GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam 25th-27th May 2024

Out of interest, the timetable says that 7903 will face south, is it not facing North at the moment? Thanks

 

It is yes, it will be going for a spin round the car park when a low loader turns up with one of the guest locos. We wanted all the 4-6-0s facing the same way for shed scenes and double headers, easiest way to achieve that was to turn Foremarke. We had planned to have 2807 back the other way after it went to Somerset to even things up a bit but that plan went awry when 2807 had to cancel. So I'm afraid it is a bit South-facing dominant this year, but you can't do everything.

 

I suppose another positive viewpoint is that it evens out flange wear.

I'm hoping to visit this one for the first time since 2019 (said that in 2022 and 2023 but couldn't for whatever reason).

 

Saves the walk from Winchcombe station to chicken curve for a photo and back!! Looks like curry halt will be in favour for the afternoons.

 

Unfortunately Gotherington grounds won't be open this year, the owners don't feel able to do so this time. Plenty of alternative catering options though, including the new Cotswold Halt née Flag & Whistle.

 

Thanks for the heads up, pity the wife always looks forward to the lunch break there, as said there are other venues, but also takes out good place for south bound shots for the restart.

 

This railway is very inconsiderate when it comes to replying to emails sent to them asking about the connecting bus service from Cheltenham Spa to Racecourse station, I have sent 2 enquiries and received no replies

 

I'm sorry to hear that Neil, can you pm me which email address you've been trying please? The bus timetable should be out very shortly, I'm not sure what the delay is, I shall chase it up.

 

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Sent a conversation request to you

 

With the gala being less than 2 weeks away, how confident can we be that Betton Grange is going to appear? Looking at it's thread in the Steam Traction section it appears that the expected visit to the Severn Valley for running in has not happened. If it's not ready in time does the GWSR have a Plan B?

 

I personally have little confidence of it appearing. I get that final tweaks are required but the radio silence doesn't help especially given its been 4 months since its first cancelled gala event. I hope to be proved wrong but with a weeks worth of running in needed at the very least it doesn't give the best hope with the first day of the gala being 12 days away.

 

SVR steam gala all over again

 

...and West Somerset gala (although they never actually advertised it)
...and East Somerset gala
...and Battlefield Line gala

 

Ye of little faith! I can understand the scepticism after all the false starts, but keep an eye on our social media this week as there will be news worth looking out for.

 

I am quoted elsewhere on here as not putting a bet on it (ugh!) appearing, however, everything Flying Scotsman has said in the past has come to fruition, I and others live in hope!!

 

@neildimmer and others, bus timetable now available:



Apologies for the delay, hopefully folk can book both their mainline train tickets and event day tickets now www.gwsr.com/galas/steam-gala

 

Thanks Train and gala tickets now booked

 

Apologies, somehow I received the wrong timetable. The correct one is now in the above post. Really sorry @neildimmer , I hope it doesn't affect your plans.

 

no problem. i will be using the 10:05 to Racecourse and 15:40 from Racecourse