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Author Topic: An extra service calling at Melksham for St George's Day  (Read 4084 times)
bobm
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« on: March 12, 2014, 23:37:35 »

From the Melksham Independent News

Quote

THE Cathedrals Express steam train will be visiting Melksham next month, where it will pick up locals for a special St George^s Day trip to Oxford, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon. 
 
On Wednesday 23rd April, the train which is appropriately scheduled to be hauled by 70000 Britannia, will arrive at Melksham at 09:20hrs.
 
The Cathedrals Express will make its way through the beautiful undulating countryside of Wiltshire, arriving at its first destination of Oxford at 11:30hrs, where passengers may like to stay for a long afternoon.  Alternatively, they could choose to stay on the train to visit either Warwick or the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon.In Oxford there will be several hours to enjoy this picturesque city, with its stunning architecture and many independent shops, art galleries and museums.  For passengers visiting the ancient County town of Warwick, a tour of the world famous castle with its Capability Brown landscaped gardens is highly recommended.  There will also be plenty of time to explore the rest of this charming town, well known for its fascinating antique shops.
 
Those opting for a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon will be in for a real treat as the town prepares to mark the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare^s birth.  Holy Trinity Church, Nash^s House and New Place are just a few of the many attractions which celebrate the life of the world^s greatest playwright.
 
As always on The Cathedrals Express passengers have the opportunity to travel in four classes.  These range from Premium Standard at ^99 where they are seated at tables for four, with white tablecloths and complimentary tea and coffee at their seats, right up to Pullman Style Dining at ^239 per person.  Passengers in Pullman Style will enjoy a two course champagne breakfast or brunch on the outward journey and a five course dinner on the return.
 
The Steam Dreams chairman, Marcus Robertson said, ^It seems very fitting that as we celebrate St George^s Day, Britannia will be the hauling The Cathedrals Express through stunning English countryside to Shakespeare^s birthplace on the 450th anniversary of his birth.  With two other fantastic destinations for passengers to choose from, this is one of our most popular day trips of the season.^
 
For this memorable journey The Cathedrals Express will also be picking up passengers along the route at Chippenham and Swindon before heading to Oxford, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon. Anyone interested in travelling on The Cathedrals Express should call the booking office on 01483 209888 or visit www.cathedralsexpress.co.uk.
« Last Edit: March 12, 2014, 23:49:30 by bignosemac » Logged
JayMac
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« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2014, 23:41:49 »

Better get that stopping point right. Or else it could be, rather than 'front carriage only', a step onto the footplate.

Sadly, finances preclude any hope of a trip, but I may try to get to Melksham to do a bit of waving and photting.  Cheesy

That said, 0920 Up does rather clash with the down service due off Melksham at 0915. That one won't have cleared the single line at Bradford Junction much before 0930.

EDIT: Steam Dreams/Cathedrals Express website appears to be down at the moment. I'll keep an eye on this topic and update when its back online.
« Last Edit: March 12, 2014, 23:51:16 by bignosemac » Logged

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JayMac
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« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2014, 07:10:09 »

Now appears that the Cathedrals Express/Steam Dreams website is back online:

http://www.steamdreams.co.uk
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« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2014, 09:45:31 »

It's now timed at 09:38 [Melksham time], and hauled (I believe) by West Country Pacific "Braunton". Should be a good day out!
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« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2014, 08:52:38 »

Some pictures.   This year was a special birthday for one of our family ... and I took him out for the day on this trip; what do you get someone for his 90th?



























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« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2014, 14:09:40 »

Glad to see granny (with the pink hood) and grandchild back on the platform where they belong!
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