GCR(N) Platform Opening Gala (Steam & Diesel)

This Weekend - Major Great Central Gala at Ruddington
The countdown to the GCRN Gala at Ruddington on Saturday coming is
at full chat - and the major works and final touches by Peter
Wilson's team are in full swing. The surface of the new platform
which is being officially opened at the event (some 200 metres long)
and 9 metres of the concourse have been paved and the twelve lamp
posts on the platform have been painted and topped with their new
lanterns, all of which were donated by members of the GCRN
volunteers team. The first formal train will feature a newly arrived
Br Mk 1 RMB which is being prepared for light refreshments on the
day, this being reserved for the VIP party that, despite his recent
indisposition, will include Edgar Fay QC (vice President of the
Great Central Railway Society) now in his 101st year, together with
Kenneth Clarke MP for Rushcliffe, and the Mayor and Mayoress of
Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr and Mrs Peter McGowan. Then we are
preparing a large marquee for the after-show party, with the GCR's
own Top Link band, barbeque and Real Ale at the bar.

With Craig Stinchcombe and the talented Loughborough team hard at
work we are hoping the Robinson 2-8-0 will be up to Ruddington by
Friday and to run the initial services topped and tailed with RST
0-6-0ST so that there is not too much strain on the old lady.

Alex Newcombe GCRN Ops Director and his gang are at full stretch
too, sorting out locomotive crews and stock, not helped by having
to replace even more broken glass. Should see some familiar faces
around! There will be a full complement of very smart diesels for
those who admire such beasts and the NSMEE is putting on a massive
display as part of their 80 years celebration - with a GCR/LNER
theme.

Richard Tilden Smith

 

Sounds like a good event but your website has little info about the timetable for the day. Can you post details please?

 

The GCRN has the timetable here... http://www.nthc.co.uk/