The graph compares ticket sales month by month for the years 2006-2008 and the commentary that follows explains some of the interesting monthly differences.  Although 2008 was not a record year in terms of passenger numbers, it was nevertheless a solid performance that all volunteer staff can justly be proud of.  With exciting developments in terms of growth of the railway, there are opportunities for increasing our business in the future despite the current economic gloom.  We can surely look forward to a steady improvement in the railway's commercial performance.

Passenger figures: month by month

Totals: 2006 - 62327
           2007 - 71118
           2008 - 67478

Commentary

2008 got off to a good start with the 'child goes free' policy which operated throughout the month, including Easter which was early this year, thus returning the record numbers for the start of the operating season.  Easter - traditionally a very busy period for the railway - was in April during 2006 and 2007, hence the lower figures for 2008, despite the David Shepherd Wildlife & Steam event.  There were no 'Thomas' events in 2008 which also affected passenger numbers compared with previous years, when Days Out with Thomas took place during June 2006 and April 2007 and the graph reflects that.  However, May 2008 was a successful month.   Poor weather in June didn't help while July showed a significant improvement, especially compared with 2007 when the Gloucestershire flooding closed the line for several days.

August was similar to previous years while September 2007 enjoyed three significant events: Days Out with Thomas; the Churchward 150 gala (the only event dedicated to the father of modern GWR locomotive design, G J  Churchward); and the farewell weekend to 'Green Arrow' which happened in glorious weather on a normal timetable day and amid speculation that the engine might not enjoy an extension to its boiler certificate.  This enabled the GWR to field two NRM locomotives, the other being City of Truro. 

October 2008 was an excellent month with bright weather and the Steam & Vintage Festival which took place at Cheltenham for the first time, providing a significant boost to ticket sales. Crowning glory to each of the past three years was December, which includes the Santa Specials of course.

Was 2008 successful?  Without doubt and, as Latest News reports, our underlying business is in extremely good shape and represents a solid platform on which to build future business on our railway.