Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway (GWR)

Last Wednesday 2nd June I made my annual visit to the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway May Steam Gala. I was accompanied by Chris Beale and his Grandad. It was a fine and hot day with plenty of visitors.

This year they celebrate 175 years of the Great Western Railway, in which this line was once part of before Beeching. Normally this line runs from Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse, but due to a land slip, the journey terminates at Gotherington.

Just north of Toddington the line is slowly being replaced and is getting closer to Broadway. The viaduct at Stanway is open and a limited service is running up and over this newly opened section. The Chairman and Chief Executive of the GWR had plans not only to proceed to Broad way, but expand beyond and reach Honeybourne. I understand the land and track bed has been purchased.

These first two photographs are of this road roller outside Winchcombe station. All you movie buffs may recognise this roller with its original registration number CH 3282.

The Titfield Thunderbolt was the 1950's movie which featured Sid James driving this roller in many scenes. The canopy was missing in the movie and one can only assume this was for movie purposes as the engine was originally supplied complete with canopy. Now owned by Nigel Keene from Wiltshire,

These next two shots are of Gotherington Station, privately owned but opened for the first time by courtesy of its owner for this steam gala. Looking south from here you can see the land slip.

These next shots are in and around the yard at Toddington, not normally accessible to the public.

And finally, a returning train to approaching Toddington from Winchcombe.