Gearing up for Britannia on ‘The Royal Charter’

A STEAM-HAULED special from Crewe to Winsdor & Eton Riverside on June 3, will not only mark the occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but the tour will also be raising funds for the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF), a charity which for 160 years has provided help and support for railway staff and families during difficult times. BR Standard Pacific No. 70000 Britannia is booked to haul the Mk.1 Saphos carriage set from Crewe (c08.30), calling at Stafford and Nuneaton before turning off the West Coast Main Line at Willesden and continuing via Acton Wells Junction and Staines to the home of royalty. There will be around five hours to explore and sightsee and there will also be an on-train charity raffle. Estimated return to Crewe is approximately 22.00. RBF president, music producer, railway modeller and enthusiast Pete Waterman is also due to be on the train. Two classes of travel are on offer, first class non-dining at £195 per person (which includes tea and coffee) or Pullman dining at £365 per person which includes full English breakfast on the outward journey, followed by canapes and a four course dinner on the return. There is a supplement for a table for two window seat. Book online at www. railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/ events/the-royal-charter or email royalcharter@ railwaybenefitfund.org.uk