1 August 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE Bluebell Railway will be holding a sponsored walk – the Track Trek – over its newly-laid track, to raise funds for the Northern Extension Project on Sunday 30 September.

The walk will be a round trip of approximately four miles over level but very rough ground and stout footwear will be required. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. All children aged under 16 must be accompanied, and the Trek is not considered suitable for children under seven, unless they are carried.

It will be possible to start from either end of the line. Walkers can start from the Bluebell Railway’s East Grinstead platform between 10:30am and 2pm, or from Kingscote Station between 11:30am and 1:45pm.

Walkers from Kingscote will be expected to park at Horsted Keynes Station and travel by train to Kingscote. As no parking is available at Kingscote, participants may be dropped off there.

Walkers from East Grinstead should use the Southern station car park or come by train. One return complimentary trip from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote will allowed for registered walkers. Registration and safety briefings will commence at 10:15am at East Grinstead and Horsted Keynes, and 10:45am at Kingscote.

At registration, walkers will be expected to show sponsorship to the value of at least £20 per person or £30 for each family group. Walkers who raise £100 or more in sponsorship will receive a commorative medal. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to registered walkers, and further refreshments will also be available.

This is likely to be a one-off event as it may not be possible to repeat it once the Northern Extension opens for service.
Numbers are expected to be high.

To book your place either send your party’s details to Track Trek, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, or e-mail the details of your name, address, number in your party plus which end you wish to start from, and at what time, to track.trek@bluebell-railway.co.uk.

This is a chance not only for supporters to see the track and the route through the Imberhorne cutting and over the viaduct, but also to raise money by getting sponsorship from friends, family and work colleagues.

All sponsorship money will go to the NEP, since East Grinstead Town Council is supporting the Trek by paying the costs of staging the event up to £1,000.

* PLEASE check the Bluebell Railway the week before the proposed Trek, as the event could be cancelled in exceptional circumstances.

* To sponsor Town Mayor Liz Bennett go to: www.justgiving.com/LizBennett