Easter at the Station - first family event of the season at Midsomer Norton

Easter Sunday and Monday saw the first family orientated event of 2022 at Midsomer Norton South Station, “Easter at the Station". Two days of glorious weather helped draw in the crowds and over the two days more than 470 passengers were carried on our trains. Many of the days' departures, hauled on both days by Kitson Works No. 5459 Austin 1, were full to capacity. 

The weekend saw the welcome return of the Trust’s "SK" (stands for second class, corridor) coach to passenger workings following its winter works programme which included full re-upholstering of the seats in the compartments. Many passengers commented on the cleanliness and luxury that they were now afforded.

An Easter egg hunt across the station site kept the children entertained and made sure that they visited every corner of the station area. On the Saturday more than 120 people visited the museum where one egg was hidden amongst the historic artefacts on display. For the first time we also trialed hiding clues along the line. There were lots of smiling faces as participants received their easter egg on completion of the activity sheet. 

Once again we have sourced some local produce for the buffet, with Muffins Bakery Midsomer Norton providing 250 hot cross buns and 150 Easter biscuits. Passenger numbers exceeded our expectations and on the Sunday afternoon an emergency dash to local suppliers to top up on Easter Eggs and Easter biscuits was required. 

On both days historic bus rides started and finished at the station. Many visitors commented on the friendly staff and experience they had at the railway.

Easter Monday brought the added extra of whole line freight trains hauled by the newly repaired class 08 diesel. Passengers were able to pay a small supplement and travel in the Queen Mary Brake van. Not an everyday experience for many and it proved popular. A successful weekend drew to a close with the final train of the day hauled by both Kitson Works No. 5459 Austin 1 and the class 08 diesel.

We are now looking ahead to our three day Spring Steam & Diesel Gala which will be taking place this Friday to Sunday, April 22nd to April 24th. You can book tickets for this event by clicking here.