The first two operational months for the GWR - March and April - have shown a good return, despite some dreadful weather (whoever expected snow at Easter?) and the loss of Day Out with Thomas. While negotiations continue with HIT Entertainment, the holders of the 'Thomas' franchise (many other railways are in a similar situation) Paddington Bear visited instead.

"Paddington attracted fewer visitors as expected although we have been delighted to receive a large number of letters from visitors who clearly enjoyed the event very much," says Colin Dymock, head station master."At the end of April we had carried 10,860 compared with 12,847 by this time
last year. The difference is almost entirely accounted for by the loss of Thomas, which suggests that our 'core business' is in good shape."