New GCRN leaflet out now
Already planning family days out for 2015? Then you’ll want a copy of the new GCRN events and information leaflet, available now. The leaflet gives a preview of next year’s events and activities at our local heritage railway, along with updated timetables and fares for steam and diesel running days.
Once again, GCRN has a packed agenda in store for 2015, from Easter ‘Eggpress’ Steam Specials (complete with the Easter Bunny), to the ever popular Firework Spectacular and Santa Specials to round off the year.
The months in between will see the return of popular annual events celebrating heritage road transport, model railways and, of course, steam and diesel trains from across the UK. Nottinghamshire Freemasons will also be running a second Family Fun Day at GCRN on 17 May, featuring a range of attractions, side shows and rides.
A new activity for 2015 will the Edward the Bear Specials, taking place over the May and August Bank Holiday weekends. These fun events will give children the opportunity to meet Edward the Bear on the train and take part in the Great GCRN Bear Hunt. There’ll be prizes for the Bear Hunt winners and goody bags for all the children.
You can download a copy of the GCRN 2015 leaflet from www.gcrn.co.uk or call 0115 940 5705 to request a copy. Copies are also available to collect from the GCRN gift shop and café.
By Faye Stenson
Work Due To Start Soon On GCRN Bridge
Construction work on a new bridge that will link our local heritage railway, Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN), with its GCR counterpart in Loughborough is set to start early in 2015.
Charnwood Borough Council has recently granted planning permission to build a brand new bridge over the Midland main line, which will reunite the two sections of the GCR and create an 18 mile long heritage railway.
Gaining planning permission is a major milestone for the project, which will see a 36 metre long bridge built over the Midland main line, close to where the A60 crosses the road in Loughborough.
When the bridge is in place, railway enthusiasts will be treated to the sight of heritage steam trains crossing the bridge whilst modern electric trains hurtle along underneath.
The GCR has committed to paying for the bridge to be built, and for associated works that also need to be carried out, and has set a fundraising target of £1 million. So far, more than £500,000 has been donated to the Bridge to the Future Appeal by well wishers from across the UK and overseas.
If you’d like to find out more about the project, or donate to the appeal, please visit www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify.
By Faye Stenson