GWSR Appeal Event, 9th & 10th April, at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough)

I thought the idea was to turn up to show support for the GWSR? That's why we went. What was running was neither here nor there as far as we were concerned. But as we've seen on the fund raising thread on here, enthusiasts are a fickle bunch, the majority of whom seem happy to stand by and watch as one of the country's more interesting preserved lines faces the possibility of going to the wall.

 

The sheer volume of traffic on the line was very much an attraction for me. Didn't worry me that one 8F was red and another was Turkish, they all looked and sounded good. For most of the afternoon I was sat just south of Quorn watching a seemingly never ending procession of trains and throwing money and passing strays armed with buckets. Great way to pass the time.

 

Too true. Don't think I've ever seen such intense action as there was at Quorn - just a fabulous place to spend a few hours on Sunday. We travelled to Lufbra, had a hot dog, then back on the Autocoach to Quorn in time to see the TPO storm through. Then down to Leicester and back to Lufbra (inc. a couple of very tasty Shardlow beers along the way) for tour round the shed whilst the girls poked around the shops and stalls, then back again to Quorn. Excellent gala all in all.

 

I understand where you are coming from: I pledged my support because nobody should have as much bad luck as the GWR did this past year.

However you have to take into consideration the current economic climate, most families (Inc enthusiasts) are having to cut back on most things. Days out to the local railway are becoming a luxury for most. Once you have added up the price of taking a family out plus dinner, the cost of getting there it soon mounts up to money most families just can't spare anymore.

Add on the fact the GC has an event most weekends then people are going to be more choosey about when they can go.

I drove 640 miles over the past weekend, it cost me an arm and a leg. But it was something I wanted to attend. Most people will have their own preferences about what they want to see and now pick and choose where to attend.

 

I agree. Something else has to give. In our case we gave up our weekly meal out at the pub (but that didn't come near to what we spent at the GCR!). We'll probably give another gala a miss this year to compensate - not much spare cash in retirement.

 

The problem is the GCR are running too many events that are chasing the same customer base. There's been an enthusiast themed weekend in January, February, March and now April. Add in what other railways are doing and you're going to split your market.

 

But this wasn't just another gala was it?

It's like a football team putting on a testimonial game isn't it. You go to give to the cause, not to complain they're playing too many games.

 

Therefore, would a more low key event have worked better perhaps? (Eg. give 5542 and 2807 a miss and knock a couple of quid off the price of a rover, thus reducing the costs). Of course, like the majority on here I'm not a gala planner and have no background in market research, but ultimately none of us has a bottomless cash jar, and if two events on consecutive weekends have a very similar lineup it's unlikely many will do both, unless that lineup happens to appeal very much to them! Don't get me wrong, it was for a good cause, but nobody has unlimited funds. By the same token, I'm sure anyone with any heart would like to be able to give copiously to most of the charities out there, but ultimately it comes down to making a decision about which to support.

 

What if you're on a limited income and have already attended one of the other weekends and can't afford to go to another one at this time of year? It's good willed and a nice gesture from the GCR but with so many others already run this year perhaps people just don't feel that inclined to go again so soon?

 

As the GWSR representative who deals with loco hire etc and having had a goodly amount of input into the original Idea can I just explain a couple of points. With 2807 at the WSR and a 2-8-0 event taking shape at the GC it was an easy choice to send it up to the GC to take part in the event. The WSR paid for it to get to the GC and the GC are paying for the return. The 8f was also transported with minimal cost to the GWSR. Over the weekend all Locomotive owners waived there hire fees - thats £1000 per locomotive. Its a shame the event was not better attended but admittedly with money getting tighter things are never gaurenteed. All thanks must go the Bill Ford, Martyn Ashworth and the GCR team for all there help. The figure is known and although more would have been nice, it is money we did'nt have before. It has allowed the contract for the test bore holes at Chicken curve to be let and this is due to start in the next couple of weeks. We shall know then, what the likely bill will be.

2807 is staying at the GCR for this coming weekend and will be in action along with 3850 on its final appearances, so if anyone missed last weeks event get to Loughborough this weekend. 2807 and 45160 will both be back to the GWSR for next weekends re-opening (good friday) to Cheltenham Race course. One week short of the Year since the last passenger train. Hope to see lots of people.

Andy

 

Due to it being that time of year again, assignment crazy at Uni I haven't had chance to upload any video's from the event.

I've uploaded a couple of shots from the GCR onto the website available Here.

 

It is a shame that the Gr8 escape gala wasn't that well attended. Does anyone know if any offical figures on visitor numbers or the amount of money raised will ever be released.
Nice to hear good news about contract for boreholes, and I for one am looking forward to the return of steam to Cheltenham Racecourse!