Santa Claus will be travelling on the 15:19 from Swindon to Melksham.  We're very lucky to have him at this time of year as I understand he's very busy in December.

Catch the 09:22 from Melksham into Swindon in the morning, and spend a few hours Christmas shopping, at the Steam museum, or at the Oasis leaisure centre; the return train will get you into Melksham at 15:48.

Advance booking is essential  (from Melksham T.I.C. from 22nd October) if you want a prent from Santa as his luggage space is limited on the train ... but we have been promised a two car unit each way (143 up and 158 back) if at all possible.

I would be nice to see you.

Tickets on Sale (limited to 60) at the Tourist Information Centre in Melksham - 6 pounds for an adult and 3 pounds for a child. Includes mince pie and drink for adults, and a present from Father Christmas for the children.

1st December , from Melksham at 09:22 to Swindon at 09:50
Return at 15:19 from Swindon, into Melksham at 15:48

I have Graz down for 1 ticket, and can add more.   The 60 limit is for family groups to give Santa time to see all the children with them between 15:20 and 15:50.   We can accommodate another 20 extra dults over and above thant number - please email me (graham@wellho.net) if interested!

Here's a "crosspost" from "First Great Western Coffeeshop"

Santa Claus is travelling from Swindon to Melksham on the afternoon of Saturday, 1st December .... and the Melksham Railway Development Group is arranging a trip for the children to meet him.  A number of the more active folks on this board (and on "Save the Train" too) will be coming along too, and it's been suggested that I put a notice up to encourage anyone who wishes to join us.  Here are the travel plans:

Saturday, 1st December 2007.

09:07 from Westbury
09:12 from Trowbridge
09:22 from Melksham
09:32 from Chippenham
09:50 into Swindon

15:19 from Swindon
15:35 from Chippenham
15:45 into Melksham
15:58 at Trowbridge
16:03 at Westbury

Connection from Salisbury at 08:27, getting back there at 17:09 (change at Westbury in both directions)

"Connection" from Frome at 08:13, getting back there at 18:06, change and wait at Westbury in both directions.

Connection from Bristol Temple Meads at 08:22, getting back there at 16:51, change at Trowbridge in both directions.  From Bath Spa at 08:35 getting back there at 16:37.

From Dilton Marsh at 07:27 according to National Rail (but 08:09 change at Warminster possible at higher price !) getting back there at 17:09.

Father Christmas can ONLY see a limited number of children on the 15:19 train - he's not able to travel both ways this year due to the current timetable - and all children's tickets are already booked.  However, the train will be scheduled as a 2 car unit (143 up, 158 back) so that there is plenty of space for others.

Santa Special Adult Return fare from Melksham to Swindon - 6 pounds to include a mince pie and a drink (profit to Melksham Railway Development Group); let me know by email (graham@wellho.net) if you want one. OR just come along / buy a regular ticket if you like.

The "Elves" (Santa's Helpers) are planning to ride out to Kemble on the 14:11 from Swindon, returning on the 14:33 so that they have a few minutes to prepare the train / have it arrive in Swindon in Style.

I will be on both trains (Westbury - Swindon am & Swindon - Trowbridge pm.)

Excellent trip - THANK YOU everyone for coming, for helping, for making it a fun day!



What Christmas it's all about!