Best ever August, and a good September

Malcolm Temple, the GWSR Plc's new Finance Director, reports that the company enjoyed its best ever monthly financial results. Tickets and catering income amounted to £88,000, bringing the turnover year-to-date to over £390,000.  "This is a great achievement," says Malcolm.  "The GWR is a substantial business that is a significant contributor to the local economy.  What is particularly pleasing is that we have achieved this result notwithstanding the economic situation."

In terms of passenger numbers, September was another good month although not quite matching the same period last year. At the end of the month the total number of tickets sold year to date was 50,053, compared with 52,974 the previous year.  "But we shouldn't be discouraged by that result," says Colin Dymock, head station master. "Last year September included a Day Out with Thomas event as well as the Churchward 150 gala, both of which brought in good numbers of visitors.  Nevertheless, this year Paddington Bear proved to be a hit, with 1,644 tickets sold over the weekend."

With tickets for the Santa Specials now selling, and the Steam and Vintage Gala taking place during October, the current 5.5 per cent shortfall compared to end September 2007 could well be made up. About 25 per cent of tickets continue to be sold at Cheltenham Race Course station.