And now for something completely different!

How about organising an extra special day out at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway?

2010 marks one of the most important celebrations in the history of Britain's railways: the 175th anniversary of the formation of the Great Western Railway.

Engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Great Western was originally built to a guage of 7' 0¼" and from its Paddington, London terminus reached the distant outposts of the South West, Wales and the West Midlands.

Its magnificant and beautiful locomotives hauled the fastest trains in the world, some at speeds not exceeded until the 20th century. Although the Great Western was eventually forced to conform to the "narrow gauge" used throughout the rest of the UK, it continued to do things its own way. Its locomotives were amongst the most effecient an innovative in the world and that legacy continued through to the diesel days of British Railways.

More recently the former Great Western main line saw the UK's first High Speed Trains which continue to give service today.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway operates over part of the last main line built by the Great Western, opening between Stratford upon Avon and Cheltenham in 1907.

To celebrate this 175th anniversary, the GWR s organising a conce in a lifetime event from May 29th to June 6th giving everyone an opportunity to spend the whole day travelling on trains hauled by such famous steam locomotives as City of Truro, which was built in 1903, and many others being brought in for the occasion. There will be locomotives on static display, and a wide range of shows, events and exhibitions plus of course plenty of refreshment opportunities etc.

As an added incentive, groups of 20 or more will be given a special discounted rate of £14 per person for the whole day provided they are booked in advance. So why not add this to your list of events for 2010?

More information will be available as we have it on the website - but please book well in advance as tickets are going to be limited and only a small number of groups will be accepted on each day.

Please email enquiries@gwsr.com or telephone 01242 621405 to arrange your trip with us.