Sunday 21st December 2014
With thanks to our friends at First Great Western there will be an hourly service of seven return festively decorated 2-car Class 150 DMUs to Heathfield station (joining and alighting at Newton Abbot only, where there will be various stands*) starting 09.45, the first 'public trains' since withdrawal of passenger service on 28 February 1959. Tickets for the first 6 Santa trains will be available from Newton Abbot booking office from 22 November cash only to maximise the donation.
The 15.55 departure only will be a BLS / LC&I and FGW 'Yuletide Tracker' traversing the Heathfield loop (not covered by our GW Trackers), the platform road and to the end of line at 4m 07ch as well as Newton Abbot bay Platform 9 (formerly used by the Teign Valley Line, Moretonhampstead, and latterly Motorail services). As always these aresubject to circumstances on the day.
Return is about 17.15; all passengers: £6 adults, £4 children to include a mince pie and hot drink! DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY!
For this charity trip, please send all bookings (essential) and enquiries to Paul Stewart paul.stewart@branchline.org.uk. who is definitely not dressing up as Father Christmas! It is suggested that perhaps you contact Paul Stewart to check bookings to avoid disappointment.
Pay on the day to FGW staff cash only. [*Expected are stands from the Branch Line Society, First Great Western, Network Rail, Devon Rail Partnership, the Teign Valley Railway, a Raffle, 'Hannah's' and possibly the Great Western Society.]