July 2009 news archive

Land girls land at Helmstead (better known as Toddington) posted on 29/07/2009
Toddington Station was transformed into a film set for a BBC ONE Daytime TV production called Land Girls. GWR staff helped change the station to Helmsted – and even performed as extras! The five-part series is due to be screened in September.
Gateway to the future at Cheltenham Racecourse posted on 28/07/2009
Cheltenham Borough Council's Community Pride Funding 2009-10 has awarded the Friends of Cheltenham Racecourse Station a grant of £590 to fund new Great Western-style gates which will replace the present galvanised security gates.
2807 – on the home straight posted on 28/07/2009
Restoration of the oldest Great Western Railway locomotive in private ownership – 1905-built 28xx class 2-8-0 owned by Cotswold Steam Preservation Ltd – has taken a further major step forward, with departure of the rolling chassis from Toddington for completion of the locomotive at Llangollen.
Fish and chips update posted on 26/07/2009
New lunchtime dates and last few places available for evening trains.
Spitfire to strafe Toddington on 8th August – first of TWO appearances! posted on 25/07/2009
The first of two appearances by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight takes place on Saturday 8th August, when a lone Spitfire will ‘buzz’ Toddington station. The flight has been organised by David Shepherd, owner of GWR resident locomotive Black Prince. The second flypast will be on Thursday 20th August when the Spitfire, a Hurricane and Lancaster bomber will be flying over. On both occasions David Shepherd will be at the railway, ready to meet and chat with visitors.
Steam Along to Sudeley Castle! posted on 23/07/2009
Spend a couple of days around Winchcombe over the August Bank Holiday with a special joint family ticket for both the GWR and Sudeley Castle – with a massive £20 off the usual ticket prices!
Broadway station news added to site posted on 22/07/2009
Night photographic shoot posted on 22/07/2009
Diesel magic at the Summer Gala and Bus Rally posted on 21/07/2009
The summer extravaganza of diesel powered trains and buses at the GWR between 10th and 12th July was spiced with good weather and remarkable variety. Here’s our pictorial round-up of one of the railway’s best-ever diesel events.
Cotswold Line improvement opens way for GWR posted on 19/07/2009
Improvements to the Cotswold Line between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh are opening the way for Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway trains to one day extend to Honeybourne.
Last chance to ride behind Class 31 no. D5580 posted on 19/07/2009
Visiting class 31 no. D5580 will be running for the last time on the GWR on Monday 27th July, before returning to its home at the Midland Railway Centre. Although not a normal operating day the locomotive will run trains to the Blue timetable, with tickets available on the train at normal fares.
New sections added to the website posted on 18/07/2009
Bourton not for Broadway posted on 17/07/2009
The GWR has decided not to pursue the opportunity to acquire Bourton-on-the-Water station building and resite it at Broadway
Diesel Gala success: how was it for you? posted on 14/07/2009
Record ticket sales made the GWR's summer diesel gala and bus rally a real success
Safety First on the GWR posted on 10/07/2009
GWR staff are carrying out a full safety investigation following a minor collision at Winchcombe last week. A train travelling at low speed, hauled by Modified Hall no. 7903 Foremarke Hall, struck a lorry that moved into its path on a crossing in the yard.
‘20-20’ vision and ‘Shunterfest’ at GWR diesel extravaganza posted on 06/07/2009
Two class 20s will be among the largest number of locomotives ever fielded for a GWR event, during the three-day Diesel Gala, from Friday 10th to Sunday12th July. Friday sees the GWR’s first ‘shunterfest’ with five diesel shunters operating, including the last class 08 built – its first public performance in preservation!
You wait a year and 40 come at once…2nd Bus Rally at Toddington, 12th July posted on 06/07/2009
You’ll have an eclectic choice of buses dating from the 1940s sporting a wide range of destinations at Toddington station yard on 12th July, as the railway’s second bus rally gets under way, in conjunction with the summer Diesel Gala.
Birthday girl reaches 60 posted on 06/07/2009
Modified hall no. 7903 Foremarke Hall was built in 1949 and her owners, the Foremarke Hall Group, celebrated on the train hauled by their locomotive on Sunday. The engine even enjoyed a piece of cake!