Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Your Day Out

Rebuilt and run by qualified volunteers

Broadway • Toddington • Winchcombe • Cheltenham Race Course • 2020 Introduction

Welcome to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, which runs for over fourteen miles through the glorious Cotswold countryside. Ⅵ Today’s train times depend on the colour of the timetable being used. The colour coding for today is displayed prominently at each main station. The different coding for each day can be found on the calendar in the separate Ⅵ Greet Tunnel timetable leaflet. Train departure times are shown in this booklet. A Brief History of the Line Ⅵ Check this guide for information about the railway 1902-1906: The ‘Honeybourne Line’ over which our trains now run was and how to get the most constructed as part of the Great Western Railway’s through route from enjoyment out of your day central England to the South West to compete with the Midland with us. Railway’s route.

Ⅵ A ride on a steam train is 1910: first through trains were introduced between Wolverhampton and the West what most people come for - Country. the smell, the sounds, and the rhythm of a bygone era. But depending on the day you 1912: Cheltenham Race Course station was opened. choose to travel with us, there may be other travel 1948: Great Western Railway was absorbed by British Railways on nationalisation. experiences available. For instance we have a 1952: The Wolverhampton-Penzance express was named ‘The Cornishman.’ large fleet of heritage diesel locomotives, all of which are 1960: local passenger services ended. over 50 years old. And there is also our diesel railcar where 1976: line officially closed following derailment of a Toton (Notts) to Severn Tunnel you can sit behind the driver Junction coal train at Winchcombe. and see what they do. Check the timetable to see what’s on 1979: track lifted and many buildings demolished. offer today. Ⅵ As part of your day with us, 1976-1984: local people and railway enthusiasts initially tried to save the line. how about purchasing a guide They then bought 15 miles of track bed and remaining associated buildings. book which tells you much They were granted a Light Rail Order permitting them to re-build the line between more about our history? Or Broadway and Cheltenham. Track-laying began and public services commenced one of our walking books , or initially over 700 yards of track. even a genuine I-Spy book for the whole family? 1984-2016: volunteers steadily restored the line, building stations, signal boxes, replacing lost signals and other infrastructure. Despite major landslips, the track Ⅵ Pick up a free children’s was gradually extended to 12 miles in length and comprised three main stations quiz at any of our booking and one halt. During this period work commenced on the major extension to offices and the Heritage Trail leaflet available at Toddington Broadway with the line extending to Laverton. Station. Since 2016, the railway has experienced tremendous growth which has enabled Ⅵ We are not just a railway our volunteers to rebuild Hayles Abbey Halt and Broadway station wherever but a living museum. Make possible in the style of the original stations. In 2018, the line was extended to sure you get off the train at Broadway, enabling passengers from the Cheltenham area to enjoy one of the our intermediate stations and treasures of the Cotswolds. just enjoy the experience Did you know...? Membership Ⅵ When working on the railway, each steam engine can cost as much as £1,000 and per day. Volunteering Ⅵ The railway necessarily uses coal, Becoming a member of the water and diesel fuel for its heritage GWR Trust is one of the locomotives, but the amounts used per easiest ways to support the passenger are small. The GWSR Railway and to stay up-to-date contributes significantly to the local economy with what's going on. and business, and the livelihoods of many people depend upon the part we play in attracting With low annual membership visitors to the Cotswolds. rates and an attractive package of benefits you Ⅵ Between the fences, our railway provides a safe green corridor for the can't go wrong. There are abundant wildlife. magazines and vouchers to be had, so don’t miss out. Ⅵ It takes at least six years to train a steam loco driver and four years to train a diesel driver.

Ⅵ It takes up to four hours for the steam department to prepare a loco in the morning and one hour to “dispose” the loco at the end of the day. Work in the evening includes checking over the loco and cleaning out the ash, etc.

Ⅵ We employ seven staff and have over 950 volunteers.

Ⅵ We are overseen by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) which ensure the railway is run in a professional manner.

Ⅵ It takes over 50 volunteers to run the railway on a three train day. For even greater involvement, Ⅵ Over 125 volunteers help each day with the Santa Specials. how about becoming a volunteer? It is a great Ⅵ We have a responsibility for 46 bridges, one viaduct, two tunnels and an opportunity to keep one of the aqueduct/footbridge all of which are over 115 years old. In 2018, we spent in foremost Cotswolds visitor excess of £150,000 on major repairs to just one bridge. attractions running – and it is fun too!’ Ⅵ All our bridges are inspected visually once a year and inspected by consultants every six years. We aim to have a detailed inspection of eight Uniquely for a Heritage bridges a year. Railway of this size, the GWSR relies almost exclusively on Ⅵ We are responsible for 30 miles of fencing and drainage channels. volunteers to keep it opera - tional. The professionalism Ⅵ Our volunteers include carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, upholsterers, which our volunteers bring to electrical engineers, painters, mechanics, health and safety professionals, the role they are undertaking accountants etc. etc., as well as many with experience in IT, social media, for us is always appreciated administration, catering - and so it goes on! by our visitors. How each £1 of ticket income is allocated Please ask any of our volunteers Payroll for more details if Running Costs you wish to get Repairs to buildings and carriages involved. Civil Engineering and related infrastructure maintenance

Available for investment in infrastructure display car park just across the road and just beyond the railway bridge.

Broadway was a major coaching stop in the 1600s on the road from Worcester to London and had over thirty public houses. With the arrival of the railway at nearby Evesham in 1852, travel by stagecoach stopped almost immediately and the village became a backwater. Victorian artists were drawn to the area because of its tranquillity.

Ⅵ Broadway Station = This, however, was all to change again with the arrival of the railway to the village itself in August Broadway 1904. Nowadays Broadway is a centre for arts and Broadway station is being rebuilt by volunteers. antiques as well as, of course, tourism. Local It was closed by British Railways in March 1960 and attractions include two museums - the Gordon demolished soon after. The station reopened to trains Russell Museum celebrating the work of the 20th using Platform 1 in 2018 and work is continuing on century furniture maker, and the Broadway reconstructing Platform 2, and a footbridge. Museum and Art Gallery which displays works dating back to the 17th century. Have a look around Platform 1 and see the detailed work undertaken by volunteers, The Refreshment Room offers a warm welcome. Enjoy delicious cakes and tempting tea cakes with a variety of teas and coffees. Snacks and cold drinks are also available. The Refreshment Room is open to both passengers and non-passengers. Relax while you sit and watch the trains arrive and depart, or simply take in the atmosphere of a busy village station from days gone by. The Refreshment Room is open on normal train timetable running days throughout the season from 10am to 4pm (subject to volunteer availability). Ⅵ Broadway Station Refreshment Room

The village centre is about half a mile away and can be reached by a fifteen minute walk along a level To ł footway next to the B4632 Station Road. Evesham Broadway Alternatively a privately operated shuttle service can & bypass Station be pre-booked to meet the trains at the station: call Entrance in advance on 07895 028448. Please note we Car cannot accept any liability for this service. Park P S TA T Once there, you will find plenty of shops and IO Exit N R museums, coffee bars and hotels to make your short O A C D visit an enjoyable one and maybe give you an oppor - H I (B LD 4 tunity to plan a longer visit next time. S 6 W 3 R IC Car 2 O K ) A H D A Park P Broadway is situated on the Cotswold Way and is M an ideal choice for a stop if you want to explore this ) part of the Cotswolds. Just a mile outside the village 32 46 (B for instance is the famous Broadway Tower - the D R brainchild of Capability Brown and built in 1798. AM NH Broadway TE EL Village Centre There is a council-owned and operated pay and CH Page will give you up to date information. This narrow gauge railway is run by the North Gloucestershire Railway Company Ltd and is a completely separate company from our railway.

Ⅵ Visit the Mini Signal Box by the side of the car park and try your hand at being a signalman.

Ⅵ At the far end of the car park is a track which leads you to the Loco Viewing Area . We regret we Ⅵ Toddington Station aren’t allowed to open the sheds to visitors unless organised with us in advance, however this is the next best thing. You can have a look behind the Toddington sheds at the work being undertaken by our volunteers. Toddington Station was where the reconstruction of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Ⅵ Ask at the booking office for a free Heritage Trail began. It houses our steam and diesel loco sheds. leaflet. Armed with this, you can walk around the The station itself opened in December 1904 and at station site finding out about the station’s history. one time had a goods yard, cattle loading pens, and a weighbridge. Toddington was a very important Ⅵ And especially for children (of all ages) is the fruit growing area and the station yard had a fruit Quiz Sheet which can also be obtained free of packing shed. Just to the north of the station the charge from the booking office. Something to keep railway line runs over the 210 ft long, 42ft high, you busy and entertained as you look round our 15 span brick arch Stanway Viaduct . stations.

There are a host of things to do if you alight at Just up the road from Toddington, reached either by Toddington Station. car or by foot along footpaths, is Stanway House , a Jacobean manor with an impressive gatehouse and Ⅵ Pop into the Railway Shop to look at the a 300 ft gravity fountain - the highest in the world. extensive stock of railway models, books, toys and Their website www.stanwayfountain.co.uk will give other souvenirs. There is a large selection of second you more information. Our Railway Rambles 2 book hand books to complement the range of new sets out the route from the station to the house. publications. We also stock guides to the area, ideal if you intend to explore by car or on foot. If you are rushed, you can always purchase goods from the shop on line - see our website.

Ⅵ The Flag and Whistle Tea Room offers a warm welcome and has a comprehensive menu as well as daily specials. It can host private events such as birthday parties.

Ⅵ Have a look at Rob’s Railway Shop. Here you will find a wide selection of railway-oriented souvenirs, magazines, books, model trains etc.

Ⅵ Check out the small Children’s Play Area and picnic spaces.

Ⅵ To one side of the main car park is the Todding - ton Narrow Gauge Railway which runs steam and diesel hauled trains on many days in the year. Their website www.toddington-narrow-gauge.co.uk and the Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway Facebook Before leaving Winchcombe Station:

Ⅵ Make sure you treat yourself to refreshments at our 1950’s themed Coffee Pot Café run entirely by volunteers.

Ⅵ Visit the Discovery Coach to get a better picture of the history of our railway line as well as that of the Great Western Railway. The timeline is particularly interesting and you can see how the original railway was gradually built at the end of the 19th century. Ⅵ Hailes Abbey Ⅵ The Model Railway Coach is also a must! With layouts built by volunteers this old Royal Mail coach Hayles Abbey Halt provides the ideal venue for the models. The model railway is open on most operating days. This original station opened in 1928 to coincide with the opening of the museum at nearby Hailes Ⅵ Listen to some of the stories about the railway in Abbey . By co-incidence this is exactly what the Dial-A-Story telephone box. happened again in 2017 when the newly rebuilt station was opened at the same time as the newly Just to the south of the station, the line runs through refurbished museum was opened at the abbey. the 693 yard long Greet Tunnel - which some say is supposed to be haunted. Not all trains stop here so please check the timetable. And for all other trains, this is a request Winchcombe station is actually in Greet, a small stop, so if you wish to alight, please tell the guard village outside the town. The walk into the centre of and sit in one of the front two coaches. Unfolded Winchcombe will take about 20 minutes. A privately wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles cannot be owned shuttle service can be pre-booked to meet loaded or unloaded onto trains at Hayles Abbey Halt the trains - call 07540 437546 in advance. Please because of the short length of the platform. note we cannot accept any liability for this service.

This station is ideal for walkers - see our Railway Winchcombe is a medieval Saxon town, and was Rambles books for suggestions of walks in the area the capital of Mercia. In the 1600s the area was well - and for anyone wishing to visit Hailes Abbey known for tobacco growing. This was banned in which is less than 15 minutes away along a quiet 1619 due to the vested interest of the industry in country road. The abbey was founded in 1246 by the America and the colonies. It is a typical Cotswold Earl of Cornwall. Once the centre of monastic life, town and has museums, plenty of interesting shops the tranquil ruins are now the ideal place for a picnic and bars. On the outskirts of the town is Sudeley in a unique historic setting. And the new museum is Castle probably best known as the burial place of a must! Catherine Parr the sixth wife of Henry VIII. Winchcombe The original Winchcombe Station building was demolished by British Railways soon after the line was closed in 1976. Volunteers replaced it in 1987 with the one from Monmouth Troy station, which they dismantled stone by stone and re-erected where you can see it now.

If you have time, alight at this station and first and foremost, enjoy the view of the Cotswold hills. To Bishops Cleeve ł Cheltenham Race Course Station

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S Racecourse E V E Ⅵ Gotherington Station Park & Ride P&R Car park • Bus Stop Gotherington SWINDON LANE NEW BARN LANE (B4075) This is a delightful station set in the middle of the Cotswolds. On many days during the summer, the • Bus Stop train can be seen to stop there for enthusiastic To Town walkers to alight - a number of footpaths cross at Centre Ń this point. call at our small shop for a selection of toys, The main station building is a private house and the souvenirs and ice creams. Hot drinks can also be platform we use is on the opposite side. There is no obtained from a vending machine. And whilst waiting car parking at this station. Not all trains stop here so for the train there should be time for a chat to our please check the timetable. And for all other trains, station and train staff. if you wish to alight, please sit in one of the front two coaches. Unfolded wheelchairs, pushchairs and If you plan to go into Cheltenham , maybe for bicycles cannot be loaded or unloaded onto trains at shopping or just to look around, it’s about two miles Gotherington because of the short length of the away so be prepared for a good long walk.There are, platform. however, two ways you can get there. You can either catch a bus at the park and ride bus stop on the other side of the racecourse, or travel in by taxi.

We have negotiated special rates for our visitors with three taxi companies. If you call one of them as you get on the train (on one of the numbers below), they will be waiting at the racecourse station for you on your arrival. The cost is for the taxi from the Ⅵ Steaming beneath Cleeve Hill station to outside Marks and Spencer in the town centre. The numbers to call are Dial-a-Cab – 01242 242424, Central Taxis – 01242 228877 or Spa-Tax – 01242 807666. The driver will then give Cheltenham you a card to arrange the return journey. Please note Race Course that as these services are provided by outside companies, we cannot be liable for them. The terminus of our line lies in the grounds of the world famous Cheltenham Racecourse . As you arrive, you can imagine the noise and excitement on race days. We bring thousands of racegoers to the races by pre-booked trains.

This is a great station to watch the locomotive run round from one end of the train to another. As part of Ⅵ Race trains at Cheltenham Race Course your visit to the racecourse station, make sure you BLUE & PURPLE Timetables Boxes around times indicate the last train of the day from one end of the line to the other

Cotswolds Cotswolds Cotswolds Southbound Express Express Express Blue Timetable Steam Railcar Steam Railcar Steam Railcar Purple Timetable Steam 1 Steam 2 Steam 1 Steam 2 Diesel Steam 2 Broadway dep xx10.50 12.15 13.50 15.10 16.50

Toddington dep x 10.00 11.10 12.35 14.15 15.35 arr 17.06

Winchcombe dep x 10.12 11.22 12.47 14.27 15.47 x

Cheltenham Race Course arr x 10.35 11.45 13.10 14.50 16.10 x

Becomes 10.55 12.20 13.55 15.20 16.25

Cotswolds Cotswolds Cotswolds Northbound Express Express Express Blue Timetable Railcar Steam Railcar Steam Railcar Steam Purple Timetable Steam 2 Steam 1 Steam 2 Steam 1 Steam 2 Diesel Cheltenham Race Course dep x 10.55 12.20 13.55 15.20 16.25 x

Winchcombe dep x 11.23 12.48 14.28 15.50 16.49 x

Toddington dep 10.15 11.35 13.00 14.40 16.10 arr 16.59 x

Broadway arr 10.31 11.51 13.16 14.56 16.26 xx

Becomes 10.50 12.15 13.50 15.10 16.50 Cotswolds Express The ‘Cotswolds Express’ will not call at Hayles Abbey Halt or Gotherington Stations. If you are alighting or joining the train at one of these stations, check the timetable. For timetable notes, see below. Dogs Please ensure you have a ticket for your dog and keep it on a lead at all times. Due to a number of incidents, dogs are not allowed in carpeted areas on our trains, in first class or in restaurant or buffet cars, and only allowed on the floor - not on seats, even if you have a rug. Please also don't allow your dog to block the carriage walkways. Assistance dogs are exempt from non-safety restrictions

Timetable Notes Gotherington (located between Cheltenham Race Course and Winchcombe) and Hayles Abbey Halt (between Winchcombe and Toddington) have short platforms. Passengers wishing to alight there need to be in the front two coaches. Wheelchair users, bicycles and unfolded pushchairs cannot board there. Some trains will not stop at Gotherington and Hayles Abbey Halt, so check before departing from the previous station. If you are planning to alight at Hayles Abbey Halt, please tell the guard at the previous station. Boxes around times indicate the last train of the day from one end of the line to the other. x = no service.

Books available from the GWSR Get even more out your visit to the GWSR with one of our own special publications. All are available from our shops. Railway Rambles (volumes 1 and 2) provide information on a variety of walks in the Cotswolds from our stations and the guide to the Heritage Trail at Toddington is FREE!

Retail Outlets

GWSR Shops Visit one or both of our shops on the GWSR: at Toddington and at Cheltenham Race Course. Both are open on most operating days, and aim to offer a great range to suit every pocket. Ⅵ Toddington Station Shop Ⅵ Books - a superb selection of new books including railway books, recipe books and Ⅵ The Cotswold Express - our 1950s style crime novels. restaurant buffet car, normally located near the centre of the Cotswolds Express service (see Model Railway Items - in N, OO and O gauge Ⅵ timetable), can provide tempting bacon rolls and and an ever-growing range of OO gauge wagons toasted teacakes. specific to the GWSR.

Ⅵ Big Jigs - a wide choice of Big Jigs wooden Cafés and Restaurants railway merchandise for our younger train Visit the newly opened Broadway Station enthusiasts. Refreshment Room where you can enjoy our delicious cakes. Ⅵ GWSR Branded Goods - an extensive range of our own unique products, clothing, jigsaws, toys Ⅵ The Coffee Pot at Winchcombe - 1950s style etc for young and old. café with indoor and outside seating.

Ⅵ Rob’s Railway Shop - situated at Toddington Ⅵ Cheltenham Race Course Station Shop - Railway Station, with an interesting selection of which sells drinks, ice creams and light snacks. secondhand books and collectables. Ⅵ The Flag & Whistle at Toddington - licensed Food & Drink on the Trains franchised restaurant and tea room which offers You are never very far from somewhere to eat or substantial hot meals, lighter snacks and is open drink when you visit the railway. every running day and many other times during the year. Check our website for opening times. Ⅵ Buffet Cars - volunteers in our buffet cars can usually supply hot beverages, cakes, crisps, biscuits and chocolate - plus alcoholic drinks including wine and our own specially brewed GWR Rail Ale.

Ⅵ Railcars - a more limited range of snacks is offered on our diesel railcar services. Ⅵ e Flag & Whistle

GWSR Online Shop Most items also available online www.gwsr.com

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway The Railway Station, Toddington, GL54 5DT Tel: 01242 621405 website: www.gwsr.com Designed and produced for the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway by Mike Weaver Advertising. © GWSR 2020. The GWSR gratefully acknowledges the contributions to our publications made by many supporters and volunteers