© Andrew PM Wrigh
Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are supporting the town’s regatta and carnival – held in aid of local charities and good causes – by running extra trains so visitors can leave their vehicles and ‘let the train take the strain’ when travelling to the popular annual event.
Throughout carnival week, which runs from Saturday 26 July to 2 August, there are steam trains from Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross and Herston Halt to Swanage every 40 minutes between 10am and 5.20pm.
And the special carnival week additional evening services mean that the last train departs Swanage at 11pm for Herston Halt, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden.
The 350-space Purbeck District Council Norden Park & Ride car park – next to the station – is open on the fireworks evenings of Saturday 26 and Saturday 2 August as well as Wednesday, 30 July thanks to the support of Purbeck District Council.
Swanage Railway General Manager Richard Jones said: “We’re very proud to again support Swanage’s annual regatta and carnival week and our evening train service provides extra capacity for the events as well as the two Saturday and one Wednesday fireworks evenings in the seaside town.
“The final evening train departs Swanage for Herston Halt, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden ‘park and ride’ at 11pm so people can enjoy the attractions and atmosphere of the regatta and carnival without having to rush back.
“Our evening train service is also great for an evening out in Swanage or Corfe Castle without worrying about driving or car parking – and it’s also a great excuse to spend longer on the beach at Swanage,” explained Mr Jones.
Last year’s Swanage Regatta and Carnival raised £20,000 for local and national charities and good causes – with organisers hoping to raise even more at this year’s event which is a highlight of the Purbeck calendar.
New volunteers in many roles are always welcomed by the Swanage Railway with full training being given. For an informal chat – and to find out more – contact volunteer co-ordinator Mike Whitwam on 01929 475212 or email ‘volunteer@swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk‘.
