In this special year celebrating 200 years of passenger rail travel, the GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam ran over three days (24th to 27th May).
The festival featured a line-up of guest locomotives alongside the home fleet, including GWSR’s latest resident, new-build 6880 Betton Grange. Guest locomotives, after some adjustments near the gala date, included: GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank No. 7714, Borrows 0-4-0WT (Well Tank) ‘The King’ from 1906, Kerr-Stuart 0-4-0WT works no. 3063 from 1918, Andrew Barclay Austerity 0-6-0ST No15 Earl David from 1959, BR standard 4 No 75069 and Stirling “O” class No65 built in 1896 at Ashford, which was rebuilt to class “O1” in 1908 and operated until withdrawal in 1961.
An intensive timetable included goods trains, local stopping services at Hayles Abbey Halt, and non-stop expresses, providing continuous activity for attendees. Many Wings and Wheels Society members attended the event, with some participating all 3 days. A Friday photo shoot took place at Toddington loco depot, where narrow-gauge steam and traction engines, steam rollers, and smaller scale road locomotives were also displayed.
At Winchcombe, well tanks conducted freight train demonstrations between scheduled trains, along with WWII re-enactors and a display of 0-gauge model locomotives in glass cases, and other operational model railways and dioramas. Gotherington’s private station grounds were open to the public, courtesy of owners Bryan & Savita, showcasing various railway items and vehicles. On Saturday around 4 pm, an Avro Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performed a flypast.
The event was busy each day, indicating strong support from the public and enthusiasts. Overall, it was considered successful and enjoyable by those who attended. Appreciation is extended to all volunteers, staff, engine owners, and exhibitors for their contributions to the bank holiday weekend event.
Pictures by Ian Thomas and Rich Kelsey
