Hi Chris,

I know it is a little late but I have just come across the article regarding the Santa special that took place on 5th December 2010.

I would just like to say that the use of the 125 Hst train was a result of points failure that occurred at Thingley junction on that day, which meant that the Bristol to Swindon service was diverted via Westbury, as this train was out of course working it must have seemed practical to send this HST to Swindon via Melksham in order for the passengers that boarded at Bristol to continue their journey.
As the driver of the HST did not know the road the driver that was to work the 150 'santa special' was asked to pilot the HST driver over the route.

Well I am surprised that you say an HST has never before stopped at Melksham station and as I was the driver of the HST that day I was thrilled to be part of history in the making and also thrilled that the children has such a wonderful time, a mention must also go out to the HST train manager, Paul Normanton and to the Westbury driver who piloted me who's name I do not know.

Just goes to prove that despite trains running late or being diverted it can sometime pay off to other advantages.

Regards

An HSS driver