MEDIA COVERAGE OF EXCITING SWANAGE RAILWAY'S HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN WEEK WHICH REPLACES A ‘DAY OUT WITH THOMAS’ 16th-24th FEBRUARY

Press Release & Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 2nd February 2008
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
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Dave Green, assistant to the Swanage Railway General Manager, seen being interviewed at Swanage station by Meridian News about the new and exciting half-term Family Fun Week that takes place on the relaid Purbeck Line between February 16 and 24, 2008.

Swanage Railway volunteers have achieved sizeable media coverage across newspapers, radio and television for Dorset and the south of England as part of their efforts to ensure that the public knows there will be no Day Out With Thomas event later this month.

Instead, there is an exciting half-term Family Fun Week that takes place on the relaid Purbeck Line between February 16 and 24, 2008.

The nine-day event will include many of the elements enjoyed during previous Thomas events - children's activities and attractions - but without the Big Blue Engine, the Fat Controller and the other aspects of the famous Rev Awdry children's books.

The Swanage Railway is unable to stage the usual February Thomas event 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.

Dave Green, assistant to the general manager, explained: "Unfortunately, the Swanage Railway is not the only heritage line affected by these changes. It's very sad because we've been successfully staging Thomas the Tank events since 1984 with high satisfaction rates being returned from the many visitors who enjoyed them."

Dave Green, assistant to the general manager, seen being interviewed on live television for BBC TV South Today at Swanage station about the new and exciting half-term Family Fun Week.

The railway's predicament was covered on local radio stations in Dorset and Hampshire, we well as on the front page of the Bournemouth Echo. The photos of the filming at Swanage re Thomas were taken on Wednesday 30th January 2008 by Andrew P.M. Wright. To see the full set of nearly 30 photos, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

The lack of Thomas and his replacement with a Family Fun Week was also featured on Meridian Tonight - ITV Meridian's flagship news magazine programme presented by Fred Dineage - as well as BBC TV South Today presented by Sally Taylor.

Meridian News despatched its Dorset reporter Martin Dowse, and cameraman Steve Codling, to the Swanage Railway where they interviewed Dave Green at Swanage station before moving to Corfe Castle station where Martin Dowse recorded a piece to camera to link the story together.

Meridian News cameraman Steve Codling at Corfe Castle captures a shot of the Class 47 diesel-electric locomotive running through from Norden to Swanage with fellow diesel, Class 33 'Stan Symes', attached. Martin Dowse interviews Dave Green at Swanage station.

While filming at Corfe Castle station with the dramatic castle ruins in the background, Steve captured a shot of the Class 47 diesel-electric locomotive running through from Norden to Swanage with fellow diesel, Class 33 'Stan Symes', attached.

Martin's report was the top story on that evening's Meridian Tonight news programme with a shorter version of the same piece being broadcast on the 10.30pm Meridian late news.

BBC TV South Today sent reporter Tom Hepworth to cover the story.

Again, Dave Green was also interviewed at Swanage station with the piece being covered live in the 1.30pm BBC South lunchtime news - a hi-tech satellite truck parked outside the station house beaming the pictures back to Broadcasting House in Southampton.

Steve Codling and Martin Dowse of Meridian News at Corfe Castle and BBC TV South Today reporter Tom Hepworth interviewing mums and children at Swanage station.

Tom Hepworth included a soundbite after interviewing some mums and children who happened to be passing by on the platform and were sad to hear that Thomas would not be appearing at Swanage.

Tom cut a separate news story for BBC South Today at 6.30pm that evening, as well as a shorter version for the BBC South late news around 10.30pm.

BBC South beaming the broadcast quality video of previous Thomas events filmed by Andrew P.M. Wright from their satellite truck back to the newsroom in Southampton

Broadcast quality video of previous Thomas events was supplied to both ITV Meridian and BBC South Today by the Swanage Railway's Andrew P.M. Wright - the footage playing an important part in the news coverage and BBC South beaming the footage from their satellite truck back to the newsroom in Southampton.

Interviews were also given to local radio stations covering Dorset by Dave Green with the story also being featured by Dorset's weekly newspapers.

BBC South beaming the broadcast quality video of previous Thomas events filmed by Andrew P.M. Wright from their satellite truck back to the newsroom in Southampton

Dave Green explained: "It was vitally important that we made every effort to make sure that the public were aware that there would be no Thomas event in February. The last thing we want is for disappointed children and their parents. This is not a situation of our making.

"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

Dave Green, assistant to the general manager, seen posting information at Swanage station about the new and exciting half-term Family Fun Week that takes place on the relaid Purbeck Line between February 16 and 24, 2008.

"The absence of Thomas and the Fat Controller presents the Swanage Railway with a real opportunity to craft a new and exciting event that will be hugely enjoyable to children and adults alike. The Family Fun Week promises to be a real hit with the public and we look forward to developing it over the years to come.

"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.

"I would like to thank the local media for their help in putting our message across to the public," explained Mr Green.

Tickets for unlimited travel on the steam 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.

To see the full set of nearly 30 photos from Andrew P.M. Wright, please scroll to the bottom of this page.