‘ROADS TO RAIL’ STEAM RALLY TO TAKE PLACE NEXT TO NORDEN STATION NEAR CORFE CASTLE

Story and photographs by Andrew P.M. Wright,

Swanage Railway official photographer and press officer.

Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are to stage a nostalgic fund raising three-day ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally next to Norden station near the village of Corfe Castle – bringing the Isle of Purbeck to life with evocative re-creations of a bygone age.

Featuring more than 60 traction and miniature engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines – as well as fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, bar and live music – the family friendly three-day yesteryear gathering takes place between Friday, 27 June, and Sunday, 29 June, 2025, inclusive.

With the popular event open from 10am to 11.30pm on the Friday and Saturday – and 10am to 5pm on the Sunday - new ‘Roads to Rail’ attractions this year will be the Dorset Axeman from Sturminster Newton, falconry displays from the Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, based at Ringwood in Hampshire, as well as a children’s treasure hunt on each of the three days.

There will also be the chance to visit the fascinating footplate of one of the Swanage Railway’s heritage steam locomotives next to the ‘Roads to Rail’ showground.

A special intensive steam train service between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage will be operating during the event – including a special evening heritage diesel service on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

Now in its fifth year – and featuring a main arena, side arena and bar tent - the popular ‘Roads to Rail’ event was first staged in August, 2021.

Volunteer Swanage Railway Company commercial director Alexander Atkins said: “With more exhibits than ever before, we are very proud to be hosting our fifth ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally which combines the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers and vintage fairground rides.

“Going from strength to strength against the backdrop of the ruins of Corfe Castle – and with two arenas this year - this is an evocative festival of steam large and small for all of those who love vintage steam-powered vehicles on the road or on the rails.

“Last year’s ‘Roads to Rail’ event was incredibly successful and this year more than a hundred exhibitors have confirmed their attendance at the event featuring traction engines and trade stalls as well as a bar and beer tents, food stalls and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

“Our ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally is a great day out for all the family and we hope that it will again draw in the crowds.

“Special events such as our ‘Roads to Rail’ three-day event are critical for helping to fund the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway as well as drawing visitors to the wonderful Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.

“The ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally takes a lot of dedicated planning and organising from our staff and volunteers and I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that has been put into the event,” added Alexander who is a volunteer steam locomotive driver on the Swanage Railway as well as the deputy chair of the Swanage Railway Trust registered charity and a director of the Swanage Railway Company.

One of the event’s dedicated organisers, Patrick Cattle, said: “Our ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally is unique because there is also the opportunity to include a steam or heritage diesel train ride through the Isle of Purbeck.

“We would like to thank our generous sponsors and advertisers for their important help staging this year’s ‘Roads to Rail’ event which will be even better and takes place within sight of the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle,” added Patrick who lives in Swanage.

This year’s ‘Roads to Rail’ event sponsors are Purbeck Kitchens, Miles and Sons estate agents, Bridport Foundry, Jurassic Care, Avon Construction, Abbas Cabins, Northover Energy, Andrews Plant Hire and Haulage, Tradewind Graphics and Collett agricultural engineering and welding fabricators.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the ‘Roads to Rail’ event, or advertise their business at the showground, should email [email protected].

A combined train ride from Swanage to Norden and return – with entry to the showground – is £30 for adults, £11 for children aged five to 15 and £76 for a family of two adults and three children.

Entry to the showground only is £10 for adults - with children under 16 being free – and £20 for a family of two adults and two children aged 5 to 15. Evening entry to the showground from 6pm is £5 for adults with children under 16 free. Day parking at Roads to Rail is free.

Information about the ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally can be found on the Swanage Railway website at swanagerailway.co.uk – under the events and experiences category – where event, ticket and entry information can be found.

The Swanage Railway welcomes new volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more should contact the Swanage Railway volunteer recruitment and retention officer Lisa Gravett on 01929 475212 or email [email protected]. Details about volunteering can be found at swanagerailwaytrust.org/volunteering.