‘Magical’ evening of carols on heritage railway steaming ahead
A “magical” evening of steam trains, mince pies and carol singing is set to take place at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway next weekend, raise cash for a cause that’s truly in the spirit of the season. The Railway’s Carol Steam Train will depart from Toddington December 10, taking passengers along one of the region’s old railway lines while they partake in mulled wine, mince pies, and some festive cheer. The event is for a Gloucester children’s hospice. Passengers will disembark from the refurbished steam train onto a transformed Winchcombe station winter wonderland, where Cheltenham Silver Training Band will lead the festive caroling.
After this, the train will continue to Cheltenham Racecourse before returning to Toddington. READ MORE: Gloucester Rugby launch huge advent calendar in support of Ed Slater Proceeds from the event will go to the James Hopkins Trust, the Barnwood-based charity that provides care for severely disabled children.
Last week, the steam railways created magical memories for these children by letting them be the first to ride on their Santa Express train. Catherine Johnson, the railway’s marketing manager says: “This will truly be a magical occasion. Winchcombe station has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland and is the perfect setting to enjoy Christmas Carols and support the vital respite work done by the James Hopkins Trust for children with complex and life-threatening medical needs.”
Tickets for the Carol Steam Train are GBP25, with a mince pie and mulled wine included in the price and can be purchased from the James Hopkins Trust. The railway’s Santa service is entirely run by volunteers. The railway’s Santa Express is now sold out. Ria Heap from the James Hopkins Trust said: “Trains and Christmas are the perfect partnership.
Our Carol Steam Train is the perfect way to enter into the Christmas spirit. It’s going to be a fabulous evening full of festivities. We are very grateful for having this fundraising opportunity to raise money for our children’s hospice”.
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