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All aboard the wedding train
The railway, as it is today, began life in 1978 when a group of enthusiasts decided to relay the track along the former Midland & South Western Junction Railway, from Blunsdon Station, on the northern outskirts of Swindon. The original line was built in 1883 and linked the industrial Midlands, through rural Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, with the busy and prosperous ports of the south. Blunsdon Station, where the railway is now based, was originally a small country station, typical of many along the route. The line was fondly known as the Tiddly Dyke with its own unique character and identity that survived well past 1923 when it became part of the much larger Great Western Railway. During the First and Second World Wars it was a vital link to the ports and saw a lot of service, with troops and equipment being carried from a number of military installations along the route. Unfortunately, like many rural lines, it was closed, and in 1961 it saw the last through steam service, with the line finally being lifted in 1971. Through the dedication and commitment of the railway’s volunteers a lot has been achieved over the past 30 years, including the restoration of a station at Blunsdon, a new station at Hayes Knoll, the constructed of a Heritage Centre for the preservation and maintenance of the locomotives, the preservation of a number of signal boxes and two miles of track. As a result visitors can enjoy the experience and nostalgia of the days of steam. As a venue for weddings, the railway has proved popular and provides a host of facilities. The ceremony takes place in the tastefully restored, 1930s Norwegian coaches, accommodating about 60 people. When decorated with its red carpet and floral arrangements, surrounded by its extensive veranda and garden it makes for a beautiful setting for those all-important photographs. After the ceremony, the party may join the train to relax and dine in style in our luxuriously restored Moonraker dining coach. Guests may be served dinner ranging from a delicious hot meal to a tasteful cold buffet, whilst enjoying views of the countryside and experiencing the nostalgia of steam. The train also provides a dedicated fully licensed bar coach, serving a range of drinks and refreshments. For evening entertainment the railway can offer the use of a dedicated party coach or a marquee to enjoy the post-meal celebrations. The owners understand that organising a wedding can be daunting and that is why they’re willing to help with as much or as little of the arrangements as required, including booking the registrar, organising flowers, arranging a photographer, the meal and evening disco. They are proud of their reputation of putting the customer first through their friendly and professional services and understand that every wedding is unique and special.
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