EXCITING SWANAGE RAILWAY HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN WEEK REPLACES A ‘DAY OUT WITH THOMAS’

Press Release & Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 30th January 2008
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
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Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are to stage an exciting half-term Family Fun Week of activities and attractions for children on Dorset’s relaid Purbeck Line between 16 and 24 February, 2008 – instead of the usual visit of ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and the Fat Controller.

Excited youngsters from across the area will be descending on the six mile award-winning heritage railway between Norden park and ride, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross, Herston and Swanage for nine days of fun and activities for all the family – both children and adults alike.

Swanage Railway General Manager, Mick Dean, said: “The special week replaces our annual February 'Day Out with Thomas' event which we are unable to stage because of new and last minute contractual conditions from the Thomas trademark owners, Hit Entertainment PLC, that the Swanage Railway is unable to comply with in time for staging such an event.

Thomas and the Fat Controller will not appear at Swanage this February due to new and last minute contractual conditions from Hit Entertainment PLC. Photographs copyright Andrew P.M. Wright

“Our contract with Hit Entertainment PLC is subject to a confidentiality agreement and, unfortunately, the Swanage Railway is not the only heritage line affected by these last minute contractual changes. We had no choice but to cancel February’s Thomas event.

“It’s very disappointing because the Swanage Railway has been staging popular Thomas events since 1984 with more than 80 per cent satisfaction rates from visitors and more than 65 per cent of Thomas visitors returning for the next Thomas event,” he explained.

The February half-term Family Fun Week will feature a frequent train service every 40 minutes between Norden and Swanage, brake van rides every ten minutes behind a diesel locomotive at Swanage station, a classic red ex-London Transport RT double-decker bus service between Norden and Harman’s Cross as well as ‘Twistina’ the amazing balloon lady.

At Harman’s Cross, there will be face painting, a magic show, juggling, railway shop as well as a free gift for every child. Refreshments will be available at Swanage, Trish’s tearooms at Harman’s Cross and Norden.

Mick Dean explained: "With activities and attractions for children, the half-term Family Fun Week will be an exciting event. It will offer the similar activities as our previous Thomas events but without the big blue engine and the Fat Controller. Adults will enjoy it as much as the youngsters.

“No decision has yet been made on the staging of an autumn 'Day Out with Thomas' in October 2008,” he added.

Tickets for unlimited travel on the trains and classic bus – and access to all additional activities – during the day of issue are £10 for adults, £7 for children and senior citizens with family tickets £30. Details from Swanage Railway on 01929 425800 or www.swanagerailway.co.uk.