Get on track with summer experiences

ISLE of Man Railways and Bus Vannin hope everyone will get onboard to experience their special summer events starting this month.

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

The first 2012 Pie in the Sky stargazing and supper event on Snaefell Summit will be hosted by the railways and the Isle of Man Astronomical Society next Friday and Saturday (April 27 and 28).

A spokesman said: ‘The Manx night sky on our April dates will be spectacular for observers with three bright planets in the sky and a fourth, Jupiter, setting low in the west as we arrive at the summit.

‘Venus will shine like a beacon in the western sky, Mars will shine in the south western sky with a distinctive red hue in the constellation of Leo and the majestic ringed planet Saturn will also be clearly seen in the south in the constellation of Virgo.’

The tram will leave Douglas at 6.40pm, arriving at the summit at 7.45pm, with supper at 8pm and stargazing at 9.15pm. An illuminated tram will return at 11pm, arriving in Douglas at 12.05am. If visibility is poor an illustrated lecture has been prepared. Tickets are £29. The event will be repeated on the weekend of September 28 and 29.

Also now available for the summer, until October, are the Seven Kingdoms roast lunches on Sundays in the Snaefell Summit Restaurant, costing £25 for two courses or £29 for three, including travel.

Alternatively, enjoy a sunset dinner in the restaurant – running until mid-September. Tickets, which include a three-course meal, cost £30 on Wednesday evenings and £35 on Fridays. Bookings can be made on 673631 between 9am and 4.30pm.

The Mountain Railway timetable can be found at iombusandrail.info or from bus/rail stations and the Welcome Centre.

Between Friday, May 4, and Monday, May 7, the steam railway will host a Rail Ale journey down to the Falcon’s Nest Real Ale Festival in Port Erin. Standard train fares apply with an adult ticket costing £11.60. On the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, the 2pm departure from Douglas will include the bar saloon carriage offering real ales to those with proof of age. Steam train timetables for the weekend can be found online atiombusandrail.info/imr-steamrailway.html

Entry to the Falcon’s Nest is £1 or free to those with valid train tickets. Tickets to watch a live Oompah band on the Friday night are £10. Those who miss the last train back can catch buses from Bridson Street regularly until midnight on the Friday and Saturday, and 10.18pm on the Sunday and Monday.

Finally, did you know you can hire the island’s trains, trams and buses for private parties, weddings, birthdays or corporate events? For more information call 663366, email heritagerailways@gov.im  or visit www.iombusandrail.info  or www.facebook.com/isleofmanrailways

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Santa train at Groudle

BRING the family to the traditional Manx favourite, the Santa Trains at Groudle Glen, for a magical day out.

You can board the illuminated train at the festive North Pole Halt, and travel to Santa’s Halt to experience the unique atmosphere in the Glen and see Father Christmas and his elves in his grotto, where every child will receive a free present.

The trains will run from 11am to 3.30pm on December 11, 17 and 18.

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

Refreshments are included in the £6 per person ticket. These include tea, coffee, orange juice and mince pies along with sweets from the elves for the children. There is also a complimentary glass of mulled wine for the adults.

Everyone will also receive a 10 per cent discount voucher to The Italian Job Family Pizzeria or Davisons Ice Parlours in Douglas and Peel.

Parking is available at the Groudle Beach car park.

Tickets are available on the day, or you can buy discounted tickets in advance on the website www.ggr.org.uk

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IoM Railways event highlights for 2012

Planned events for next season build on the success of this year by repeating popular specials including the Rail Ale and Rolling Stock event (28 September) and Teddy Bears’ Picnic (26 August). New events include a Wizards’ Express with a Harry Potter theme (31 March – 1 April). By kind permission of Warner Brothers and J K Rowling, IoM Junior Achievement are hosting a day of Harry Potter inspired, fun-filled activities at Castletown to provide a great day out for all the family and raise funds for charity.
The successful Island At War weekend returns 18-19 August while the Victorian Extravaganza is repeated on 30 June and 1 July at Laxey. Popular Summit dining experiences recommence with Seven Kingdoms lunches from 8 April (Easter Sunday) and Sunset Dinners from 9 May.
Hon Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said: ‘The Isle of Man is fortunate to have retained its unrivalled network of Victorian steam and electric railways, and they continue to delight both visitors and residents. Significant ongoing investment has ensured track and stock are being maintained and restored while special events aimed at all ages have proved increasingly popular. We still have the popular Santa trains to run this year and I look forward to the varied 2012 calendar of events building on the success of recent years.’

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

IoM Railways event highlights for 2012 include:

14 February: Valentines Love Train
A romantic journey on the steam railway

25 February : Winter Photography on the Steam Railway
Unique opportunity for winter photography in the steam railway yard

3 March: Musical Gala
Travel by steam railway for a unique evening of Old Time Music Hall entertainment at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. On board, enjoy a range of drinks and snacks from our bar and sing along to the classics with some of the performers you will see on stage later that evening.

18 March: Thanks Mum
Say ‘Thanks Mum’ this Mother’s Day and treat her to lunch on the steam railway.

31 March & 1 April: Wizards’ Express
Climb aboard the Wizards’ Express from Douglas to Castletown and enjoy fun filled activities inspired by the Harry Potter films. A great day out for all the family to help raise money for Charity; Junior Achievement.
Warner Bros Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not responsible for this event but, subject to conditions, have kindly granted Junior Achievement permission to use the Harry Potter trademark and other materials.

7 to 9 April: Rush Hour on the Railways
This Easter celebrate the Rush Hour on the Railways, three days of enhanced services on the Island’s Steam Railway, including steam workshop tours and great photo opportunities.

8 April: Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny will be at Laxey Station handing out free eggs to those travelling by tram. Continue up Snaefell for lunch at the Summit.

4 to 6 May: Rail Ale to Real Ale
Ride the Rail Ale train to the festival of real ale at the Falcon’s Nest in Port Erin

26 & 27 May: Swinging 60s
Ride the tram to Laxey and step back to the 60s, with entertainment, music, memorabilia and vehicles from the era.

17 June: Dad’s Day Out
Treat Dad to a great day out on the Manx Electric Railway

30 June & 1 July
A Victorian Extravaganza!
A magnificent celebration on the unique Victorian Manx Electric Railway, with entertainment from the Travelling Museum of Curiosities and Wonderment and Laxey Fair.

25 to 29 July: Manx Heritage Transport Festival
Five days of vintage transport will delight visitors to the Island in July. The Manx Heritage Transport Festival features steam and electric railways, vintage bikes, classic cars, buses and more.

18 & 19 August: Island at War on the Steam Railway
Wartime 1940s on the Steam Railway, watch out for the spy!

26 August: Teddy Bears' Picnic with the Steam Railway
If you ride down on the train today, you’re in for a big surprise,
If you ride down on the train today, you will not believe your eyes,
For every child under sixteen, who brings a teddy travels for free
Because today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.

8 September: A Night at the Opera
Board the steam train at Douglas and relax with a glass from our on-board bar, as you travel in style to an exclusive night of opera at the Erin Arts Centre (black tie event).

8 & 9 September: Family Fun Weekend on the Railways
Douglas Steam Railway station will be a hub of activity, with bouncy castles, slides, magicians and free rides on the Wicked Wickham, vintage bus and our open carriages.

28 September: Rolling Stock
To celebrate the end of summer we will be repeating our sell out Rolling Lunch and Rail Ale trains.

26 to 28 October: Hop-tu-Naa Ghost trains
Ride the Ghost Train to the Castle of the Cursed or learn about some Manx folklore and visit Jinny the Witch and friends at Cregneash

3 November: Winter photography on the Manx Electric Railway
Unique opportunity for winter photography on the Manx Electric Railway.

5 November: Ride the Rocket
Ride the Rocket Express to Port Erin Fireworks display

1, 2, 8, 9 and 15 December
Santa Trains to the Christmas Castle Kingdom
Santa trains will take you to visit Santa in his Christmas Kingdom at Castle Rushen, where you can then go on to enjoy the Castletown Christmas Market

29 December: Blow Away the Cobwebs
Re-fresh and re-vitalise yourself after Christmas with a brisk journey on the steam railway.

For all events and latest news, see the events page of the website: www.iombusandrail.info  or follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/isleofmanrailways

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IoM Railways’ 2012 Events Calendar Now Available

Isle of Man Railways has published a pictorial events calendar for 2012.
As well as stunning photography of steam locomotives and electric trams, all key dates and special events on the Island’s railways are highlighted in the calendar, available from the Welcome Centre at Douglas Sea Terminal, priced £5.
The photographs were selected from images taken of this year’s events, some of which were entered as part of a competition run by IoM Railways. The overall winner, Steve Chapple, of Port Erin, submitted December’s image of Santa Trains – No.10 GH Wood and No.13 Kissack double header out of Castletown. His prize is a footplate ride on the steam railway next year.
IoM Railways’ photograph competition will be repeated next year. Details are printed on the calendars, which will also be available from Douglas, Castletown and Port Erin stations when the Santa trains are running on 3, 4, 10, 11 and 17 December.
Richard Little, Marketing Manager for IoM Public Transport, said: ‘The Island’s railways are fortunate in having a huge fan base and we are grateful for their photographic efforts that have enabled us to publish this year’s calendar. At £5 it makes a good stocking filler while another excellent Christmas present is either a beginner or intermediate driving experience on the Manx Electric Railway.’
For more details of driving experiences and bookings contact marieannebridges@gov.im  or phone (01624) 662525 (01624) 662525 .

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

 

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Hop Tu Naa Ghost Trains and a Quartet of Horror

Don’t be surprised if you hear blood curdling screams resounding around Castletown later this month, as the Hop tu Naa Ghost Trains arrive for a ‘Quartet of Horror’ at Castle Rushen.
Four terrifying tales await all those who make it through the journey and cross the castle’s drawbridge for an evening of ghostly goings on as the Castle’s cursed awake! Once inside the Castle’s dark passageways guests will experience four spine chilling tales inspired by stories and legends from the castle’s past.

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

With the four gruesome tales being kept a tight secret, the only way to find out about the ghostly goings on is to join the Ghost Trains which depart from Douglas Station on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October 2011, at 5.30pm and 7.30pm dead.
Ghosts, ghouls, prisoners and torture victims await your attendance at the Quartet of Horror for tales of torment and gruesome crimes. Be warned, this event is not for the faint hearted!
Tickets cost £28 per person which includes a hot pot supper on return to Douglas Station for the first train and prior to departure for the 7.30pm train.
All passengers preparing to undertake this journey into the unknown are requested to leave their alcoholic spirits at home and wrap up warm for the evenings events will be chilling. Please bring a torch and wear sensible flat shoes for the evening. This special event is not recommended for children.
For something more family friendly, take the train to Port St Mary on Saturday 29th October for a day of storytelling with ‘Jinny the Witch’ and friends, Manx fairytales, craft activities, potions and remedies and on Sunday 30th October a traditional ‘Hop tu Naa’ celebration from 10am to 5pm. This event includes turnip carving, craft activities, music, dance and a farmers market selling local Manx produce. A free bus transfer from Port St Mary Station will be in operation for everyone with a valid event ticket. All inclusive tickets for the train journey and events at Cregneash are available priced at £15 for adults and £5 for children. Trains depart at 9.50am, 10.50am, 11.50am and 1.50pm, returning at 11.53am, 1.53pm, 3.53pm and 4.53pm.
Tickets for both events are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal or by calling the Box Office on 01624 662525 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01624 662525 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

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New food for thought as you take steam train

NEWLY refurbished Edwardian saloon carriages will add a gastronomic angle to travel on the Isle of Man Steam Railway later this month.

The carriages have been refurbished as part of a rake of five non-compartment vehicles which can be hired for wedding, birthday and business functions. They have corridor connections so passengers can walk between coaches to reach the bar car or to mingle with each other during the journey.

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

The two latest carriages to be refurbished, both dating from 1905, will make their inaugural journey on Friday, September 30, with a Rolling Lunch which includes hot and cold snacks and waiter service.

Passengers can also take their own food on the return trip to Castletown which leaves Douglas station at 12.10pm and returns by 1.40pm.

On the evening of the same day the carriages will form part of the Rail Ale train which leaves Douglas station at 6pm. Drinks will be available from the bar carriage and passengers must be aged over 18. The train stops at Castletown at 6.37pm and arrives at Port Erin at 7pm. The return train leaves Port Erin at 8pm, calls at Castletown at 8.22pm and reaches Douglas at 9pm.

Tickets for each of the special trains cost £10 return for adults or £5 for children, who are welcome on the lunch train. They are available from Isle of Man Transport’s website www.iombusandrail.info/rolling-stock.html

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Special Evening Train Isle of Man

The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association, a registered Manx charity dedicated to supporting and assisting the Isle of Man railway for over 40 years is pleased to offer a unique and enjoyable night out with a difference.
On Saturday the 1st of October, a Special two locomotive private train has been arranged to depart from Douglas station at 6.45pm travelling to Ballasalla for 7.15pm, Castletown arriving at 7.22pm and Port Erin at 7.45pm. The train will return from Port Erin at 10.30pm, Castletown 10.50pm, Ballasalla 11.00pm arriving back at Douglas 11.30pm.

Cherrywood Four Star Bed & Breakfast in Ramsey Isle of Man proudly brings you news of enjoyable events taking place on the wonderful Isle of Man. Why not browse our site to find out more.

The train will give you or your group an opportunity to offer a social night out with a difference for the bargain price of £10.00 per person. Those wishing to break their journey may enjoy a longer break at either Ballasalla or Castletown and re-join the train at the times stated; there will, of course, be comfort stops at these stations on the homeward journey.
If you or your group are interested in this special event we can also arrange group discounts of 10% for 20 or more people travelling. It is likely that we will have 5 saloon coaches available and if required we can reserve seating to enable you to travel together. Further details can be obtained by visiting our website www.iomsrsa.com or contacting the chairman Bill Cubbon on 823682.
Tickets can be purchased on the night at Douglas station but as this train is likely to be popular and to avoid disappointment we would urge you to make an advanced reservation.
A DISCOUNT FOR 20+ PEOPLE IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON ADVANCED BOOKINGS
The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association is a charity whose objectives are to support and encourage the use of the Isle of Man Railway to ensure its continued use for the Manx public and visitors alike. Proceeds from the event will be donated to some suitable restoration project on the railway.

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Isle of Man hosts heritage transport festival

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The minister for community, culture and leisure said he expected a large number of visitors

The Isle of Man's heritage railways are being celebrated in a five-day festival.

The Heritage Transport Festival will run on the railways from Wednesday until the following Sunday.

People will be able to travel in the newly restored tram car No.7, which dates back to 1894. The steam railway is hosting a Rail Ale Tour.

There will also be bus shuttles to the Manx Aviation Museum, Jurby Transport Museum and Milntown House among others.

The Manx Classic Car Club will also be displaying its collections at various stations.

David Cretney, minister for community, culture and leisure, said: "The Isle of Man has a wealth of heritage transport within a very small area that we know from experience attracts large numbers of both residents and visitors.

"This Heritage Transport Festival aims to pack in a variety of special events and experiences across all our railways in order to ensure the five days provide a variety of unique transport experiences for fans new and old."

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The Isle of Man Railway – The Travellers’ Companion

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Published by the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association this souvenir guide will appeal to both the committed enthusiast and the occasional passenger.

Compact and colourful this slim, but informative volume, packs easily into a knapsack for reference and includes bite-sized paragraphs about the history of the Island’s railway. It briefly charts the steady decline of the Manx railway network during the 1950s and 1960s, but paints a positive picture about the southern line which remains today.

Bursting with colourful photographs of proud engines and black and white images of yesteryear, this aptly named companion helps the traveller to take ‘a trip along the line’ by way of its pages between Douglas and Port Erin. However, there’s nothing like taking the actual journey itself as you steam towards Port Erin, where the book encourages its readers to visit the local railway museum situated next to the station.

And for those who like a little more detail about the engines there’s a comprehensive listing of the locomotive fleet with short biographies nestling within its back pages.

Priced at £5 ‘The Travellers’ Companion’ is the perfect memento of your trip on the Island’s historical railway. The book is available from the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association, the Railway Museum at Port Erin, or from manned stations on both the Steam Railway and the Manx Electric Railway routes.

www.iomsrsa.com

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