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Cricklade Railway |
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The links alongside
lead to pages describing activities on the Railway. Why not become a member and take part in the many activities involved in building and running the railway? |
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Steam locos Diesel locos Rolling stock |
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Looking back, looking forward Last year, we said that 2012 would be a Year of Change. It certainly was, as well as being a Year of Very Bad Weather. But in spite of all the rain and the roadworks affecting access to Blunsdon Station things weren’t as bad as they might have been. Visitors On the downside, we lost two important events from our 2012 calendar – the Veteran & Vintage Weekend and the Wartime Weekend. Their absence left an unwelcome hole in our summer visitor numbers. But, with the exceptional rainfall, we doubt they would have been held anyway. ‘Grass Field’ events were cancelled up and down the country, and perhaps we have to be thankful that we didn’t invest money in these ‘up front’, which could have resulted in more losses. Being positive, visitor numbers for our weekend and School Holiday midweek trains held up well. We ran a ‘40s Theme Weekend’ on the railway as some compensation for the loss of the Wartime Weekend, and lots of people enjoyed it. Perhaps the most significant ‘special event’ was being able to open the extension to Taw Valley (adjacent to Mouldon Hill Park), with the intention of opening Taw Valley Halt this year. And best of all, our 2012 Santa Specials once again beat the previous year’s records. So we would like to thank all those people who continued to support the railway through difficult times. Thank you, one and all! We received an Award! Back in the summer we received an invitation to enter the Railway into the National Railway Heritage Awards Competition 2012. We decided to enter the Blunsdon Station buildings, including the GWR Pagoda and Station Master’s Office along with the platform in general. There was daunting competition from the rest of the UK’s Heritage Railway movement, in spite of which we were Highly Commended (effectively, second place amongst many). A great tribute to the work of all those concerned. Looking forward When we started running passenger trains again in March, the disruption of Tadpole Lane roadworks was well behind us. Now, in April, we are very happy to report a record-breaking Easter weekend. We have a full programme of events and, as this will doubtless be developed as the year progresses, you are urged to return to the web site for fresh announcements. |
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August However, we can assure you that an appropriate event will be arranged. Previous exhibitors and those who would like to be involved for the first time should get in touch with Tony Norris More information about the event will be published here later. Saturday & Sunday 8 September Click here for information about the event. For show information contact Ian or Pat Matthews on 01793 850090 or email them here.  GWR Prairie No 5521 prepares to leave Taw Valley on Saturday 25th August 2012 with the first passenger train to work over the new extension. The locomotive had just run round its train, and would do so again at Hayes Knoll. We are planning to open the new station, Taw Valley Halt, this year.
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Saturday, Sunday & Monday 25th, 26th & 27th May click for details Saturday & Sunday 8th & 9th June click for details  Jo Jingles will be joining us for the weekend! They're running children's train themed music and singing sessions throughout the day. These sessions are free with your entry ticket. Click here for info. "No 70" is back  Ex-Manchester Ship Canal 0-6-0T "No 70" has now returned to the railway. "No 70" is currently out of service as a boiler overhaul is required. The main requirement is a new inner firebox, and we will be removing the tubes as soon as is possible to aid assessment of the rest of the boiler. Once overhauled 70 will return to traffic in Manchester Ship Canal lined slate grey livery. The locomotive was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1921 and supplied new to the Canal company. Any donations towards this extensive overhaul would be most welcome! |
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