Trains in 1981

Train photographs taken in the year 1980

Whilst working as Account Manager for EWS, we formed an Alliance with Riviera trains.

The first trains run under the Alliance banner were four 'Footex's' to Cardiff for the Johnsons Paint trophy from both Doncaster and Bristol. We had headboards made for the Doncaster trains and pictures of these can be seen elsewhere on this website.
I was then tasked with the job of arranging the first Charter train for the Alliance aimed at the enthusiast market which would hopefully turn up something special.
So what about the prospects of a Western to Aberystwyth?

EWS work very closely with Network Rail and has a good working relationship and my proposal was duly presented to Mr Stephen Cornish head of Network Rails Charters.
The following people were instrumental in enabling this to happen:
Geoff Griffiths EWS
Stephen Cornish Network Rail
Bob Dewhurst Network Rail
Charles Paget Riviera trains
Barry Cordell Riviera trains
Peter Watts Pathfinder
Nick Gibbons EWS
Nick Edwards EWS
John Rogers Network Rail
DTG

I believe that this was the first and probably the last time a Western will ever visit Aberystwyth .

EWS ran two trains on behalf of Doncaster Rovers Footbal club to Cardiff on 1st April 2007 for the Johnson's Paint Trophy final.
Doncaster Rovers 3 - 2 Bristol Rovers.

UPDATE
EWS also ran a train to Kings Cross on 25th May 2008 and Doncaster went on to win 1-0 against Leeds at Wembley

Booths scrap yard Rotherham

The Orient Express and Northern Belle