Page 32 - link magazine

32
Swindon Aide
Putting the toot into Taw Hill as steam railway heads for Swindon
A hardy group of volunteers who had a vision over a quarter of a century ago to bring a steam railway back to the town
will soon see their dream come true.
Take to the water In September the Swindon and The new railway bridge close to Priory Vale, paid for by the North Swindon
Cricklade Railway Society hopes Development Company, was completed in December. The houses in the
Discover a different view of the to celebrate its 25th anniversary by distance are on St Andrew's Ridge
town on Easter Sunday, 20 April, opening another half mile of track
by taking an electric boat ride on from Blunsdon station on the far
the Swindon branch of the Wilts edge of the Priory Vale develop-
and Berks Canal. ment to a point just short of
Volunteers will be operating the Moulden Hill, opposite Taw Hill.
boat from 2pm to 4pm along 1,000 A further extension to a station
metres of restored canal between next to the lake in the Moulden
Westleaze and Rushey Platt. Hill country park is being de-
Park on Mill Lane, or walk along signed.
the tow path from Kingshill or Planning permission has been progress thus tar I as been slow Meanwhile, the platform at
Rushey Platt. received to carry out the work but because of the need to pay special Blunsdon station has been ex-
attentiontoenvironmentalfactors, tended to handle four carriage
Al
with wildlife and plants needing trains and has been resurfaced with
to be identified and listed, and pro- sponsorship from Gibbs Tarmac
CHARISMA tective measures devised. English of Cheney Manor.
BLINDS Nature supervises the preparation The refreshment rooms based in
of the track bed with conservation two refurbished wooden Norwe-
in mind. gian coaches have proved popular
The society has already pur- since they were opened a year ago,
A rainbow of colours for chased the rails and sleepers for both with visitors and by people
the first stage, but their immediate who hire them for private func-
your home this Spring! need is to fund the purchase of tions.
ballast for the
Catch the rainbow at Charisma Blinds track bed. Nearly
The factory - the place for quality and value
fifty loads at £300
Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds each will be re-
Full fitting service or cash and carry quired for the
half-mile length.
Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Work is due to
Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm
start in the next
BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584
few weeks.
Geoff Austin,
chairman of the
society and its
chief engineer, is
hopeful that
work will be com-
pleted in the au-
tumn. "Our intention is to open Regular public open weekends
the new line with a first trip pulled start again over the Easter week-
On your doorstep offering you unrivalled facilities to
by the Foremark Hall engine, endwithHotCrossBundieselspe-
enjoy your leisure time.Visit and see for yourself. which is currently in the final cials on 18 and 19 April, and Easter
stages of restoration at our Tad- Bunny steam trips on 20 and 21
Friendly, informal, good food, ideal for pole Lane base. We already have April.
family gatherings. Senior citizens discount
planning permission to extend the To rent the refreshment rooms
Uei & cai:sor„a gr ii mid week lunchtimes. Usually need to line to Moulden Hill and we hope for a private event, call Maggie
book for Sunday Lunch.
to start preparation work on that Readman on 872940. To hire a train
next length in the latter part of for a steam trip, call Russell Wear
Special occasion, birthday,
next year.” on 692558.
anniversary or just celebrating? There are proposals to build a The society is always in need of
Superb a la carte menu, AA rosette, smart casual atmosphere, expensive
but not over the top. station similar to one which used donations, sponsorship and vol-
to serve Savernake on the old Mid- unteers to help it achieve its goals.
lands to Southampton line, by the Offers of help should be directed
Get fit, feel better, enjoy a healthier lifestyle. The best
lake. to Geoff Austen on 726807.
facilities including pool, golf, tennis, squash, fully
trained and supportive gym instructors. Low cost off
LEISURE CLUB
peak membership.
A place of tranquillity for body and mind. Body wraps, Spa
^D treatments, Sports massage, Therapies including Reiki,
Facials, Waxing & Gift Packages.

****
Tel: 01793 721701
Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN26 7AS
www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk