Success for Glos Warks Gala as 2,000 tickets are sold for 40th Anniversary Gala

Nearly 2,000 passengers visited the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for their two-day Mixed Traction Gala.

Held over the weekend of 6th – 7th November, the gala was held as a finale of the railway’s 40th anniversary.

Eight locomotives, four steam and four diesel, operated alongside a diesel multiple unit to work an intensive timetable.

Freight trains, express trains, and double-headed trains ran each day.

Crowds watch as 47105 pilots 24 5081 away from Toddington — Credit: Ian Crowder

Additionally, the newly restored SR Queen Mary brake van was available for pre-booked rides.

The locomotives in action were:

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35006 accellerates past Didbrood 3 May 2021

Full steam ahead at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

10th June 2021

GWR Churchward 2-8-0T No. 4270
SR Bulleid Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental SN Co
BR(W) Hawksworth Modified Hall 4-6-0 No. 7903 Foremarke Hall
BR (W) Collett Manor 4-6-0 No. 7820 Dinmore Manor
BR Class 24 No. 5081
BR Class 45 No. 45149
BR Class 47 No. 47105
BR Class 37 No. 37215
BR Class 117

35006 with the non-stop express — Credit: Ian Crowder

Janet Gough, the GWSR’s Volunteer Resources Director, says: “Scheduling a big event for early November and running it on a small budget was always going to be something of risk. But blessed with good weather, almost 2,000 people bought tickets and, for the first time ever for such an event, online ticket sales exceeded those bought on the day.

“Visitors enjoyed a variety of experiences showcasing our impressive home fleet of steam and diesel locomotives. All departments pulled out the stops to work together to prepare and run locos and rolling stock to meet a very full timetable. Operationally, station and train staff, crossing monitors, signalling staff, catering, retail and everyone else ensured that we put on a truly first-class show.

“All of this was done by volunteers and it was a fitting tribute to those early volunteers who, back in 1981, took occupation of a derelict Toddington station site and a 15-mile stretch of vacant trackbed, starting the long task of restoring the railway that we love and enjoy today.”

7820 Dinmore Manor and 7903 Foremake Hall — Credit: Ian Crowder

Comments Janet Gough: “The event also provided a much-needed shot in the post-Covid financial arm of the railway at the end of a very difficult couple of years. Coupled with the fast-selling Santa Specials, it will help us through the winter before we resume services in March.”

Janet Gough adds: “During recent weeks we have seen some of our best days in terms of ticket sales. Not only is this good for the railway but for the Cotswolds too. I’m glad that we are able to play a part in the region’s economic recovery.”