Stratford Steam Locomotive Centre for the Shakespeare Express

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updated 21/02/07

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Stratford Steam Centre Project >Project Launch

Official Launch of Plans For New Steam Railway Tourist Centre

Plans for a new steam railway visitor centre in Stratford received a very positive response from key Stratford dignitaries on Sunday, 24th July 2005.

The dignitaries, who included the Mayor of Stratford and his wife, and representatives from the local council, boarded the "Shakespeare Express" in Stratford for a return trip to Birmingham Moor Street, where they were shown the first visuals of the proposed visitor centre.

This page shows some photographs of the event. The party travelled in a Premier Dining car and were served a traditional roast lunch & afternoon tea on the respective journies. This dining service is provided for passengers in Premier Dining on the Shakespeare Express on Sundays during July, August and September.

Stratford-upon-Avon Mayor Bill Lowe & Councillors Michael Brain, Les Topham & Clive Thomas with BRMT Deputy Chairman Vic Michel by The Shakespeare Express at Stratford before boarding the train	The Shakespeare Express arrives at Moor Street bringing the official party who took the traditional roast lunch, which is served on the train every Sunday	Councillor Michael Brain & Mrs Brain leave the train at Moor Street for the presentation obviously having enjoyed the journey & meal on The Shakespeare Express

GWR steam locomotive 4965 Rood Ashton Hall with the Shakespeare Express at Moor Street	Vic Michel tells the invited guests about the Stratford Railway Tourist Centre project	Vic Michel & Mayor Councillor Bill Lowe discuss details on a sketch of the Steam Railway Tourist Centre

Notice announcing the acquisition at the site itself	BRM Trustee Richard Thorne & Richard Abbey - both were involved in 6-years complex negotations to acquire the land for the site. ***	Vic & Trustee Richard Thorne in front of a sketch of the proposed Centre

The party discuss the plans over afternoon tea on the Shakespeare Express whilse returning to Stratford	Councillor Jane Harrison & Mr.Harrison with BRM Trustee Bill Hunt	Mayor Councillor Bill Lowe & former Mayor Councillor Clive Thomas relax and enjoy the Shakespeare Express scenic return journey to Stratford
Photographs : Brian Wilson (except *** courtesy of Richard Thorne collection)

Volunteers : Whilst planning & funding arrangements are being pursued, a site working party is to be formed from volunteer members of Vintage Trains Society - the volunteer group that supports BRMT activities such as the operation of the Shakespeare Express. The working party will initially focus on site clearance and preparation. If you wish to become involved in this exciting project, then please contact volunteer liaison by clicking this link .

It is a requirement that all vounteers must be members of Vintage Trains Society for details>>

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