, 07775 566 555 or ian.crowder@gwsr.com