A GROUP of Westbury families enjoyed a free trip to the seaside on the ‘Weymouth Wizard’ earlier this month thanks to Westbury Lions and Great Western Rail.
It was the perfect day for a trip to the beach on the ‘Weymouth Wizard’ Great Western train, with families eagerly arriving at Westbury Railway Station with buckets and spades, towels and swimming costumes ready for a fun day at the seaside.
An 83-seat coach on the ‘Weymouth Wizard’ was reserved free of charge by Westbury Lions Club, especially for Westbury families.
Organiser, Lion, and local councillor Horace Prickett said, “It went very well and I’m so pleased everyone had a lovely time. I’ve had so many messages to say thank you from the parents and the children who came along.
“We had an extra 10 seats this year which was brilliant and it was a greater success than last year. There were a few events going on near the beach so it was very busy, but this added to the atmosphere.
“For several children this was their first visit to the seaside and for some, their first ride on a train, so it’s wonderful to be able to provide this experience for them.
“I would like to say thank you to Great Western Rail for giving us the free seats and for providing the children with a cold drink, and to the Westbury Lions for their support in organising the day. Big thanks also to The Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership for providing a free brochure for the children to keep them entertained on the journey. It was specially printed for the trip and included lots of fun facts, information and activities about the journey and Weymouth.
“A trip to the seaside isn’t just for children though. If you have a bus pass, for two people to travel on the Weymouth Wizard costs just £23.20. The journey is very comfortable, there is a refreshment carriage and it’s a quicker service than normal. It’s a lovely day trip out and doesn’t cost a fortune.”
