To plan a big event such as "Day out with Thomas" we have to make arrangements well over a year in advance. The Thomas loco for instance is always booked up by so many other operators that we have to get in early. Unfortunately this year, our Thomas event was fixed before we heard that the organisers of the marathon had moved the start point to the racecourse. Those of you living locally will know what happened. Suffice it to say, we lost income as a result of the poor organisation of their event, and since then have been in touch with the organisers, the borough council, the Chamber of Commerce and the racecourse to express our dissatisfaction.
Unfortunately by June this year, we had already fixed next year's Thomas date which can't be altered and it looks as though there will be a similar clash. However now we know of the potential problems we can do our best to find ways around them.
All I can really say at this point is a tremendous thank you to all volunteers who battled through the crowds to ensure we were up and running at the correct time. I know that some of you abandoned cars and walked long distances and others who changed what they were otherwise doing on that day just to help us. Thanks to all of you, it was a splendid weekend with lots of excellent feedback.
Colin Fewell
Would it not be possible to contact other heritage railways who have Thomas booked for next year to see if there was any chance of swapping dates? This assuming that no publicity has already been undertaken by either organisation.
ReplyDeleteWe have. Unfortunately the Thomas loco is overseas for the week preceding and pre booked without the possibility of changing for the week after. And we have already sent our 2017 timetable for printing and tickets are already ready for sale with the on line ticketing company. We are hoping that with better communications we can reduce the problem next year now we know what is likely to happen. For instance we will advertise that poeple should come to Toddington on the sunday and we will provide an early train from Toddington to Cheltenham to take our volunteers down. I think the marathon organisers understand the issues and will be co-operative next year. Lets hope so. However this is a wake up call for Cheltenham to organise an "events" calendar which I am told they are - late in the day - looking at.
ReplyDeleteColin Fewell
Is there not an opportunity for the railway to put on a park and ride early train to take runners to the Racecourse for the Half Marathon and another train back at lunchtime? I appreciate the railway is busy with Thomas but anything that resolves the traffic nightmare is worth considering and revenue could be earned by the railway.
ReplyDeleteA good idea. Everything is up for discussion at the moment to resolve all the problems
DeleteColin Fewell
It really is time that Cheltenham got "on-board" with the Railway, in co-ordinating events, in the sme way as Winchcombe did with our last Wartime Experience. I am still not sure if they realise what an asset our Railway is, on the outskirts of their town!
ReplyDeleteJim Boyles
You are so right! We are making progress - slowly
DeleteColin Fewell
Perhaps you could run an early morning staff train so volunteers could park elsewhere ?
ReplyDeleteYes - we will do this if the marathon kicks off from the racecourse next year
DeleteColin Fewell