Members’ Day 2026 took place at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) where we were treated to a relaxed day at the ‘Mixed Traction Extravaganza’ gala.

Starting early at a chilly but sunny Cheltenham Racecourse station, we journed through the gently rolling Cotswold countryside behind LMS Black 5 4-6-0 no. 45110 to Toddington where we alighted and, having watched GWR Grange class 4-6-0 no. 4880 ‘Betton Grange’ depart in the southerly direction, we had a good look round the loco shed and trade stands as well as being treated to an explanation of the projects underway inside the ‘steam’ half of the shed; these projects include the overhaul of GWR Manor class 4-6-0 no. 7820 ‘Dinmore Manor’, GWR Modified Hall 4-6-0 no. 7903 ‘Foremarke Hall’, SR Bullied Merchant Navy class 4-6-2 no. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co.’ and GWR Heavy Freight 2-8-0 no. 2874. The Toddington loco shed / workshop is a spacious and well-equipped facility, the envy of many a heritage railway.

Getting back on the train, this time hauled by another GWR 2-8-0 Heavy Freight no. 2807, we carried on to the end of the line at the beautifully-recreated Broadway station whilst enjoying a buffet lunch, much chatter and even some homemade cake! Returning back towards Cheltenham hauled by the Black 5 again, the ‘official’ part of the day ended and members were free to carry on enjoying the gala on their rover tickets. Some people took the opportunity for a brake van ride on the freight train (hauled by 2807) and, later in the day, the Black 5 and the Grange double-headed a train back to Cheltenham in the fading light. Also in the mix was yet another GWR Heavy Freight 2-8-0 no. 3850, two Class 20 diesels, a Class 37 diesel, and a Class 121 ‘Bubble Car’ DMU.

All-in-all it was a most enjoyable day with an extensive variety of ‘traction’ to sample, and a great opportunity for members to catch-up outside the formality of an AGM. Just a shame we’re a few years off having our own loco running in such a gala but it may be of some interest to note that one of 1264’s last gala appearances before being withdrawn for overhaul was actually at the GWSR’s ‘Cotswold Festival of Steam’ in May 2019. Though the business of locomotive overhaul is a hard and expensive slog, these events are a reminder of why we bother!

With thanks to all our members that came along, especially to Gillian Fowler for helping to organise it, and last but not least the GWSR for providing us with such a warm welcome.

1264 in one of her last gala appearances before overhaul – the Cotswold Festival of Steam in May 2019 (photo by Richard Smith)