Here is a collection of feedback from some of our recent visitors.

1940s Weekend 2013

We've received many letters and e-mails praising our recent 1940s weekend. Here are just a few ...

We visited this event on the Saturday and wanted to congratulate everyone involved for such a wonderful day. We didn't really know what to expect but as soon as we arrived at Cheltenham station we knew we were in for a treat! What a wonderful atmosphere, we really felt we were back in the 1940's! There had obviously been an enormous amount of thought put into the planning - and it was great that so many people dressed for the occasion. Congratulations to you all - we hope it will be an annual event?

*****

A big thank you to the Malvern Gazette and GWR!  We were lucky winners of the competition for tickets on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway's 1940's Weekend.
 
We had a very enjoyable day meeting and chatting to the "costumed civilians" on the trains, who had travelled from all parts of the country to take part in this event.  The vehicle displays and Army/Home Guard re-enactments were interesting and informative and the nostalgic music at the stations added extra ambience.
 
The GWR volunteers on the stations, trains and cafes were friendly and helpful.  It was evident that an awful lot of hard work and time had been spent organising and running this event.
 
We were very impressed and will be back! 

*****

Good Evening, I am just mailing to say thanks for a brilliant 1940s event at your railway from which we have just returned. I have to say that all the staff at all stations were so good and it was so nice to see all the station staff so well turned out they are a credit to the railway. I hope that you will be organising an event next year becuase we certainly attend again. Thanks once again for such a good event 

Golden Wedding

Thank you so much for your help with the arrangements for our Golden Wedding Celebrations on 31st March. We had an absolutely wonderful, wonderful day on Saturday! Everything was just perfect. Please convey our thanks to all involved - particularly the wonderful helpful catering staff who, always with a smile, made everything work like clockwork.The cake was delicious & looked lovely. As everyone were enjoying themselves we did a third round trip as well.

THREE CHEERS FOR THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE STEAM RAILWAY!!

Coach Operators

Our first port of call ... was at Cheltenham Racecourse Station to catch the 13:45 train. We had 45 passengers on board and (helped by the superb weather) had a wonderful ride on the GWSR to Winchcombe. As always the service and attention to detail was perfect and all of our passengers were thrilled with the experience. The presence of the Cheltenham Town Crier added to the fun - we were all most impressed.

*****

Just a line or two to say that our visit to the line on Sunday morning was VERY well received.  I have to say that of all the many visits I have made to virtually all of the preserved lines, the reception, efficiency and the surprise appearance of the Meeter & Greeter was much appreciated and probably the best I have experienced.

I personally will return as soon as possible following the reconection of the two portions.

Group Visits

It was an excellent day.  Everything timed exactly right and the standard of service was faultless from the original enquiry through to the end of the trip.   The stationmaster at Cheltenham was extremely helpful as were the two gentlemen who told us all about the GWSR on the outward trip and who sold sleeper sponsorships and membership options on the way back (he made some sales).  The whole train was in pristine condition and full working order from front to rear buffers.  Also the Flag and Whistle lunches we had booked were first rate with swift and friendly service - how attractive the building looks in its new paintwork.

I look forward to returning when the weather improves and seeing my 2 sleepers on the route to Broadway and perhaps winning on the monthly draw with your club which I also joined.

*****

Following our visit last Wednesday I just wanted to write and thank everyone involved at GWR for making our visit so enjoyable.  Please pass on our thanks as everyone was so helpful and informative.  I know that you are all volunteers but you obviously love what you do and the enthusiasm shone through.

An added bonus was the visit by the school children "being evacuated".  It gave the visit a lovely authentic feel.  Many thanks to all of you. 

*****

I write on behalf of the members of the Cuneo Society who visited the GWSR last Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and were made most welcome by the staff. A memorable visit. It was good to see a real locomotive and to enjoy the smell of steam.

*****

Just to say my thanks to you and all the staff on the train today - it was truly delightful.
My sister and husband had a wonderful trip - enjoyed the scones,tea and sparkling wine surrounded by their many friends.
A big thank you to Barry and his team serving the food - they too were so friendly - they all made our day very special.

*****

Thanks for a wonderful day yesterday. I already knew of the line as I used to live in Bromsgrove in the 90's and I used to walk the dismantled track area from Stratford down to Toddington and I also enjoyed the train rides once you started to reinstate the lines. The group I took found all your staff to be very friendly, and funny, especially the station master at Cheltenham and the guard and ticket collector on the 10.40 train. We had wonderful weather too and had a great day walking around Winchcombe and the hills. Please pass our thanks onto everyone on the railway, you have all done a fantastic job there. Although I now live over 200 miles away in Norfolk, I look forward to the day I can travel from Broadway to Cheltenham on your line. Thanks again.

*****

Please can you pass on our thanks to all concerned for making our outing on your lovely railway such an enjoyable experience.

From the warm welcome we received when we arrived, and all the help we had from your Meet & Greet volunteers who took such an interest in our members, to all the catering volunteers to whom nothing was to much trouble.  One lady has left a everlasting impression on one of our gentlemen members - she really made his day.

Thank you all once again for all the help and we hope to see you next year if possible.

School Visits

See our 'School Reports' page for comments from teachers. 

85th Birthday

Two weeks ago we had a lovely day out on the GWSR, to celebrate my dad's 85th. This was highly successful; the following day he was telling everyone all about his footplate ride,  The cream tea was much appreciated by everyone. But what really made it was the friendly staff; we felt looked-after from the moment we arrived.

Footplate Experience

I write to express my sincere thanks for a brilliant course on Saturday last.

The whole day went very smoothly and I can appreciate just how much preparation there must be for this to happen, especially with another service train also running. From the initial briefing right through to the presentation of the certificate you and your assistants were the best examples of enthusiastic volunteers. We were all delighted to be given the opportunity to work on such a large loco as Foremarke Hall and to get an appreciation of just how hard drivers and fireman had to work.

Santa Special

Just to say a very sincere 'thank you' for a brilliant time earlier today. You take a lot of beating!

Your line runs most of its length on an embankment with glorious Cotswold views rather than in a (numerical!) Valley. Your catering facilities are so good. The children's presents were high quality. And the Winchcombe mince pies delicious. Your trains and locos are always clean, your staff so welcoming.

We visit as often as we can and will be back before long. Meantime all power to your arms as you head north for Broadway, Honeybourne and (who knows) Stratford.

80th Birthday

I just want to say thank you very much for the day that we had last Sunday to celebrate my husband's 80th birthday. He really enjoyed the day, and the service that we received on the train was wonderful. Everyone enjoyed the tea - in fact we have been enjoying it all week!! Thank you once again - it was a day we shall all remember with delight. Please pass on my grateful thanks to all concerned.