ROARING SUCCESS IN STORE - SWANAGE RAILWAY VOLUNTEERS GIVE THEIR HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN WEEK A DINOSAUR THEME - 14th to 22nd February 2009

News Item and Press Release from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 4th Feb 2009
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright.
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By Andrew P.M. Wright.

Swanage Railway volunteers are hoping their children's Half Term Family Fun Week will be a roaring success - as the fund-raising event is given a novel dinosaur theme because the award-winning heritage line is close to the Isle of Purbeck's dramatic Jurassic Coast.

Steam locomotives on the relaid Purbeck Line - which has been rebuilt from nothing from Swanage since 1976 - will be given dinosaur names during the nine days of fun and activities; Bronty, Rapto, Trex, Pterry and Steg.

Every child attending the event will be given a free activity pack and there will also be the chance at Swanage station to experience the excitement of exploring the footplate of a main line steam locomotive and see the controls.

The fund-raising event runs from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February 2009 and features children's activities at Norden park and ride, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Swanage - along with steam trains every 40 minutes.

At Norden park and ride there will be rides on a classic London Transport RT double-decker bus, entertainers in the morning, a display about ball clay mining dating back to Roman times, the Norden Nest buffet, a children's play area and steam trains to Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Swanage.

Corfe Castle station will feature face painting, the goods shed museum with a narrow gauge Victorian steam locomotive and the museum coach which features displays about the history and rebuilding of the Swanage Railway.

At Harman's Cross there are the Rex's tea rooms in the village hall next to the station, organ music, a classic Punch and Judy show, free activity packs, a railway shop and rides on a classic London Transport RT double-decker bus.

Swanage station will be featuring a dinosaur balloon display, railway brake van rides, static steam engine display, photographic display, the railway shop and the Bird's Nest buffet.

Swanage Railway General Manager Mick Dean said: "With a range of activities and attractions for children, the Half Term Family Fun Week will be an exciting event with adults sure to enjoy it as much as the youngsters - a cracking good steam-filled day out in the Isle of Purbeck."

Proceeds from the Half Term Family Fun Week are going towards the extension and on-going development of the award-winning Swanage Railway.

Rover tickets for all-day travel on the day of issue are £10 for adults, £8 for children and £30 for families.