GLOUCESTERSHIRE and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) welcomed local businesses and dignitaries to an event to open up the railway to the community.
Guests enjoyed first class travel hauled by a visiting loco during the event last Tuesday (April 4) which encouraged businesses, associations, councillors, and Members of Parliament to help promote the railway and to encourage further support.
Graced with some glorious spring sunshine, invited guests were transported between Cheltenham Racecourse and Winchcombe aboard first class coach ‘Mary’, hauled by visiting locomotive BR Standard Class 4 No. 75014 ‘Braveheart’.
Once at Winchcombe, a presentation about the railway was given in the Tim Mitchell Building by Richard Johnson, chairman of GWSR PLC.
The event, attended by some of the GWSR PLC directors, afforded guests the opportunity to share ideas, information and to ask questions in relation to increasing ties and possible future events with the railway.
The return journey to Cheltenham Racecourse gave one lucky guest the chance to ride aboard the footplate of 75014, which was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.
Guests were also offered the opportunity to travel further along the line to Broadway.
Mr Johnson said: “It was excellent to see so many local businesses join us for the event and to understand our railway and how we operate.
“Networking with individuals from a variety of backgrounds really helps us promote the railway with the local community and forge stronger relationships.
“We look forward to many more opportunities in the future.”
Further promotional and networking events are planned.
