Rail fans join international sound-off event at March railway station

Yesterday’s wet and windy weather didn’t deter rail enthusiasts keen to make a noise and join in a national celebration.

The Bramley Line Heritage Railway Group together with the Friends of March Railway Station (FoMRS) hosted a sound-off at the station to mark the start of the 200th year since the start of passenger rail in 1825.

Participants joined the sound-off with whistles and hooters, while Andrew Goakes and his family joined the fun with his traction engine, Jimmy, so there was also appropriately the presence of steam at the station.

At noon Andrew gave a blast on the traction engine’s horn, while those gathered blew their whistles, while thousands of others were doing exactly the same thing at stations not just across this country, but across the world in places as far-flung as Sierra Leone, Samoa, New Zealand and America.

Rob Able and his colleagues from FoMRS opened their rooms up on the middle platform for people to view and look at the community railway model of March station and associated sidings.

Peter Wright leader of the Cambridgeshire and Fens Group of The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust attended on behalf of the trust.

Clive Freeman, chair of the Bramley Line, and his family were among those who joined the sound-off at March, while the group’s secretary, Terry Hartga, was away in Scotland, where he marked the occasion with his family.

Emma Robertson, programme manager for Railway 200, a cross-sector, partner-led campaign, said: “Coming down the tracks this year is a bumper programme of exciting initiatives and shared storytelling for everyone to get involved with and enjoy.

“Railway 200 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the railway, its people and communities to shout long, loud, and proud about rail’s many achievements and plans for a more sustainable future.

“It will cover the past, present, and future of the railway. As well as showcasing rail’s pioneering pedigree, it will excite and invite more people to consider a career in the railway.”

More than 100 activities and events are currently shown on a searchable interactive map, which is regularly updated on the website: www.railway200.co.uk/events