The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has operated its first post-lockdown trains recently, five months since trains were brought to a halt on the 15th March 2020.
The first train of the new-normal season departed Toddington on time at 10 am, with all tickets available for the train being sold out.
Graham Radband, the railway's commercial director commented: “You could tell that every one of our volunteers and visitors was smiling, despite the required face covering.
“We've had so many positive comments. Like ‘So good to be back and seeing steam again!' or ‘I hadn't realised how much I've missed the railway!'
“Everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion. And although it was strange seeing everyone masked up, it's vital that do our utmost to ensure that our railway is safe, whether coming to enjoy a ride through the Cotswolds or as a volunteer welcoming our visitors or working behind the scenes.”
The railway is using its compartment coaches so families up to six can isolate on the train in their own social bubble.
Adds Graham Radband: “These old-fashioned coaches have really come into their own and meet the need for social distancing admirably!”
The GWSR is running trains on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the foreseeable future, with tickets available online only. Journeys allow a 28-mile round trip from Toddington via Cheltenham Racecourse, and then back through Toddington to Broadway before returning to Toddington.
“It has all worked so well today,” Graham Radband says. “It is such a joy to see the railway back in business after so long!”
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Furthermore… Steam (along with Heritage Diesel Power) blends in quite so well within the Colourful Cotswolds down there.
I myself still hope to visit the GWSR (as well as the Cotswolds) ‘in-person’ someday.
Wow, the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway have once again (even since Lockdown) Proven Successful… Definitely A Sellout Success.
Well Done to the Newly Reopened back up & running GWSR by the way.