Why I found Great Central first class

I FELT compelled to respond to the letter sent in by Graham R Pearson in issue 293 about visiting heritage railways on ordinary service days.

I couldn’t agree more with his sentiments following a recent visit to the Great Central Railway on Wednesday, May 18. I can honestly say it was one of the best visits I have had to this wonderful double-track main line.

There were two trains in operation, one steam and a diesel railcar, providing a regular service with lots of opportunities for changing trains and visiting each station.

A beautiful, warm day with blue and sunny skies, I took the opportunity to sit at Rothley in the sunshine for 45 minutes with a cup of tea from the station cafe and just took in the awesome atmosphere of the place – birds singing and a peacefulness like I have not experienced before.

The trains were not full but there were a good amount of people about, which made the day perfect. Not too busy and a really happy atmosphere.

I spent four hours or so on the railway and can’t praise the railway, staff, and volunteers enough – such a happy, lovely place to be, made even more enjoyable by the lack of crowds.

I will be definitely off for more days like this supporting our railways and enjoying a far less crowded experience – which allows a much better experience of the railway.

A first-class day indeed.

Gareth Leslie, Eastbourne, East Sussex