Your Day Out - Rebuilt and run by qualified volunteers Broadway Toddington Winchcombe Cheltenham Race Course 2020 - Gloucestershire ...
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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.
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 Greet Tunnel
timetable leaflet. Train
departure times are shown
in this booklet. A Brief History of the Line
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.
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.
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
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
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
When working on the railway, each and
steam engine can cost as much as £1,000
per day. Volunteering
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
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
It takes at least six years to train a steam loco driver and four years to train a
had, so don’t miss out.
diesel driver.
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.
We employ seven staff and have over 950 volunteers.
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.
It takes over 50 volunteers to run the railway on a three train day.
For even greater involvement,
Over 125 volunteers help each day with the Santa Specials. how about becoming a
volunteer? It is a great
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!’
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
We are responsible for 30 miles of fencing and drainage channels. volunteers to keep it opera-
tional. The professionalism
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.
Broadway Station = This, however, was all to change again with the
arrival of the railway to the village itself in August
1904.
Broadway
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). 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
footway next to the B4632 Station Road. Evesham
& bypass Broadway
Alternatively a privately operated shuttle service can
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
ST
Once there, you will find plenty of shops and
AT
Exit
ION
museums, coffee bars and hotels to make your short
RO
visit an enjoyable one and maybe give you an oppor-
AD
CH
(B4
tunity to plan a longer visit next time.
ILD RO
63
SW AD
Car
2)
P
IC
Park
KH
Broadway is situated on the Cotswold Way and is
AM
an ideal choice for a stop if you want to explore this
2)
part of the Cotswolds. Just a mile outside the village 63
for instance is the famous Broadway Tower - the (B4
RD
brainchild of Capability Brown and built in 1798. HAM
N Broadway
TE
There is a council-owned and operated pay and HEL Village Centre
C
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.
Visit the Mini Signal Box by the side of the car
park and try your hand at being a signalman.
At the far end of the car park is a track which
leads you to the Loco Viewing Area. We regret we
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 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 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
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.
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.
Have a look at Rob’s Railway Shop. Here
you will find a wide selection of railway-oriented
souvenirs, magazines, books, model trains etc.
Check out the small Children’s Play Area and
picnic spaces.
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:
Make sure you treat yourself to refreshments at
our 1950’s themed Coffee Pot Café run entirely by
volunteers.
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.
Hailes Abbey
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 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 Cheltenham
Race Course Station
GWSR
EVESHAM ROAD (A435)
P Car Park
Footpath
Hunting
Butts
Tunnel Cheltenham
Racecourse
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
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
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
Cheltenham Spa-Tax – 01242 807666. The driver will then give
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 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 x x 10.50 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 x x
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.
Toddington Station Shop
Books - a superb selection of new books
including railway books, recipe books and
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
timetable), can provide tempting bacon rolls and
and an ever-growing range of OO gauge wagons
toasted teacakes.
specific to the GWSR.
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.
GWSR Branded Goods- an extensive range of
our own unique products, clothing, jigsaws, toys The Coffee Pot at Winchcombe - 1950s style
etc for young and old. café with indoor and outside seating.
Rob’s Railway Shop - situated at Toddington Cheltenham Race Course Station Shop -
Railway Station, with an interesting selection of which sells drinks, ice creams and light snacks.
secondhand books and collectables.
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.
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.
Railcars - a more limited range of snacks is
offered on our diesel railcar services.
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 volunteersYou can also read
