TAKE THE STEAM TRAIN TO A NOSTALGIC PURBECK RALLY OF CLASSIC TRANSPORT AND RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION

Story and pictures by Andrew P.M. Wright.
Swanage Railway official photographer and press officer

More than 300 exhibits are set to be featured in an annual Purbeck transport rally of classic four and two-wheeled vehicles – with Swanage Railway train passengers purchasing Rover tickets being given free admission to the nostalgic event.

The annual yesteryear gathering takes place next to Harman's Cross station in Haycraft's Lane – between Corfe Castle and Swanage – from Friday, 11 September, to Sunday, 13 September, 2015, inclusive, between 10am and 5pm daily.

Featuring vintage and classic vehicles, motorcycles, tractors, commercial vehicles, stationary engines, stalls and refreshments, the event is being staged by dedicated volunteers from the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club.

Steam trains will be running an intensive service between Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Swanage from 10am to 6.15pm on all three days – with evening diesel shuttle trains running on the Friday and Saturday from 6.44pm to 10.45pm.

Swanage Railway General Manager Matt Green said: "It's so easy – just park in the Purbeck District Council 350-space car park next to Norden station, off the A351 Wareham to Corfe Castle road, and hop on the train for Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross, Herston and Swanage.

"Conveniently located next to Harman's Cross station, the annual transport rally is a really great day out for both the family and the enthusiast alike.

"There will be more than 300 fascinating exhibits on show – from classic cars, lorries and motorcycles through to traction engines, tractors, stationary engines, stalls and refreshments.

"Passengers buying Rover tickets for unlimited train travel on the day of purchase also gain free entry to the transport rally at Harman's Cross.

"We will be operating an intensive timetable of trains on all three days with steam haulage during the day and diesel shuttle trains on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

"There is also the award-winning ball clay mining museum next to Norden station, a museum, exhibition coach and cinema coach at Corfe Castle station as well as the station shop and buffet at Swanage station.

"Some of our trains will include a classic Southern Railway 1940s Bulleid carriages which transport you back in time to the heyday of steam train travel with their rich wooden panelling, shiny chrome handles and luggage racks as well as luxurious moquette upholstery on the seats," explained Mr Green.

An on-train bar service will be operating on the Friday and Saturday 7.45pm and 9.15pm evening trains from Swanage which depart Norden for the return trip at 8.30pm and 10pm.

The last evening train on the Friday and Saturday departs Swanage station for Norden at 10.45pm while the last departure from Norden back to Swanage is at 11.15pm.

Rover tickets giving unlimited train travel on the day of purchase – and free entry to the transport rally – are just £15 for adults and £10 for children aged three to 15 years old, inclusive.

Two-day Rover tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for children. Standard single return train travel tickets are also available.

Transport rally entry for standard train ticket holder passengers is £4 for adults with children being admitted free.

The last train for the Purbeck District Council park and ride car park, next to Norden station, leaves Swanage station at 10.45pm on the Friday and Saturday and 6.15pm on the Sunday.

Swanage Railway train times, fares and special event details are available at www.swanagerailway.co.uk or by calling 01929 425800.