PRESS
RELEASE ** Press Release ** PRESS RELEASE
SOUTH
DEVON RAILWAY ON TRACK FOR ITS BEST EVER SEASON AS SANTA TRAINS SELL OUTÉÉ..
BUT
THEREÕS STILL TIME TO SEE SOME SUPERB DEVON SCENERY AND SAMPLE A SEASONAL MINCE
PIE
ON
A STEAM TRAIN!
23 December 2011
The South Devon Railway is on track for
another record season by carrying over 110,000 people in the year after its ever
popular Santa trains sold out again this week. But thereÕs still time to see
some superb Devon scenery and sample a seasonal mince pie on board one of the
railwayÕs steam trains immediately after Xmas and into the New Year.
Despite the economic gloom and bite of
the recession, the pretty seven-mile line has bucked the trend and had carried well
over 109,000 people by this weekend. SDR managers are now confident that
theyÕll break through the 110,000 barrier for the second time in successive
years with people enjoying the Xmas break with a scenic ride down the valley of
the river Dart from the comfort of a warm steam train.
So, anyone wanting to beat being stuck
indoors on the sofa watching television after Christmas Day and Boxing Day can still
make merry with a free mince pie on an SDR steam train and sample mulled wine
from our bar.
The award-winning line is running ÔMince PieÕ special steam trains over six days from Wednesday 28th December right through to Monday 2nd
January inclusive to welcome the New Year in style. The Mince Pie special trains have plenty of seats available and do not
need to be pre-booked.
The trains provide a relaxing trip back
in time in railway carriages drawn by a beautifully restored steam engine down
the glorious valley of the River Dart with great unimpaired countryside views
now that the leaves have fallen, plus occasional glimpses of canoeists battling
with the water torrents.
There's also a well-stocked gift and model railway shop to
visit at Buckfastleigh which offers a selection of unusual gifts, including
railway books, videos, and plenty for Thomas the Tank Engine enthusiasts. And you
can even buy a gift voucher for someone to become a train driver for a day!
As well as the mince pies which are
free for passengers, the on train buffet sells hot and cold drinks. There are
more substantial snacks available as well at Buckfastleigh
StationÕs refreshment rooms for hungrier guests. Please note that the gift shop
and refreshment rooms will close from Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th
January but are open throughout the rest of the month.
The Mince Pie specials adult round trip fare is £10.00 for adults, £9.50 for
seniors and £6.00 for children, with family tickets (two adults plus two
children) at £29.80.
NOTES
TO NEWS/PICTURE EDITOR
1) For further information about the South Devon RailwayÕs ÒMince Pie SpecialsÓ
or to arrange preview photography or filming, please contact SDR General
Manager Dick Wood, Operations Manager John Haslam or Commercial Director Neil
Smith on (01364) 643536, or email: info@southdevonrailway.org
2) Further information and news about the South Devon Railway can be seen
at the SDRÕs websites: www.southdevonrailway.co.uk, www.sdronline.org.uk and www.southdevonrailway.org
Press Release prepared and issued on behalf of
the South Devon Railway
by Dick Wood,
tel & fax
(01364) 643536, mobile 07711 552947,
e-mail: DickWood@southdevonrailway.org