Media centre

Friday 7 May 2004

OVERWHELMING INTEREST IN COMMUNITY EVENT

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered to take part in the Whitemoor Community Open Day. The response has been overwhelming and activities for the event are increasing day by day! Jenny Sacre, Network Rail’s event organiser said:  “I am delighted with the response from all different groups of March’s community.  The event will be a true mix of the old and the new.  There will be lots of history at the event, looking back to a time when the yard was the biggest in Europe. But there will also be lots of activities for children and of course everyone can come and see the 21st century site, its operation and the machinery necessary to run it.” The event is being held at the Whitemoor depot, off Hundred Road, March on Sunday 23 May 2004.  Gates open to the public at 13.00 and close at 17.00.  A small admission of 50p will go to a local charity. The main ceremony will take place at 15.00 when a locomotive will be named ‘Whitemoor. Miss Sacre continued:  “We have face painting, a cake stall, raffles, tombolas, Thomas the Tank Engine raffle, brick a brack stalls, toy stalls, book stalls.  As well as stalls, there are a large number of exhibitions. March museum have a large exhibition and the Nene Valley Railway, Rutland Railway museum and the North Norfolk Railway will also display stands.  We also have plenty to do outside including a historic steam locomotive, Dunhams Wood light railway, the Happy ‘land train,’ a display of local art and of course a catering and ice cream van.”  - more - Page – 2 Charitable organisations holding stalls include: The Guides Association; March Senior Citizens Club; RSPCA; 2nd Walsoken Rainbow Guides; Macmillan Cancer Relief; Braxa Leisure Club; Friends of Doddington Hospital; Fenland Area Community Enterprise Trust (FACET); March and District Floral Arrangement Club; March Handicapped Swimming Club; Isle of Ely Women’s Institute; March Neighbourhood Watch; March Model Railway Club.      The event is going to be a great afternoon out for all the family. Come and join us to celebrate a railway revival!!