With volunteer and shareholder trains to Broadway now just over a day away, and the official opening to the public next week on Good Friday, I am pleased to let you know that the race trains kicked of our season in fine style!
It was another record year with, for the first time, all trains sold out and 3000 passengers carried. Revenue reached a new record as did cash profits and this was partly based on the sale of 600 bottles of champagne and 1200 cans of Guinness - race going is thirsty work apparently!
The result was a huge credit to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly and professionally to make this the most enjoyable experience possible for our passengers.
Needless to say the three rostered locomotives looked fantastic; P&O, Foremarke Hall and Dinmore Manor were a great credit to the steam loco department.
On Gold Cup day we welcomed Chris Evans, his wife and the eight winners of his charity auction of a Day at the Races for Children in Need. Also in his party were the two-time Olympic gold medal cyclist, Victoria Pendleton, now a jockey. The attached photo shows Chris and Victoria enjoying a chat with P&O's crew of Andy Beale and Ben Evason.
You probably know that it was Andy who first prompted Chris's interest in including us in his race package by phoning in last year to the Radio 2 show to talk about his fabulous job of being a steam engine driver - well done Andy!
I think all our guests enjoyed the experience and we hope to welcome them back in the future.
So, for now it's goodbye to the races and hello to Broadway!
Chris
Chris Bristow
GWSR PLC Finance Director
This is all good for the line, and also seeing the chocolate & cream coach set in Broadway station for the volunteers to see the station in in all its glory. So today was very good for us all.
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Paul & Marion.
Good luck. I am a shareholder but have heard nothing about any special trains. Am I missing something?
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