Picture by Andrew P.M. Wright.
Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are to stage a nostalgic fund-raising steam rally in a field next to Norden station near the village of Corfe Castle – bringing the Isle of Purbeck to life with evocative recreations of a bygone age.
Featuring up to 50 traction and miniature engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines – as well as fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, bar and live music – the family-friendly three-day yesteryear Roads To Rail gathering takes place on Friday (June 28) to Sunday (June 30).
A special intensive steam train service between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage will be operating during the event, including a special evening heritage diesel service on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Camping pitches, which must be pre-booked via swanagerailwayroadstorail.co.uk, will also be available, and there will be live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Now in its fourth year, Roads To Rail was first staged in August 2021. Volunteer Swanage Railway Company commercial director Robert Patterson said: “Going from strength to strength against the backdrop of the ruins of Corfe Castle, this is an evocative festival of steam large and small for all of those who love vintage steam-powered vehicles on the road or on the rails. Last year’s Roads To Rail was incredibly successful, and this year more than a hundred exhibitors have confirmed their attendance.
“With people attending the steam rally also having the rare opportunity to go on the footplate of one of our steam locomotives, Roads To Rail is a great day out for all the family and we hope that it will again draw in the crowds. Special events like this are critical for helping to fund the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway as well as drawing visitors to the wonderful Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.”
Sponsors this year are: Suttles Quarries, Humphries Kirk solicitors, City Cruises, Collett agricultural engineers and welding fabricators, Swanage Holiday Properties, Bridport Foundry, Care Purbeck, Miles & Son estate agents and Jurassic Care.
A combined train ride from Swanage to Norden and return, with entry to the steam rally showground, is £26 for adults, £14 for children aged five to 15, and £75 for a family of two adults and three children. Entry to the steam showground only is £8.50 for adults or free for under-16s. Evening entry to the showground from 6pm is £5 for adults and free for under-16s. Day parking at the Roads To Rail rally is also free.
For more information, visit swanagerailwayroadstorail.co.uk
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