STEAM trains have started to roll across the Dorset countryside with the re-opening of the Swanage Railway. Featuring assigned and socially-distanced seating, trains have resumed between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage as government restrictions ease. Yesterday saw Southern Railway 1940s Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ haul the first steam train out of Swanage since December 29. Swanage Railway trustee and passenger services director Trevor Parsons said: It was wonderful to smell steam in the air and watch the magnificent sight of a steam train, with excited passengers on board, leave Swanage station for the first time in almost four months.
Campaign to save historic carriages at Swanage Railway
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An appeal has been launched so that work can resume on building a £240,000 shed where carriages at Dorset s heritage railway can be stored and protected from the weather. Swanage Railway volunteers hoped to have the remaining £65,000 raised by the end of June so that the steel structure of the building can be ordered before being delivered to the site and constructed in November. Work on the structure – on the outskirts of Swanage near Herston Halt – began in January last year but had to stop at the end of March when the country went into lockdown. A big sum had already been raised towards the cost.
THE Swanage Railway is planning to reopen with Covid-safe steam trains next month. Volunteers at the Purbeck heritage line say that, subject to the timetabled lifting of Government restrictions, rail services will resume between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage on Monday, April 12. Swanage Railway chairman Gavin Johns said: The safety of our passengers and staff is our prime concern as we look forward to resuming our train services and open our online booking service at swanagerailway.co.uk on Thursday, April 1. While on the day walk-up bookings will be able to be made at our Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage ticket offices – subject to seats being available – we would encourage passengers to book in advance, via our website, to avoid disappointment as seat numbers are reduced to ensure the prescribed social distancing.
The Swanage Railway should be back in operation in April. Picture: Andrew PM Wright Mr Johns said: Our train services and stations are fully Covid-19 compliant with regular cleaning taking place. Passengers will still have to wear face coverings on our platforms and trains – unless they are exempt – with hand sanitiser points available on our stations. Children under the age of 11 do not need to wear a face covering. “We are taking all reasonable steps to ensure that our passengers are safe while travelling with us and passengers can travel with us in the knowledge that all fares go towards supporting the re-built Swanage Railway and ensuring its survival for future generations.
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