Swindon &
Cricklade
Railway
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Membership
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History
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?
2011 Events
Pictures from two of our major events during 2011. Cancelled because of major roadworks last year, they will return this summer.
Taw Valley
We have opened a new extension to Taw Valley. In 2013, a new station will provide access from Mouldon Hill Park.
Restoration Projects
Three pages showing some of the locomotive and rolling stock restoration that has been completed on the Railway.
Steam locos
Diesel locos
Rolling stock
Private Events
With the steady expansion of our catering and hospitality facilities, private events at the Railway are becoming increasingly popular.
Vintage
Train
Pages describing the work of the Vintage Train Project on surviving GWR, Taff Vale, Cambrian and North London coaches.
Galloping Gertie
The Galloping Gertie project aims to reconstruct one of the Beyer Peacock 2-6-0 goods locomotives that ran on the MSWJ.

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.


Vintage Weekend
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August
There will be a new format for the Vintage Weekend this year, and this is still being decided.
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.

Wartime Weekend
Saturday & Sunday 8 September
After the unavoidable cancellation of last year's event, our Wartime Weekend is making a welcome return.
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.




Voted "Excellent value and a wonderful evening", dates in our 2013 program are June 21st, July 26th & August 30th - all Fridays.
Ticket price includes a two-course hot buffet meal + tea or coffee.
A reasonably-priced bar will also be available.
Booking essential. Click here to email for more details and to book.

New and secondhand railway books
Fridge magnets

'Days Gone' collectables
Placemats, Kitchen Boards
Paperweights and Bookmarks
Pens, Pencils, Postcards
Open Saturdays, Sundays and Special Events 11am - 4 pm.


Real Ale & Cider Festival
Saturday, Sunday & Monday
25th, 26th & 27th May

click for details
Kids Go Free Weekend
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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