GWSR Cotswold festival of steam 26-28 May 2018

I went to the gala on Sunday and then spent some time lineside on Monday. Not been to the line before but appeared to be a well organized and very well attended event. The volunteers and staff I spoke to were very helpful and friendly.

I haven't been through Monday's images yet, but here is one of each loco from zig-zagging up and down the line on Sunday

6430, 0-6-0 Pannier Tank with the DMU cars seconded as coaches at Toddington


2807, 2-8-0 approaching Toddington


5197, US ATC S160 2-8-0 approaching Toddington


6023, 4-6-0 King Edward II leaving Broadway on the rear of 2807


7820, 4-6-0 Dinmore Manor at Winchcombe


7903, 4-6-0 Foremarke Hall leaving Toddington on the rear of 6023


35006, 4-6-2 Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co. at Gotherington Halt


70013, 4-6-2 Oliver Cromwell at Toddington

 

Visited on Sunday, and overall very impressed. I enjoyed just mingling at Toddington, watching the trains etc. I wasn't fussed about travelling, and when I did I didn't even end up going to Broadway, just went to Cheltenham and back. With so much going on at Todd, Gigantic demo runs / trade stands / narrow gauge etc, there was lots of atmosphere to just soak up.

However one criticism that could do with rectifying. Sunday afternoon was glorious weather and rather warm, with trains running until 1730(?). Why then did all the buffets seem to shut before 4pm, and staff refuse to serve even just a can of pop at both the various stations and on the buffet cars? There was a good dozen or so of us behind 5197 Sunday who just wanted a drink, but everywhere was closed up long before the final train got back in to Toddington. Really poor, and whilst it didn't detract from what was a really really good event, it wasn't great PR from the catering teams.

 

Some of my pictures from a great weekend;

 

More pictures;

 

Sorry that you had issues with the on train buffets. This is definitely where we have created a monster and are struggling to meet demand. As you will have read, we already had to fudge the timetable, running a couple less trains and starting the first public train later. Otc is a small dedicated group of volunteers and we can’t always assume they’ll step up to meet the demand. The Gwsr has grown in all areas in 2018 and actually for all the planning, has taken us by surprise at how crazy it has gone, with Passenger figures running approx 50% up.
One thing that has just been announced, is that from June 5th, timetable changes will take place, allowing more time at Cheltenham and broadway stations, with less time at toddington and winchcombe en-route. Glad you enjoyed the overall event, You yourself know how much effort goes into gala organising.

 

Having posted 8 shots from Sunday (when I was travelling on the line), here's 8 shots showing each of the locomotives taken from the lineside on Monday

0-6-0PT No. 6430 near Stanway


2-8-0 No. 2807 near Hayles Abbey Halt


2-8-0 S160 No. 5197 passing Didbrook


4-6-0 No. 6023 King Edward II passing Didbrook


4-6-0 No. 7820 Dinmore Manor near Stanway


4-6-0 No. 7903 Foremarke Hall passing through Hayles Abbey Halt


4-6-2 No. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co. near Hayles Abbey Halt


4-6-2 No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell near Hayles Abbey Halt

 

Some pictures from the Saturday and the Monday here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djcs_trains/albums/72157695726474661


Looking down the lane at Didbrook.


Newly cleared embankment at Didbrook.


Incredible noise on this depature from Gotherington, could be heard a long way down the straight after the train had passed. Dinmore was taken off at Winchcombe, pushed too hard by the King?!


The sun shines on Cromwell, at Didbrook.

 

I always look forward to the big annual GWSR gala and this year's was no exception. Here's my footage from the Saturday afternoon/evening and the Monday, which I hope you enjoy

 

My video from the weekend (Saturday and Monday):

 

I was (slightly) involved with the pop up buffet tent at Broadway, and we had to get our takings in and away with the last train. No cash remains on the railway, I think that is what is behind the 'early' closing. We all want to please the customer, but there are practical constraints.

 

Have just had a brilliant three days at the railway, combination video below. Photos to follow...

 

a few more pictures:
















Richard

 

Photos from Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. Many thanks to all involved in organizing the event, all five of us visiting had a great time!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72157691733571820

 

Good Gala thanking everyone who puts effort into these things, as has been said before didn't like the DMU or the top and tailing don't see any need for it now, main bug bear was the speeding it was uncomfortable and embarrassing.

 

A little late, back from my jollies. Add my thanks to all concerned for a wonderful weekend, friendly staff and everything (almost) to plan. Hope the problems with Dinmore were nothing serious (taken off the double header at the end of Sunday, at Winchcombe). Looking forward to the next one. Selection of my shots from the event.

 

All fixed fairly swiftly thankfully. Glad you had a good visit.