13 Dec Southminster to Wickford Santa Train a huge success
A special train journey gave parents and children a chance to kick start the festive season last weekend as Father Christmas joined the fun on the Santa Train.
Running from Southminster to Wickford on Sunday 4 December, the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership’s latest special event train was a complete sell out. Packed with excited youngsters, many in fancy dress, the train featured Christmas fun, games and prizes as well as chance for little ones to meet Santa himself who was waiting on the platform at Wickford.
On the return journey the festive passengers were even joined by a choir of carol singers for a Christmas sing-a-long.
Councillor Eddie Johnson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “The Santa train was a huge success and a great way for families to begin their festive fun as we count down to Christmas.
“This event is a fantastic fund-raiser with all the money collected going to Little Havens Children’s Hospice.
“As well as being a lot of fun, these events are the perfect way to encourage young people to use our branch lines. While they are having fun the next generation of commuters are learning how easy it is to get from A to B while leaving the car at home.”
Paul Oxley, Stakeholder Manager at Greater Anglia said: “We were delighted to welcome back Santa to the Southminster line again this year and hope everyone who travelled with us on the day enjoyed the experience.”
The Santa train is the latest in a series of special event trains which are run by the partnership; details of upcoming events will be published on their website at: esscrp.org.uk/events/upcoming-events.html.
