We are just 3 weeks out from what promises to be our biggest and most involved Gala to date (25 – 27 July). Having already confirmed the visit of pioneer EE Type 3/Class 37, D6700, to join our pair of 37215 and D6948, we also now have an added extra……..
Once resident at the GWSR – in fact, the first mainline diesel to be preserved and based at Toddington – Class 50, 50021 ‘Rodney’ will also be appearing after contracts were thrashed out with the loco owners. Having arrived in 1993, 50021 was restored by a group that included former GG Tech Officer, Paul Good, and made its first run shortly after. The loco would see frequent use and would witness the arrivals of future residents, 37215, 20137 and 47105. However, it returns to celebrate near 30 years since it left Toddington and will make its first appearances at Cheltenham and Broadway.
Anyways, back to the Class 37s and the highlight of the weekend will come on Saturday evening with our traditional Beer-Ex. This will see D6700, D6948 and 37215 work a triple-header- the first Class 37 triple-header since our Gala in 2007 when 37215, 37324 (37099) and 37219 worked as a threesome.
The Gala will also see the return of 26043 after its extensive overhaul, both Class 20s working in multiple all weekend and, even our shunters, D2182 and D2280, will be getting in on the action providing brake-van and cab rides at Winchcombe and Toddington respectively. As usual, we will also have trade stands (including the Growler Group stand) and, new for this year, a Beer Tent selling both GWSR branded drinks but also Hawkstone Beers.
As always, the Gala period also means that a request goes out to our members (old and new) for assistance in running some of our non-loco support roles during the Gala and at some of our event appearances throughout the year. In particular, we are always looking for help in running the Sales Stand at these events. No experience of retail or customer service is required, just a willingness to support the groups’ Sales team – to promote the group, speak to people about the group and process payments in cash and card. Full training can be given, but what is more important, is the willingness to give up two or three days a year to help out. This will also include our visit to the Severn Valley Railway for the ‘Class 37 at 65’ Gala in October. If you are interested in helping out, please email our Sales Officer, Andy Laws (xkdohc@googlemail.com) or our Secretary, Alan Lea (alea47426@aol.com) for more details.
August Roster
The roster for August has been released and will see the first Class 37 Double Up Sunday of 2025, with a slight twist. The date is the 31 August and will see both 37s paired up but also will see D6948 paired with BR Modified Hall, 7093 ‘Foremarke Hall’ for a round trip. The specific details are to be determined but will be utilising the standard PINK timetable. There are just two other working days for locos with D6948 working on both Weds 7 Aug (GREEN) and Tues 12 Aug (RED).
We hope to see many of you at the Gala and at our running days!!
