A collection of feedback from some of our recent visitors.

"A very big thank you to all at GWSR for making this, once again, so special.

Everything ran smoothly from arriving in time for lunch at the Flag and Whistle right through to meeting Santa at Winchcombe and our return to Toddington.

All the staff [volunteers we understand] were friendly and helpful and the time Santa gave to the three youngsters in our party [aged 8,6 and 3] was absolutely brilliant. Initially they were hesitant in the grotto but he made them welcome and soon had them sitting with him and chatting.

And the quality of the presents - superb - and well received!

Once again thank you everyone involved, there is obviously a terrific amount of background planning and co-operation and it all worked superbly."

"Just to say a very sincere 'thank you' for a brilliant time earlier today.  You take a lot of beating!

Your line runs most of its length on an embankment with glorious Cotswold views rather than in a (numerical!) Valley.  Your catering facilities are so good.  The children's presents were high quality.  And the Winchcombe mince pies delicious.  Your trains and locos are always clean, your staff so welcoming.

We visit as often as we can and will be back before long.   Meantime all power to your arms as you head north for Broadway, Honeybourne and (who knows) Stratford."

"To all concerned at GWR, Santa Specials. I had to write to say what an absolutely fantastic time we had on your santa special last week. My kids (aged 3 and 5) had the most amazing time right from when we parked the car at Toddington! The volunteers were so kind and really made the day. The train was beautiful and the reception we got at Winchcombe was fantastic. You should be so proud of yourselves for providing a magical day out. Thanks so much and we will definately be back for the Hogwarts Express."

"Hello, I came with my family yesterday (Dec 13th) to your Santa Special, and just wanted to say a big thank you to all involved for making it such a lovely occasion for my children. They love their presents and had a great time. Your staff are so friendly and helpful. We came last year, and fully intend to keep coming until the children are far too big to justify it!"

"Many thanks to all involved on the Santa Special on 12th December when Ian proposed to me. It was magical and something In shall never forget."

"I attended one of your recent Santa events with my 3 grandchildren, their parents and my wife. The trip was via the steam train from Toddington with a visit to see Santa at the end of the line.

I would like to send my thanks to your staff who made the trip enjoyable not only for the children but the grown ups as well. I understand that many of these people were volunteers but I feel their attitude towards the roles they played went beyond that of what is normally expected. During the day your staff will notice the excitement and enjoyment on the children's faces but what they do not see the following few days when the excitement is still evident.

My granddaughter has been speaking of meeting Santa and the big Snowman ever since and she has told me many times that the snowman was "silly" (meant in a nice way). These images of her happy smiling face will live with me for a very long time and for that I am eternally grateful to you.

I would be grateful if you could pass on my thoughts to your staff so they know the true happiness they are spreading."

I just want to say thank you very much for the day that we had last Sunday to celebrate my husbands 80th birthday. He really enjoyed the day, and the service that we received on the train was wonderful. Everyone enjoyed the tea - in fact we have been enjoying it all week!! Thank you once again - it was a day we shall all remember with delight.. Please pass on my grateful thanks to all concerned.