Special Events Autumn & Winter 2008
This newsletter details our special train services from the end of September 2008 until January 2009. It should be read in conjuction with our 2008 timetable which can be obtained from the booking office at Toddington station, Tourist Information Offices and by clicking here.
There will be "miles of smiles" this autumn as the GWR puts on it's most ambitous presentation of special events ever. Autumn is a great time to visit the railway as the colours of the magnficent countryside which the track runs through start to change and the nights begin to draw in. With all these specials there really is no excuse to stay at home!
For a wealth of information about what's going on at the GWR go to www.gwsr.com. Trains run every weekend and many weekdays until December when the Santa Specials take over - check out our online timetable here. And if you check our loco roster you can even find out what locomotives will be working on the day of your visit (subject to locomotive availability). Our latest news pages bring you up to the minute news and views of railway events and happenings too - so there's no excuse for not being fully up to speed with your favourite railway!
You have received this email because you, or someone using this email address, have opted to received email newsletters and special mailings from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. If this is no longer the case please click the "unsubscribe" link at the end of the message.
Sunday 21st September
Transport nostalgia day
Once again we host another of our special nostalgia days, with a wide selection of classic cars, motor cycles and vans on display. There is no charge for entry to this exhibition, apart from our normal train prices. If you have a classic vehicle you might like to bring it along. Booking forms may be downloaded from our website, or by emailing
jim@clarkeuk.net.
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th September
Paddington Bear
Paddington visited us for the first time in April this year, but we've received so many requests for him to return that he'll be back in September. Besides the fun of actually meeting him, there will be plenty of children's entertainment including Punch & Judy, a magic show, bouncy castle, a chance to ride on a genuine red double decker London bus - and lots more. So children, make sure you bring along your parents and grandparents for a great family day out. Prices are £10 adults, £8.50 seniors and £6 children (aged 3-15). £27 buys a family ticket for two adults and up to three children. Prices include all the entertainment plus unlimited train travel over the whole length of the line. Full details on separate leaflet and our website.
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October
Steam and Vintage Rally
This is an extra special occasion as we host another of our famous steam and vintage rallies, this year at Cheltenham Race Course Station. Spend a whole day with us and enjoy the huge number of traction engines, vintage vehicles, tractors and fairground equipment. There will be side shows, exhibitions and demonstrations - and take a ride on the train too, of course. Entry fees to the fair are £6 adults, £5 seniors and £3 children, plus special family prices. Normal fares apply if you wish to travel on the train. Tickets for the rally may be purchased in advance by downloading a booking form from our website.
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October
Diesel gala weekend
Enthusiasts travel from miles around to visit our celerated diesel gala weekends. We have already held two events this year, and the autumn one will be just as exciting. The diesel fleet based at Toddington is one of the finest in the country and to top it all, we hope to have a visiting locomotive too. Further information, timetable and a locomotive roster will be available in advance on our website.
Thursday 30th October
Halloween Special
Deep in the blackness of the tunnel something stirred ...aaaaaargh!
New this year is a Halloween Special, which will leave Toddington at 7pm. There will be lots of excitement with witches and ghosts descending upon the railway - and it is well know that our tunnel is haunted! Is that the real spectre you can see through the carriage window? This scary ride needs to be booked in advance, full details in a separate leaflet or via our website. Children - don't forget to hold your parents' and grandparents' hands so they are not too frightened!
Saturday 1st November
Fireworks special
Avoid the queues and travel with us by diesel-hauled train to the Cheltenham Round Table fireworks display at the Racecourse. The train leaves Toddington station at 6pm and will arrive back around 9pm. Normal prices apply but
do not include entry to the fireworks display. No need to book just turn up on the night.
Sunday 16th November
Cheltenham Races
A great opportunity to avoid the congestion and parking problems at Cheltenham Racecourse by parking at Toddington Station and travelling to the racecourse in style. Normal fares apply.
December
Santa Specials
Don't forget to book to visit Santa on one of our acclaimed "Santa Specials". The great man will be with us every weekend and for the last few days leading up towards Christmas. Travel from Toddington Station and meet Santa and his helpers in their grotto at Winchcombe. New this year are late afternoon trains arriving as darkness falls to greet Santa amongst the coloured lights of Winchcombe station. There is a separate leaflet and booking form for these events - but please be quick as many of the trains become fully booked well in advance.
Saturday 13th December
RNLI Carol Service
Join us for a short evening steam train ride and then a carol service organised by the R.N.L.I. Details may be obtained from our station at Toddington, or direct from the R.N.L.I. Tickets need to be booked in advance for this event.
Friday 26th December
Mince Pie Special
Blow the cobwebs out of your hair with a bracing Boxing Day ride on the GWR. Our Mince Pie Special runs throughout the day and is great fun as the everyone tries to recover from the excesses of the previous day. Eating mince pies isn't compulsory, by the way! Normal fares apply to this event.
Saturday 27th December
Christmas Diesel Day
This is one event that is popular with everyone - not just enthusiasts - as all the diesels are pressed into service for the last time this year. Trains fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early. Further details will be available on our website nearer to the time of the event.
Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th December
Steam Christmas Cracker
Another crowd puller! For the past few years we have been celebrating Christmas in the way we know best, by letting off a bit of steam! Join us for another celebration Christmas Cracker as every available steam locomotive will be working over these two days. Further details will be available on our website will in advance of the event.
Thursday 1st January 2009
Cheltenham New Year Races
This is our final day's running before we have a two month break to carry out regular track and carriage maintenance. We go out in style as our service coincides with the New Year race meeting, so join us for a relaxing day in the countryside. And if you still have Christmas money to spend, why not try and pick a winner at Cheltenham?
How to find the GWR
Toddington Station
By car: The station is 10 miles east of M5 junction 9, near the junction of the B4077 and the B4632, between Winchcombe and Broadway. Follow the brown signs to the station where there is free car parking.
By bus: Castleways operate a bus service from Royal Well in Cheltenham to Winchcombe, Toddington, Broadway and Evesham. Please check with them for times. Telephone 01242 602949.
Winchcombe Station
By car: The station is in Greet on the B4078 Winchcombe to Evesham road. If travelling from Winchcombe, the station is on the right just after Winchcombe School, and before the railway bridge.
By bus: Castleways operate a service from Royal Well in Cheltenham to Winchcombe and Greet, stopping close to the station.
Cheltenham Race Course Station
By car: The station and car park are within the grounds of the racecourse and accessed via the racecourse internal road system.
By bus: Stagecoach buses operate from Cheltenham Spa mainline station to the park and ride bus stop at the racecourse which is about 3/4 mile from our station. From the bus stop, walk along the road with the racecourse buildings on your right and at the top of the incline you will see the station straight ahead. Up to date public transport information is available from Gloucestershire County Council on 01452 425610.
GWR, The Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucestershire GL54 5DT
Telephone: 01242 621405 e-mail:
enquiries@gwsr.com
