Branch Line Society are honoured to have been asked to assist GWR in running a very unusual and unique charity railtour in aid of First Devon and Exeter Prostate Cancer Fund. The aim is to raise £20k for a portable scanner.
Timings
are provisional and subject to Network Rail validation with pick up and
set down at: London Paddington (07.15/20.39), Reading (07.42/20.08),
Didcot Parkway (07.55/19.52), Swindon (08.15/ 19.33), Bristol TM
(08.52/18.50), Taunton (09.25/ 18.02) and Exeter St. David's
(09.54/17.37) through P6 requested both ways. Then via Newton Abbot
(through P1 requested), Totnes facing crossover at 222m 47ch to P2
(reverse) via the mainline connection onto the South Devon Railway to Buckfastleigh
(11.15). Enjoy a break on the delightful South Devon Railway or this
small market town with all its amenities and attractions. Given the
length of a HST the front should be well beyond the end of the platform
to clear the starting signal for return. There will be workshop tours
and services operating on the SDR. Departing at 11.25 the HST makes a
return trip to Heathfield (12.44/12.55) for local traffic, returning to Buckfastleigh at 14.47. Picking up all the passengers from the main tour before departure at 15.02 to Heathfield again (16.22/16.42) then back to London Paddington.
A
comprehensive catering service will be available on board including
real ales and freshly cooked food from the Travelling Chef. All
proceeds from these services will be donated to charity.
Standard
class fares for pick up between London Paddington and Bristol Temple
Meads £75, or £50 from Taunton or Exeter St Davids. Special fare from
Buckfastleigh – Buckfastleigh £25 which will be donated to South Devon
Railway and the Devon Diesel Society. First class fares are not
available and no child discounts on this occasion. Cheques payable to
“Branch Line Society”. PLEASE NOTE PAYMENT BY CARD IS NOT AVAILABLE ON
THIS CHARTER. When booking please provide your name, address, email
address and contact telephone number. If you do not have an email
address please supply a stamped self-addressed envelope, and a second if
you require an initial acknowledgment.
All
bookings should be forwarded to Jill Everitt, Branch Line Society, 4
Barnside Way, Moulton, Cheshire CW9 8PT. Envelopes should be marked “HST Special”. Any booking queries can be emailed to blsfgw@gmail.com with any general queries to kev.adlam@branchline.org.uk
Note bookings will not be acknowledged until 14th September earliest due to existing travel arrangements.