Santa Chooses the Train

On Sunday 16th December Santa will be travelling with National Express group’s National Express from HarwichTown to Manningtree on the 11.53, 12.53 and 13.53 services. This is the seventh year that Santa has travelled on the National Express network and this year the ‘Santa Special’ trains will be bigger and better than ever before. Free mince pies and mulled wine will be given to ticket holders on the train. Passengers will also find a Christmas market in the car park of HarwichTown station from 11am on the day and at 2.45pm a carol service will take place, featuring the Royal British Legion Brass band. The Town Crier, in full regalia will also be assisting in the celebrations. Moreover, visitors to the station will also have the opportunity to take part in guided tours from Harwich town station at 1pm and 2pm to The Redoubt Fort, accompanied by Napoleonic soldiers.

Santa’s helpers have already entertained nearly 300 children and adults on the two special trains which ran on 9th December between Southminster and Wickford. Mother Christmas played pass the parcel, Snow White transformed over 50 children with face painting, the Christmas Tree fairy and the three special fairies (pink, white, and green) made sure that every child received a present from Santa. The Queen of Lapland worked magic with her special wand; and even Baby Christmas came along. But the real excitement for the children was Santa himself who spent time in every carriage giving out lollipops to the children and talking to them.

Rayleigh Brass Band entertained at Wickford Station, and carol singers from SouthminsterPrimary School sang at Southminster station in between the trains while more carol singers joined the train at South Woodham Ferrers for one of the journeys. Right Tracks made sure that mince pies and refreshments were available at Southminster Station Café.

Staff from Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and National Express made sure that everyone was looked after and would like to thank all the volunteers who made the day such fun.