1 April 2013

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.

A late snowfall may have dusted the town, but the first steam train to arrive into East Grinstead on the Bluebell’s new line extension arrived to a warm welcome a week before the Easter break.

Crowds of supporters and railway enthusiasts turned out to drink Champagne and cheer the completion of a project which has been more than three decades in the planning.

The final stage of the ambitious project – building a two mile stretch of track to link with the mainline station at a cost of £4 million – was completed earlier this month.

Promotions officer Simon Kerr called the “doorstep delivery” of one of the South’s premier tourist attractions to the heart of the town “a real game changer” which would increase visitor numbers to East Grinstead and bring new custom for local businesses.

Simon will be working with the Bluebell in the coming months on a number of joint projects to promote East Grinstead as an easily accessible visitor destination only 55 minutes from London on the Victoria line.

Council leader Norman Webster called the arrival of the historic steam railway “an historic opportunity for growth” which should be welcomed by everyone who cares about the future of their town.

To celebrate the opening of the new line there will be a number of special events on the Bluebell as follows – for full details see the website at www.bluebell-railway.co.uk:

Monday 1 April – New service two. Bo Peep Special. Wealden Rambler Afternoon Tea.

Tuesday 2 April – New service two. Special guided tour of the National Trust Sheffield Park Garden.

Wednesday 3 April – New service two. Special event to be announced.

Thursday 4 April – New service two. Special evening Cheese & Wine Party plus quiz on board the Wealden Rambler commencing at East Grinstead.

Friday 5 April – New service two. East Grinstead residents day. First Rail Ale special starting at East Grinstead.

Saturday 6 April – New service two. Bell ringers special. Bus service Horsted Keynes station to village. Tours of St Giles Church and the grave of former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

Sunday 7 April – New service two. Free vintage buses and discount admission to National Trust Standen. Evening Service of Thanksgiving.