Vintage Trains

Stratford Railway Tourist Centre
& Steam Locomotive Centre - Project Launch

Stratford-upon-Avon Steam Centre
updated 07/03/09

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 early September.

Guests at Stratford
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

Arrivasl of SE at Moor Street
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

Leaving the SE at Moor Street
Councillor Michael Brain & Mrs Brain
leave the train at Moor Street for the
presentation obviously having
enjoyed the journey & meal on
The Shakespeare Express

Steam Train at Moor Street
GWR steam locomotive 4965 Rood
Ashton Hall with the Shakespeare
Express at Moor Street

Project explained to invioted guests
Vic Michel tells the invited guests
about the Stratford Railway Tourist
Centre project

Guests review the plans
Vic Michel & Mayor Councillor Bill
Lowe discuss details on a sketch of
the Steam Railway Tourist Centre

Site Notice at Stratford
Notice announcing the acquisition at
the site itself

<Chief Negotiators for the Site
BRM Trustee Richard Thorne & Richard
Abbey - both were involved in 6-years
complex negotations to acquire the
land for the site. ***

BRM Trustees with plans
Vic & Trustee Richard Thorne in front
of a sketch of the proposed Centre

Afternoon Tea on return train to Stratford
The party discuss the plans over
afternoon tea on the Shakespeare
Express whilse returning to Stratford

Trustee & Guests
Councillor Jane Harrison & Mr.Harrison
with BRM Trustee Bill Hunt

Mayor and Former Mayor of Stratford enjoy the Shakespeare Express journey
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)
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