Rail enthusiasts have the chance to take a trip down memory ‘train’ while raising vital funds for charity. A nostalgic farewell event is being organised by Greater Anglia to mark the upcoming withdrawal of their Class 321 units.
The electric trains are being replaced by brand-new Class 720s and, to finish with a flourish, Greater Anglia is organising a fundraiser on Saturday, 29th April.
The operator is running a special charter train from London Liverpool Street to Clacton, Walton, Harwich Town, Stowmarket, back to Shenfield, to Southend Victoria and finally back to London Liverpool Street.
Rail-lovers have the chance to take one last trip and snap up a ticket, with all profits being split between East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), Essex-based Havens Hospices and the Railway Mission.
“We’re pleased to be running this special Class 321 trip, to mark their impending withdrawal, as the full rollout of our new trains onto every single Greater Anglia service gets nearer and nearer,” said Head of Corporate Affairs Jonathan Denby.
“We’re also glad to be raising funds for three charities with strong links to the Greater Anglia network – EACH, Havens Hospices and the Railway Mission.
“They’re all extremely worthwhile causes focused on the region we serve and supported by many of our employees.
“Taking in routes that have been synonymous with Class 321s throughout their life, we hope the trip will be very popular and generate an impressive contribution to EACH, Havens Hospices and Railway Mission funds.
“It promises to be a great day out for all involved.”
The charter train will cover many of the core routes with which the Class 321s have been closely associated for more than 30 years. The trip will also include journeys over a number of loops and sections of track not normally used by scheduled passenger trains.
The price for the one-off trip is £70 (or £35 for children aged five 15). For more information, head here. Bookings can only be made online by clicking here.
