www.wymondham-station.com
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The www.wymondham-station.com website is operated independantly and not by National Express East Anglia or East Midlands Trains. Information and links are shown for the benefit both of customers using the businesses based at the station and travellers using the train services calling there.
SPECIAL TICKET FOR COMMUNITY RAIL WEEKEND IN ESSEX The Association of Community Rail Partnerships is holding it's annual Awards Ceremony in Westcliffe-on-Sea on 24th September. To celebrate the six wonderful community rail lines in Essex, National Express East Anglia is offering a great value day out on these and a number of other rail routes in Essex over the weekend of Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September. The Essex CRP Day Rover can be used for unlimited travel on the date printed on the ticket across all NXEA services within Essex (except on the West Anglia/ Stansted Express route), so in addition to the main lines between Brentwood and Manningtree and from Shenfield to Southend Victoria, the ticket is valid on the branch lines to Southminster, Braintree, Sudbury, Clacton on Sea, Walton on the Naze and Harwich Town. This ticket can only be purchased online from the special website here.
For suggestions on places to visit and line guides visit the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnerships website here. For specific details on the Marks Tey to Sudbury branch line (The Gainsborough Line) visit the dedicated website here. STEAM TRAIN ON SUNDAY 29th AUGUST
A special steam-hauled excursion train passed through Wymondham on 29th August. For more details click here. CLASS 37 GOLDEN JUBILEE
ENGINEERING WORKS There are no scheduled engineering works affecting services on the Norwich to Cambridge line during September, so trains will operate as shown in the timetable. Note however that the train on Sundays only at 12.44 from Wymondham to Norwich has now ceased to run after the summer season. LOCO & WAGONS LEAVE WYMONDHAM In early April 2002, rolling stock arrived at Wymondham station to occupy the short length of track alongside the railway cottages. The items, which had previously been stored at Hardingham Station on the Dereham line, comprised an (engine-less) Vulcan Foundry/Drewry diesel shunter, a 1950s BR pipe wagon built at Darlington and a 1921 South Eastern & Chatham Railway goods train brake van. The shunter (VF D297 DC 2583 of 1956) was built to the same design as the BR 04 class, although it was never part of the BR fleet, working at the Purfleet Deep Wharf Co. in Essex before a spell on the East Kent Railway. Over the Bank Holiday Weekend 27/29th August, the locomotive and wagons were moved in a major and highly professional operation which was carried out by volunteers from Whitwell & Reepham Station, involving the laying of a temporary track to bring the rolling stock nearer to to the the main car park so that the items could then be winched onto a low-loader and taken to their new homes.
The Drewry locomotive has been relocated to Bressingham Steam Museum, while the two wagons have gone to Norfolk's newest steam railway line at Whitwell & Reepham Station. The rails and sleepers on which the items were standing have also been recovered for further use at Whitwell & Reepham. HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2010 Wymondham Station will once again be participating in the Heritage Open Days scheme run by English Heritage in local association with South Norfolk Council. This years Open Days are from 9th to 12th September.
It's your chance to explore, for free, the outstanding architectural heritage of Norfolk - with special access to some buildings that are otherwise normally closed to the public. In Wymondham, you can, amongst other venues, visit the Heritage Museum, Wymondham Abbey, The Market Cross and the former Regal Cinema. Why not make a whole day of it? All the details are shown in the full programme - just click on the front cover picture below to open a copy.
CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS OPEN
Yes, it may still seem a long way off, but bookings are now open for December Christmas Lunches at The Brief Encounter Restaurant at Wymondham Station. We have also opened bookings for our ever-popular Christmas Carol Evening, which this year takes place on Friday 17th December. This is always a very enjoyable event - so dont leave it too late to book. You can find full details of the special menus and how to book by clicking here. CAMBRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS Network Rail has signed an agreement with developer Brookgate which will see Cambridge station overhauled as part of a £850m regeneration of the city's transport centre. The CB1 development covers 1.4m sq ft of land around the railway station. The first phase will involve the transformation of the station into a wider public transport hub, with the cramped ticket hall increased in size by more than 250% by 2012, improved waiting areas with easier access, improved bus interchange, and associated highways improvements. David Biggs, director of property at Network Rail, said he was delighted to be working with Brookgate to provide relief for passengers who currently have to fight their way through an overcrowded ticket hall. He said: “Together we have secured funding to make vital public transport and other improvements at Cambridge station and its surrounding areas, supporting the local economy and bringing direct benefits to the community and passengers alike".
Artists Inpression of the new collonaded Station Square at Cambridge © Rogers Stirk Harbour+Partners “Combined with planning agreements signed with the city and county councils in April, this marks the foundation of a strong partnership over the coming years. It also complements Network Rail’s investment on a new island platform at the station next year, giving Cambridge the capacity for passenger growth in the coming years and new standards in comfort and amenities for passengers and visitors". Network Rail will contribute £4.25m with the local authority providing a further £4.5m. Also included in the scheme are 1,062 student bedrooms for Anglia Ruskin University. Later phases of CB1 will include 331 homes, a multi-storey car-park, a hotel, and more university buildings. The new island platform, capable of accomodating 12 car trains, will provide much needed extra operational flexibility for the three train companies serving the station. The new platforms will have seating and shelters as well as full customer information screens, public address and timetables and will be accessed by a new footbridge (with lifts) from the current main platform. There will also be power and water laid on for any future retail outlets. The current timescale for the construction is that the platform should be available for use by the December 2011 timetable change when National Express is due to start running 12 car services on the West Anglia route from Cambridge to Liverpool Street. The only problem so far appears to be that Network Rail say that the new lifts they plan to install may not actually be large enough to cope with the huge number of cycles that rail users take with them through Cambridge station every day. MICHAEL PORTILLO AT WYMONDHAM Celebrity former Cabinet Minister, now political pundit, writer and broadcaster Michael Portillo visited Wymondham Station in connection with filming for a new series of his TV documentary series "Great British Railway Journeys".
Michael Portillo at Wymondham with his vintage Bradshaw's Railway Guide The series takes as its premise a trip along the railways of Britain using an original "Bradshaw's Railway Guide" from the late 1800s, examining how things have changed over the years and visiting interesting people and places en-route. Mr. Portillo and a crew from Talkback Thames TV filmed at the station on the 18th and 19th July. The first series of 20 programmes was aired on BBC2 earlier this year to popular acclaim (and healthy viewing figures) and a second series of 25 programmes is now in production, with broadcasting currently scheduled for early 2011.
SUMMER DAYS OUT This summer, National Express East Anglia are again offering a range of inclusive travel and special offer tickets to attractions across the local rail network. Why not leave the car at home and try a day out by train?
CAMBRIDGE There are two offers available in Cambridge. Why not try a leisurely 45 minute trip along the "Backs" aboard a traditional punt on the River Cam. Scudamores chauffeured punts leave frequently from the city centre. Discounted Cambridge punt tickets are available as an add-on when you buy your rail ticket - £11 Adult, £9.50 S/Cits £5.50 Child (Under 12). There's also a special price ticket for rail travellers on the Cambridge Sightseeing Tour. Enjoy a guided open top bus tour of Cambridge and its main attractions including the major colleges, museums, River Cam, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and American cemetery at Madingly. Discounted Cambridge Sightseeing Tour tickets are available as an add-on when you buy your rail ticket - £11 Adult, £7.00 S/Cits £6.00 Child (Under 16). Hourly trains normally run from Wymondham to Cambridge on Mondays to Saturdays. PLEASUREWOOD HILLS THEME PARK Enjoy a day out at Woody’s place - the regions biggest and best theme park, Pleasurewood Hills. The 50-acre park is set in beautiful coastal parkland and with over 20 rides there really is something for all members of the family and all groups. There’s even a great selection of fun rides for the smallest of adventurers. Discounted Pleasurewood Hills admission tickets are available as an add-on when you buy your rail ticket - £11.75 Adult or Child. (The add-on ticket includes return travel on Anglian Bus routes 601 or 608 from outside Lowestoft Station to Pleasurewood Hills). Travel from Wymondham via Norwich to Lowestoft. STEAM TRAINS There are two steam railways with direct connections from the National Express Norwich to Sheringham route - 'The Bittern Line'
Travel to Sheringham for the main line steam trains on the North Norfolk Railway from Sheringham to Holt - The 5 mile long Poppy Line. Enjoy views of coast and countryside as you travel along the route of the former Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway and enjoy the sights and smells of a bygone era.Discounted North Norfolk Railway tickets are available as an add-on when you buy your rail ticket - £9 Adult, £6.00 Child (Under 16). Travel to Hoveton & Wroxham to connect with the 15" gauge Bure Valley Ralway, a 9 mile journey along a former main line route through pleasant countryside and sleepy villages to the small market town of Aylsham. There's a railway shop and cafe at Aylsham station - and the town centre is a short walk away.Discounted Bure Valley Railway tickets are available as an add-on when you buy your rail ticket - £9 Adult, £6.00 Child (Under 16). CROMER SEASIDE SPECIAL 2 for 1 OFFER Travel via Norwich to Cromer and take your seats for an afternoon of fun, laughter, song ,dance and all-round entertainment at Cromer's famous traditional end-of the-pier show - "Seaside Special".
Book in advance for an unbeatable 2 for 1 theatre seat offer - call 01263 512495 and quote 'National Express East Anglia Offer' (Seats subject to availability). Travelling from Wymondham, we recommend booking for an afternoon matinee performance at Cromer. You can buy your rail tickets on the day (you'll need to show them at the Theatre) but you do need to book your theatre seats in advance.
Lakenheath Fen RSPB Reserve On Saturdays & Sundays, some Norwich to Cambridge train services call at the lonely wayside Lakenheath Station on the edge of the fens. Just a 5 minute walk away is the RSPB Reserve, with a visitor information centre. Explore the countryside and see how the fen has been recreated in recent years to attract hundreds of birds. Free talks and guided walks are available on certain days as well as fun (and educational) activities for children. Normal train fares apply (with Railcard and GroupSave discounts) - and admission to the RSPB reserve is free! For full details on RSPB Lakenheath click here. SPECIAL EVENT On Thursday 16th September, the Tour of Britain Cycle Race comes to Norfolk for the first time and the route goes right past Norwich Station. The riders come down the hill in Prince of Wales Road and then have to make that very sharp left turn at the bottom - it should be exciting! Highlights of this event will be shown on ITV4. MID NORFOLK RAILWAY CLASS 37 JUBILEE From September 24th to 26th, the Mid Norfolk Railway will be staging the "Class 37 Golden Jubilee", a major event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this type of diesel locomotive, some of which still remain in daily service on the national rail network.
The weekend will also mark the opening of the railway's new passing loop at Thuxton, which means that, for the first time since reopening, an hourly interval service will be possible from Wymondham Abbey Station to Dereham. There is also the possibility that limited trains may operate through from Wymondham over the mainline connection to Wymondham Abbey. Full details of the event are shown here.
Three more steam-hauled excursion trains are due to pass through Wymondham station this year.
On Sunday 29th August, BR Britannia Pacific No 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' was due to make another appearance on it's former home territory in Norfolk, hauling the 'Cathedrals Express' from Kings Cross to Norwich. However, after a fault was found earlier in the summer, the locomotive's boiler is currently under repair by specialists at Crewe and the loco is not expected back in traffic until the autumn. Railtour operator Steam Dreams arranged for the train to be headed instead by newly overhauled LMS 'Black Five' locomotive No 44932.
The London Midland and Scottish Railway Class 5 4-6-0 locomotives, almost universally known as the Black Fives, were introduced by William Stanier in 1934 and 842 were built between then and 1951. Members of the class survived in service until the very last day of steam on British Rail in 1968 and eighteen are preserved. Newly-built A1 Pacific 60163 'Tornado' makes special run from London to Norwich via Ely to celebrate Armistice Day on Thursday 11th November. 'Oliver Cromwell' hauls the 'York Yuletide Express' from Norwich on Thursday 16th December and finally, 'Olly' returns once more on Tuesday 21st December with the 'Christmas Cathedrals Express' from London to Norwich. The 'York Yuletide Express' is operated by the Railway Touring Company and will call to pick-up at Wymondham. Bookings are now open for the train. 'Oliver Cromwell' will haul the train to York and back as far as Ely, with a diesel locomotive taking over for the final leg of the return to Wymondham. For full details click here. Detailed timings for the trains will be shown here when they become available - normally just a few days in advance. RESIGNALLING MOVING NEARER
Manned signalboxes and semaphore signals are the way many traditionalists like to see trains controlled – but now the days of manual signalling on the Ely – Norwich line are numbered. Tenders for resignalling this line were issued in January this year. Details of the project are emerging, and our correspondent '66714 Cromer Lifeboat' has kindly summarised the main points. It is a 'like for like' resignalling: existing sections will remain, but controlled by colour lights. Each manual signalbox will be replaced by a cabin (known as an 'island') which receives signals by fibre optic cable or by radio (GSM-R) from the controlling signalbox and makes the equipment respond locally. The controlling box will be at Cambridge. Signalling will be set up for 100 mph for diesel units where possible, although this may require track improvements which are not yet financed. Most level crossings will have automatic full barriers with protecting signals but instead of CCTV radar pods will monitor the crossings for obstructions. Two crossings (not near stations) will have their half-barriers renewed. At Brandon a new main-main facing crossover at the Thetford end of the loop will permit bi-directional working at the down platform. Thus an up freight train could be held on the main and be overtaken by a following passenger. The crossovers at Thetford will be retained, and a new signal at the Norwich end of the up platform will, during engineering work, allow terminating passenger trains to return to Norwich. At Wymondham, the Norwich-end ground frame and siding connections will be removed, but the up siding and the connection to the Mid-Norfolk Railway will be retained. Crossovers will be removed at Shippea Hill and Lakenheath, but the crossover and connection at Eccles Road will stay. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2011. At this time of budgetary restraint all such schemes must be open to doubt. However Ely – Norwich is one of two trials of NR's new Modular Signalling principles which form a core of future signalling strategy, and so it is unlikely to be cut. (This news item courtesy of Norfolk Railway Society)
RAIL FRANCHISE BIDDING CANCELLED Against all the odds, and having walked away from it's East Coast Main Line Franchise in 2009 leaving the government to pick up the pieces, National Express is now to be allowed to continue to operate the East Anglia rail franchise beyond it's original termination date of 31st March 2011 - probably for another year or more. Teresa Villiers issued the following statement on 17th June: The Department for Transport will shortly begin a consultation exercise on the future of rail franchising policy. This consultation will provide industry partners with the opportunity to comment on the Government’s approach to rail franchising and whether bidders for longer franchises would be able to offer investment in improvements to trains and services. It will also allow the industry to set out its proposals for improving the efficiency and value for money of rail franchises, for both taxpayers and fare payers. I will set out further details to the House in due course. To enable the next Greater Anglia and Essex Thameside franchises - which are currently in the process of being re-let - to fully reflect the changes resulting from this review of policy the competitions for these franchises, which were started in January 2010, are to be cancelled. It is currently expected that a new competition for the Greater Anglia franchise will be advertised by the end of the year, after the consultation responses have been considered, with the Essex Thameside franchise following in Autumn 2011. TICKET OFFICE CLOSED National Express East Anglia have closed the ticket office at Wymondham "until further notice", with the staff member re-assigned to cover critical shortages elsewhere. Similar action has also been taken at Attleborough and North Walsham stations, both of which have mini-offices like our own. At present, it is not known if the Wymondham Ticket Office will reopen on a regular basis. NEW TIMETABLE FROM DECEMBER The new Timetable in December will see most weekday services on the Norwich to Cambridge route provided by 3 carriage trains rather than the 2 car trains operating at present. This will help to relieve overcrowding on some of the busier services. We are also expecting some very welcome additional trains on Sundays. Full details will be given here as soon as they are released by National Express. You can view the current timetable here. Details of some of our local fares from Wymondham are shown here.
TOP MARKS FOR WYMONDHAM AGAIN National Express East Anglia’s Wymondham station has gained maximum scores for customer service, cleanliness and information provision in the most recent mystery shopper survey carried out at the station. All stations are assessed for customer service and quality standards on a regular basis by mystery shoppers who visit stations and experience the service as any member of the public would. The mystery shoppers rate the provision of customer service and cleanliness in all parts of the station, as well as assessing the quality of public address announcements and information provided. In all of the categories assessed Wymondham station received the top most marks possible – 100%.
James Steward National Express East Anglia’s Area Manager for Rural stations said: “I am delighted that Wymondham station has achieved top marks in the latest mystery shopping survey. It is a credit to our staff and to station adopter David Turner that the station has been awarded the maximum scores possible. The success of Wymondham station in recent years shows that rural stations can be vibrant, flourishing places at the heart of the communities they serve. I’d like to thank David Turner station adopter and proprietor of The Brief Encounter Café for his enthusiasm and dedication in helping to provide a welcoming environment for our customers and station visitors. Wymondham station really is second to none, it just goes to show what progressive partnerships can achieve.” NENTA TRAINTOURS 2010 BROCHURE Copies of the NENTA Traintours brochure, with details of their 2010 programme of days out from East Anglia by special charter and scheduled service trains, as well as short break and longer holidays by rail in the UK and to Europe, are available from Brief Encounter at Wymondham.
Details of all tours are also shown on their website here. We thank NENTA for their generous donation towards the cost of maintaining the floral displays at Wymondham Station in 2009. STEAM TRAIN AT WYMONDHAM The North Norfolk Railway's Sheringham Level Crossing re-opened on Thursday March 11th 2010, once more joining the heritage line to the National Rail Network. As part of the celebrations, a special train, 'The Broadsman' ran from London through to Holt (NNR) hauled by BR Standard Class Locomotive No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell'. This formed the first passenger train over the newly re-instated crossing for 46 years, with the opening ceremony itself being performed by well-known railfan, pop music producer and now the UK Eurovision supremo, Pete Waterman OBE. Originally, the train was due to run to and from Liverpool Street via Diss, but a late change meant that it operated from Kings Cross via Ely to Norwich, Cromer, Sheringham & Holt - passing through Wymondham on the outward journey. 'Oliver Cromwell' passes Browick Road Level Crossing, Wymondham on 11th March. BOOK ON-LINE FROM THIS WEBSITE We are pleased to advise that on-line ticket bookings with The Trainline are now available via this website. Just click the advert above right to get started! MID NORFOLK RAILWAY SPRING DIESEL GALA WEEKEND The Spring Diesel Gala on the Wymondham Abbey to Dereham route took place from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st March, with an intensive service hauled by both resident and guest diesel locomotives with authentic BR era blue & grey liveried carriages.
'Twin Peaks' (Class 45 & 46 locomotives) at Wymondham Abbey Station on 19th March EDP NEWS HEADLINES You can buy a copy of the Eastern Daily Press each weekday morning from the experimental self-service vending machine on Platform 1 at Wymondham Station.
CHRISTMAS CATHEDRALS EXPRESS Another 'Cathedrals Express' steam special passed through Wymondham on Saturday 19th December 2009, with visitors attending a special "Steam Dreams Carol Concert" in Norwich Cathedral during the afternoon. The train was hauled by former LNER A4 Class Pacific locomotive No 60019 'Bittern'.
The train is seen passing Wymondham on the return journey FLOWERS FROM THE W.I.
Following a talk on the story of Wymondham Station given to them recently by David Turner, the ladies of the Wymondham Womens Institute have made a most generous donation towards the cost of the floral displays at the station. We are most grateful for the gesture and look forward to the new planting season. LINE CLOSURE ANNIVERSARY MARKED On the 4th of October 2009 it was 40 years since the Dereham to Wymondham line was closed to British Rail passenger services. To mark this special anniversary and the subsequent re-birth of the line as the Mid-Norfolk Railway, a number of events were throughout the weekend on the MNR. These included a photographic exhibition, a museum display featuring the events surrounding the closure of the line and its rebirth and costumed re-enactors interpreting the public reaction to the closure. There were also demonstration freight trains and tours of Dereham station and yard.
The last British Rail passenger service prepares to leave Dereham on 4th October 1969. After the closure, freight services persisted until the line was closed completely in 1989. Photo : Roland Hummerston/MNR FREIGHT ENGINES ON PASSENGER TRAIN Two DB Schenker Class 66 heavy freight locomotives, normally seen at Wymondham at the head of stone trains, were used on a special railtour which passed through on 19th September 2009. Operated by UK Railtours, the all first class special ran from Kings Cross to Hoveton & Wroxham where passengers alighted for the a boat trip on the Broads and a journey on the Bure Valley Railway.
Locomotive 66143 leads the return special through Wymondham WYMONDHAM STATION HIGHLY COMMENDED AT AWARDS CEREMONIES Wymondham has been Highly Commended in the "Station of the Year" category at the prestigious 2009 National Transport Awards. The ceremony, sponsored by 'Transport Times' magazine, which took place at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on 22nd July, covered the whole spectrum of public transport across the UK. At the end of October, Wymondham gained a Highly Commended certificate at the annual National Express East Anglia Adopted Stations awards. STEAM TRAINS AT WYMONDHAM The first steam excursion through Wymondham in 2009 was the Railway Touring Company's "Dorset Coast Express" on Saturday 23rd May. This special train left from Norwich early in the morning and called at Wymondham before proceeding to Eastleigh (for the Rail Open Day), Bournemouth & Poole.
Motive power for the outward journey was BR Pacific locomotive 70013 'Oliver Cromwell', a regular performer on the Norwich to London line 50 years ago.
Waiting the "right away" for departure from Wymondham on 23rd May The next steam special through Wymondham was a "Cathedrals Express" from Kings Cross to Norwich & back on Sunday 23rd August 2009, again featuring 'Oliver Cromwell'. 'Oliver Cromwell' passes Wymondham Signalbox on 23rd August, both looking resplendant in their BR period colours. (Photo: Mike Smith)
Gleaming in the early morning sunshine, 'Oliver Cromwell' pulls away from Wymondham on 23rd May. To see a video of the train departing from Thetford Station on 23rd May click here. NETWORK RAIL FINED OVER NORWICH TO CAMBRIDGE TRAIN DERAILMENT Network Rail has been fined £70,000 under Health & Safety legislation and ordered to pay £25,000 costs, following the derailment of an early morning Norwich to Cambridge train at Croxton Level Crossing near Thetford on 12th September 2006.
The train hit a dislodged part of the road panelling surface of the crossing at full speed. Fortunately none of the passengers or crew on board were seriously injured and the train remained upright. At a subsequent enquiry, it emerged that the panel had not been supported correctly, and that Network Rail's maintenance, inspection and training procedures for such crossings were not properly adhered to. Unfortunately, it appears that lessons remain to be learned. In October 2009, members of the public again reported that there were loose panels on the crossing, and an emergency 40mph rail speed limit was imposed, while the crossing was also under emergency 24-hour manned surveillance. Network Rail contractors finally replaced the track and crossing surface completely during the route closures in February 2010. LUXURY PULLMAN TRAIN PASSES THROUGH The "Northern Belle" luxury Pullman train passed through Wymondham on Saturday July 4th 2009 with an excursion from York and Leeds to Norwich. The train, which is operated by VSOE Ltd. (Orient Express), consists of a rake of relatively modern vehicles but decorated in Pullman Company colours, and with traditional fittings inside. Travellers enjoyed full dining en route, and travelled on by road from Norwich to Felbrigg Hall.
Immaculate Royal Train locomotive 67006 "Royal Sovereign" leads the Northern Belle luxury train through Wymondham on the return journey. The leading carriage is a Mark 3 Sleeping Car (used by the on-board stewards and traincrew for overnight stops). The train passed through Wymondham again on two occasions during December 2009. You can see a video of the train at Wymondham here. 'NAILWAY' SALON NOW OPEN AT STATION The Nailway Beauty Salon recently opened at Wymondham Station. The salon, situated in the converted former general & ladies waiting rooms on Platform 2 at the station, is offering a wide range of nail and dermatalogical treatments, under the personal supervision of Lisa Gristwood.
For appointments call Lisa on 01953 602277 or 07908 915419. For more details see the dedicated webpage on this site by clicking here. BLUEWATER SHOPPING VIA 'HIGH SPEED 1' AND THE JAVELIN Mondays to Saturdays Take a shopping trip to Bluewater and sample the latest Japanese-built 'Javelin' trains on the brand-new 125mph service from St Pancras along the way!
The new Javelin domestic high speed commuter train Take the train from Wymondham via Cambridge to Kings Cross.Then, just go across the road to St Pancras International and board the new Southeastern Trains 125mph 'Javelin' service.
Interior of the new Javelin commuter train - built by Hitachi in Japan Relax as you're whisked along the 'High Speed 1' railway and through the tunnels under East London to Ebbsfleet International Station in just 17 minutes on board the fastest commuter trains in Britain. At Ebbsfleet, you board the 10 minute frequency dedicated "Fastrack B" bus which takes you to Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Bluewater Shopping Centre includes branches of John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser plus over 40 bars, restaurants and cafes When you're shopped out, return on the bus to Ebbsfleet from where Javelin trains run at frequent intervals back to St Pancras. You can then return via Cambridge to Wymondham on any train the same day. For an extra treat on the way home, why not try the luxury Champagne Bar at St Pancras or have a meal in one of the many restaurants and bars there before the last connection home from Kings Cross at 21.15 (Monday to Friday).
Please enquire for fares and remember that big discounts are available when 3 or 4 people travel together and also if you've got a railcard. You'll also travel for free on the Fastrack bus if you hold a valid Seniors National Bus Pass. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Gladedale Homes (under their new name of Country & Metropolitan Homes) have opened a Sales Office promoting their development of residential properties on the former saleground site opposite Wymondham Station. Details are also available from local estate agents. NORWICH TO ELY ELECTRIFICATION? Network Rail recently published a new Draft Route Utilisation Strategy document focusing on the possible electrification of further sections of it's network. Amongst the routes listed on the electrification "wish list" is Norwich to Ely, which Network Rail sees as being able to provide a very useful diversionary route, as well as providing for more efficiently worked and greener passenger train services. The document is now out for consultation, but of course the big stumbling block would be the initial costs. Combined with the already announced plans to resignal the route, this could pave the way, eventually, for the restoration of regular through services from Wymondham to London. Transport Minister Lord Adonis has now announced firm electrification plans for the Great Western mainline from Paddington to Bath, Bristol, Cardiff & Swansea and smaller 'infill' schemes between Manchester & Liverpool and Manchester and Preston. Perhaps our own route could become a later 'infill' scheme between the existing electrified lines at Trowse and Ely North Junction. Meanwhile, according to the web-based publication "Rail Manager Online" (19th May), two entrepreneurs are reported to be trying to raise £4bn to build a new and faster railway line between Cambridge and Norwich, which could be offered as a separate, 20-year franchise. They are George Freeman, the founder of 4D Biomedical, and Nigel Brown, Chairman of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, and say they would be seeking funding from both private and public sources. Mr Freeman told the BBC: ‘East Anglia has woeful road, rail and broadband links. We will never unlock the potential of this region unless we can get around. Some train journeys here take longer now than they did in the nineteenth century.’ He added: ‘Many new houses are being planned but no one has thought about the communications.’ The chances of such a new high speed line ever being built would appear to be well behind those of electrification - itself still only a very distant possibility at the moment. BRIEF ENCOUNTER AMONGST UK RAILWAY CAFÉ TOP TEN Wymondham Station's Brief Encounter Restaurant has been named on a list of the UK's top ten railway station eateries published by the Guardian newspaper. "An award-winning cafe on an award-winning station - who could want for more? The Brief Encounter Cafe was the winner of the best retail outlet category at last year's Association of Community Rail Partnerships awards, while the station it sits on was voted Best Small Station in the 2006 National Rail Awards. The beautifully restored cafe is decked out with seats taken from venerable first-class railway carriages, has a trained chef at the helm, a menu packed with local produce, and serves cream teas in the afternoon and dinner in the evening." Read the article and see the full top ten listing here. 21 YEARS CELEBRATION FOR RESCUE OF WYMONDHAM STATION Report from The Eastern Daily Press 25th March 2009 People thought local businessman David Turner was crazy when he took over redundant buildings at Wymondham railway station back in March 1988. But his vision for the future brought about a transformation from dilapidated eyesore to an award winning station that has enjoyed national acclaim. And on 24th March, crowds turned out to join Mr Turner in celebrating 21 years of caring for the historic site whose attractions include the Brief Encounter restaurant and a collection of ‘railwayana’, much admired by visitors. He was presented with a plaque by Michael Timewell, chairman of Norfolk Tourism, and Margaret Dewsbury, chairman of South Norfolk Council, to mark his 21 years of service to tourism in the county. “People said I was mad when I took on these buildings. They were threatened with demolition. But I replied that I have always loved trains, so I gradually set about bringing the station back to life using proceeds from my piano business,” Mr Turner explained. “I managed to get permission to remove seating and other items from old railway carriages to help create ‘Brief Encounter’. Now, 21 years on, I feel proud of the role that I have played in making Wymondham Station such an important gateway to the town and surrounding area.” David Turner with the plaque presented to him marking 21 years of service to Norfolk tourism. Picture - Denise Bradley EDP Further investment by National Express, along with the county and district councils, has seen the reintroduction of a ticket office, a new car park and real-time passenger information. Mrs Dewsbury said: “Tourism in Andrew Goodrum, customer services director for National Express East Anglia, said Mr Turner had transformed Wymondham station through his enthusiasm and dedication. “As well as providing such excellent service for customers, he has worked in partnership with colleagues from the rail industry in putting Wymondham station on the map and in helping to bring about the success of the A double page colour spread article about Wymondham Station appeared in the "Sunday" supplement section of the EDP on the 18th of April 2009 - we also featured on the cover too! GREEN & CREAM REPAINT FOR SIGNALBOX BUT THE END FOR TELEGRAPH POLES Contractors for Network Rail have been working on major repairs to the largely wooden fabric of Wymondham South Junction Signalbox over the last four weeks, and completed a repaint into the traditional 1950s British Railways Green and Cream colours. Railway lore dictates that "repainting is the first sign of closure" - however, no firm decision on modern resignalling of the Norwich to Ely line is expected until 2010. So we are set to keep our old-fashioned, but generally quite reliable, semaphore signals and signalboxes for a while yet. The sharp-eyed observer may note that once a week, Network Rail staff still come to fill the reservoirs and trim the wicks of the paraffin lamps that remain in use in some of our signals - a bygone age indeed!
Wymondham Signalbox on 30th March with repainting almost completed Meanwhile, another era came to an end on 22nd March 2009, when the last lineside telegraph poles were removed between Wymondham and Thetford. Just three poles now survive at Wymondham.
Some of the felled telegraph poles in the yard at Wymondham The pole route, with the telegraph poles carrying the wires for the block signalling system between the signalboxes, was once a familiar site along linesides all over Britain; our own was the last survivor on a Network Rail main line in England. FINALIST PLACING FOR WYMONDHAM AT RAIL BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY
At a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on 19th February, National Express East Anglia was shortlisted for Wymondham in the ‘Station Excellence’ category at this year’s HSBC Rail Business Awards. On the night, Wymondham progressed to become joint finalist in the category, though in the event was just pipped to the winning spot by Southern Trains for Horley Station, near Gatwick. The judges praised the partnership approach taken at Wymondham, with the train operator working with the station tenant, local and county councils and community groups to enhance facilities for customers, as well as the benefits gained by providing a part-time staff presence in recent years.
Brief Encounter Restaurant owner and station tenant David Turner received the ‘Highly Commended’ certificate from the judges. NORWICH TO SHEFFIELD FROM £1 BOOK EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS CREDIT CRUNCH BUSTING FARES NOW ON THE MEGATRAIN.COM WEBSITE Selected Norwich to Nottingham, Chesterfield and Sheffield services have been added to the Megatrain.com booking website operated by Stagecoach Group (parent company of East Midlands Trains). The site offers bargain basement fares - not available from any other outlet or website - on a limited number of trains. Bookings are now open with single fares from just £1 (plus 50p booking fee). These e-tickets are valid only on the specified direct East Midlands Trains services.You will be provided only with an e-mail ticket or mobile phone ticket. Megatrain tickets cannot be collected from any self-service ticket machine or from ticket offices and are not sent out by post. SHAPE OF TRAINS TO COME?
An East Midlands Trains Class 222 Diesel Unit ran from Derby, Nottingham, Peterborough and Ely through Wymondham to Norwich on Saturday 11th October, on special gauge clearance trials. It is the first time that one of these 125mph air-conditioned trains has visited Norwich, although they have been in service on the Midland Main Line from St Pancras to Sheffield for about 4 years, a route also now operated by East Midlands Trains. There is speculation that such units could operate some trains from Nottingham to Norwich in the future, replacing the Class 158 units that currently operate all the Norwich to Liverpool services. SUCCESS CONTINUES FOR NORWICH TO CAMBRIDGE ROUTE The Norwich to Cambridge rail service is going from strength to strength as it celebrates its seventh birthday, train operator National Express East Anglia has said.
Blast from the Past - the Anglia Railways TV advertisement that launched the new Cambridge to Norwich service back in 2002. WYMONDHAM STATION WINS MORE AWARDS Wymondham Station's Brief Encounter Restaurant and the Railway Ticket Office were shortlisted in the Best Station/Train Retail outlet category at last year's Community Rail Awards. And National Express East Anglia were also shortlisted for their small stations restaffing initiative, which of course included Wymondham. The annual awards ceremony, hosted by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP), took place in Plymouth on September 19th 2008. "The aim of the awards is to reward excellence and promote best practice in community rail development. ACoRP believes that there are many unsung achievements within the community rail sector. We want to recognise and celebrate them at this event taking place this year at the fabulous Plymouth Pavilions".
David Turner's Brief Encounter Restaurant and the National Express East Anglia Railway Ticket Office triumphed with first place in the "Best Station or Train Retail Outlet" category of the awards. Here's what the judges had to say: Best Station or Train Retail Outlet 1st Place Wymondham Station Brief Encounter Café and Ticket Office David Turner’s Brief Encounter café at Wymondham station provides the blueprint for what can be achieved when new life is breathed into a station. National Express East Anglia achieved second place for the Restaffing Initiative in the "Passengers Matter" category :
2nd Place National Express East Anglia, Rural Station Staffing Scheme Another award winner was the East Suffolk Line Walks booklet, which achieved second place in the "Best Marketing Publication" Category :
2nd Place East Suffolk Line Walks Guide You can obtain a free copy of this award-winning booklet from Wymondham Ticket Office - while stocks last! CAR PARK NEWS Revised charges for all South Norfolk Council Car Parks were implemented from 10th November 2008 when the charge for all-day parking at the Cemetery Lane Car Park increased to £3.00. Car Park Season tickets are available direct from South Norfolk Council. Note that parking on Sundays is free of charge. Three short-term 20 minute free parking bays have now been provided for use on Mondays to Saturdays. The www.wymondham-station.com website is operated independantly and not by National Express East Anglia or East Midlands Trains. Information and links are shown for the benefit both of customers using the businesses based at the station and travellers using the train services calling there.
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07th September 2010 
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