Thomas Days - Ticket Holders Information

Dear Visitor

Day out with Thomas – Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October 2005

Thank you for your booking for a 'Day out with Thomas'. The fun starts at 10.30am each day and finishes at 5.00pm, with plenty so see and do.

Your train ride behind 'Thomas' will take approximately one hour, including the stops at each end of the line. When 'Thomas' is moving from one end of the train to the other at Oldland Common and Avon Riverside platforms, this will be a good time to leave the train. You can watch him being attached to the carriages; but please return to your seat when requested by the Guard – we don't want to leave you behind!

As well as your train ride there are a number of other things to see and do:

• 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller' will be at Bitton Station, trying to keep the engines and the 'Troublesome Trucks' under control.
• Punch and Judy and Magic Shows will take place at regular intervals throughout the day.
• Have a ride on the miniature railway.
• There will be face painting, bouncy castle and children's rides.
• The souvenir shop will have a wide selection of 'Thomas' goods to purchase.
• The Station Buffet will be serving hot and cold food all day.

(ALL ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

The Avon Valley Railway is run by volunteers who give up their spare time to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit. If you are unsure of anything during your time with us, our volunteers will do their best to answer any questions you may have.

Important Information

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT.

ALL parking (FREE) is at the Brislington Park and Ride site on the A4. From here a regular FREE bus service, using several preserved buses, will take you to Bitton station. Please do not park close to Bitton Station as this will jeopardise future Thomas events being held by the Railway!

We recommend that you arrive at the Park and Ride site at least ONE HOUR before your train is due to depart.

Your ticket entitles you to one complete 6 mile return journey on the train behind 'Thomas'. Your ticket specifies the time of your journey, along with your seat reservation details – there is no need to worry about not being able to find a seat. Please check the date, train time and number of passengers carefully and notify us as soon as possible of any discrepancy: remember that as children under two years of age travel free of charge they will not appear on the ticket or have a reserved seat.

To prevent overcrowding on the platform there will be ticket barriers in operation at Bitton. Because there will be trains passing through Bitton non-stop, access to the platform will be restricted for safety reasons. Trains will be available for boarding approximately fifteen minutes before the departure time printed on your ticket. Please allow yourself plenty of time to board the train and find your allocated seats. If you miss your train we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find you a seat on another one and, in these circumstances, we are unable to give a refund.

Our trains and buses date from the 1950s and 1960s and unfortunately were not designed with modern pushchairs in mind. Please be prepared to fold pushchairs and stow them on luggage racks on-board the trains and buses – they must not be left in vestibules or gangways. A ‘buggy park’ will be available at Bitton as an alternative to taking pushchairs on the train with you.

We look forward to seeing you and hope you have an enjoyable day.

last updated: david cole, Sat 19th Jan 2008