Celebrating
Success, November 2008
75% INCREASE IN NEWQUAY BRANCH SERVICES
From Monday 15 December 2008 the number of passenger train workings on the
Newquay branch in Cornwall will increase from four to seven round trip
workings, Mondays to Saturdays. The new service
also provides for better connections with the main line.
This service improvement has been made possible by negotiation and
cooperation between Focal, the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership and First
Great Western, and by the careful reallocation of diesel units in
the West Country.
To celebrate the forthcoming new service a Celebration was organised by
Focal on Tuesday 11 November 2008 when the 11:33 Par to Newquay was
retimed to 11:41 so that speeches could be made and a two minute
Remembrance Day silence could be held for all railwaymen who died in
service for their country. This was followed by the sounding of 'the
last post'.
 Celebratory
Train, the 11:41 from Par to Newquay
11th November
2008
On a bright and
blustery Tuesday the 10:17 from Newquay came into Par Station to pick up
the distinguished guests who had been invited to celebrate the increase in
local services on the Newquay Branch Line. This
new service will be begin on the 15th December 2008.
Guests of
honour were Lady Mary Holborow, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and Charles
Howeson, Chairman of First Great Western. Also joining the train
were the Lady Mayors of Restormel Borough Council and Newquay Town
Council, the Leader of Restormel Borough Council, other Councillors and
Officials from County, Restormel, Newquay Town and local parishes, First
Great Western, and representatives from local business and support
organisations.
Also on board
were John Vaughan, the railway author, and those members of the public
that had won the Media Competition arranged by the Newquay Guardian.
Members of
Focal were on hand to welcome guests and to answer questions from
the media and to assist as required.
Before the
party boarded the newly refurbished Type 150/2 rail unit, a two minute
silence was held in remembrance of all railwaymen and women who perished
fighting for their country. The Last Post was beautifully played on the
platform, reverberating around Par Station in a warm and dignified manner.
The carriage
reserved for the celebration was decorated with balloons and with 72
guests onboard the train left on schedule.
After the
announcements over the intercom, John Vaughan, respected author of many
books including
The Newquay Branch and
its Branches,
gave a short talk on the line’s history whilst the train ascended the
beautiful Luxulyan Valley.
During the 45
minute journey a five piece jazz band played, much to everyone’s delight.
Champagne corks were released and all on board toasted the Newquay Branch
Line.
Upon arrival at
a bunting-decked Newquay Railway Station a welcome speech was given by the
Lady Mayor of Newquay Town. The media took their photos of the train and
our special guests, and we all walked the short distance to the Great
Western Hotel for a reception.
During the
reception the 28ft model of our concept for Newquay Railway Station was
admired. After speeches by Geoff, Alan, Julian Crow and Charles Howeson,
our short film was shown.
Our thanks were
expressed to First Great Western and the Devon and Cornwall Rail
Partnership and the Great Western Hotel for their support on this special
day.
Now the hard
work begins to promote the new timetable and encourage customers to use
this improved service, with good connection times to main line services at
Par in both directions
You can help
by travelling on this line and promoting rail travel to others.
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