CELEBRATIONS to mark the 40th anniversary of the restoration of London trains to Pershore’s railway station will take place this weekend.
After narrowly escaping complete closure in the Beeching era, Pershore was served by just four trains a day in 1979 mainly for the benefit of commuters to and from Worcester.
British Rail then agreed to a through train calling each way on Saturdays to allow a day trip to London and within a few weeks 50 to 60 passengers were using the service.
Further improvements to weekend services were followed by campaigns leading to the introduction of a daily through service to and from London and additional services to the extent that Pershore now sees virtually all services – 31 trains a day – calling at the town’s station.
Today (Saturday) Mayor of Pershore in 1979 David Griffiths, who flagged away that first train, will join current Mayor Chris Parsons for a ceremony at the station based around the 11:13am train departure.
Town Crier Robert Speight and local jazz musician Dutch Lewis will be joining organisers to give the occasion a bit of a fanfare.
A tasty treat will be on offer as organisers have a 40th anniversary cake on the timetable while it’s hoped the town’s MP Harriett Baldwin will be able to attend.
“With the events starting from 10:30 we do hope you will be able to join us on the day to celebrate this anniversary,” said Julian Palfrey, chairman of the Vale Public Transport Group.
