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Great Central Railway Gala and Awards
Posted on 14/10/07
P. Klein
This weekend (13th and 14th October 2007) saw the Great Central Railway platforms packed as the railway held a Steam Railway Gala which featured numerous steam locomotives.
Sunday was also the day that the judges from the Leicestershire Heritage Awards arrived to ride in E1719E, commonly known as the Beavertail saloon, which they had awarded the best special project prize at the Leicestershire Heritage Awards. The restoration of the carriage started 7 years ago and has cost tens of thousands of pounds. It is distinctive because of its art deco style with an unusual curved end which allows passengers unique views. It has plush luxurious armchairs internally allowing passengers to ride in real style. Surprisingly, the judges had not ridden in the carriage before. Earlier in the year the judges had arrived to view the carriage, however due to arriving slightly late and the trains running on time, they missed the train. However Mike Jones, one of the judges and Leicestershire County Council Leader told inLoughborough that the detail and quality of the presentation made by the Railway Vehicle Preservation organisers was so good, the prize was still awarded.
Only two carriages were built of this style and that was in 1937 and they were taken out of public service in the 60s. Volunteers from RVP have painstakingly restored this glorious carriage and given that nearly every trip of the carriage over the weekend was full with people standing, it is a very popular item.
The RVP had over 20 members at the event at the weekend which also included mail exchanges on the TPO (Travelling Post Office) and the opening to the public of the Rothley sheds.
If that was not all, GCR has just won the Enjoy excellence in England award and is now the best tourism experience across the whole of the East Midlands. General Manager of GCR, Robert Crew said, "This is wonderful news and naturally were thrilled. Weve been working hard to develop the railway as an attraction for families and reaching out to the community were part of. The award proves were going the right way. Its good for us, good for Loughborough and shows the country that Leicestershire has lots to offer visitors.
Further pictures
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