Over 2,000 visitors flocked to the GWR over the weekend of 26^th and 27^th September, all to meet and have their photos taken next to the popular children's character Fireman Sam.

Fireman Sam was making his first visit to the railway and GWR staff were very relived to see he we was so busy meeting all the children he didn't start trying to put the fires out in the steam locos! Besides being able to meet Fireman Sam there was plenty more fun and games to entertain the young and young at heart on at Winchcombe.

GWR Stationmaster Mei Jones's model railway, which was renamed 'Pontypandy' for the weekend, proved very popular - not to mention the Punch and Judy, magic shows, a bouncy castle, treasure hunt and colouring competition.

Hundreds of visitors also took the opportunity to travel on a genuine London Routemaster bus which took them back to Toddington where the GWR's own Fire department gave children the chance to practise being real Fireman. Of course there was also plenty of action on the rails with the North Gloucestershire Narrow Gauge Railway operating their 2ft gauge as well as steam and diesel power on the 'main line': with Foremarke Hall, 5619 and 37215 in action.

The event saw record-breaking numbers of visitors; with a 25% increase compared with the visit of Paddington Bear last year. Winchcombe had to have its ice-cream stock replenished early on Sunday morning, and an extra carriage had to put attached to the diesel-hauled local shuttle on Sunday to cope with the demand.

What you thought

Comments about the weekend have been coming in thick and fast, including :-

"I don't think the GWR could improve. We travelled 100 miles to see Fireman Sam and my son had lots of time with him. Thank you lots. It was amazing, the steam train was stunning"

"We've had a super day, thanks GWR"

"A quick email to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone at the GWR on Sunday - our grand-children had a wonderful day and grandpa John was in his element with the steam engines. It was so busy that it gave a real carnival atmosphere.  The ride on the Routemaster bus brought back vivid memories of when we used to live in Edgware, though the view from the top deck is much nicer in the Cotswolds! What's so amazing that you are all volunteers too - we didn't realise that and I'm sure that's why your railway is so friendly. It's a day we'll remember for a long time!."

Did you visit the GWR over that weekend?  Tell us what you thought by clicking here