RESIDENTS MAKE TRACKS ON HERITAGE STEAM TRAIN

Residents from seven Bupa care homes within the Midlands will be treated to a day out on the tracks when they visit The Chasewater Railway on Wednesday 30 June, at 11.30am. The trip will take residents, relatives and staff on an exciting journey from Brownhills West to Chasetown, passing through stations at Norton Lakeside and Chasewater Heaths. The round trip of nearly four miles will take approximately 45 minutes and will see guests taking on the sights of the region on a heritage steam train, before partaking in a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the refreshment rooms. The railway museum will also be open for the guests to find out a little more about the history of the steam train as well as view a vast array of railway items, many from the 1800s. Homes that will be embarking on the trip include: Aylesham Court Nursing and Residential Home, Leicester Branston Court Nursing Home, Burton-on-Trent Grey Ferrers Nursing and Residential Home, Leicester Parklands Court Nursing Home, Walsall Perry Locks Nursing Home, Birmingham Ryland View Nursing Home, Tipton Stadium Court Residential and Nursing Home, Stoke-on-Trent Donna Waldron, home manager at Branston Court Nursing Home, said: “As a trained fireman who tends the fire for steam engines at Chasewater Railway, I thought it apt that we take the residents along to enable them to enjoy a day out. The route the train takes is very picturesque and scenic, and it will be a great day out to share with friends and family. We have put a great deal of effort and planning into this trip and we hope everyone enjoys themselves.” Notes to editors: The Chasewater Railway is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the major visitor attractions within the Walsall, Lichfield & Cannock areas. With its policy of low-cost fares and membership fees, it offers excellent value for money for railway enthusiasts and other visitors alike. The railway is home to a collection of steam and diesel locomotives of mostly industrial origin, many with local industrial connections. Passengers are conveyed in ex-DMU cars and BR Mk 1 coaches, as well as brake vans on gala days. In recent years the railway has also played host to various guest steam locomotives from other lines.