Marston Vale Line Services
A full Marston Vale Line timetable is due to be resume on Monday 16th May – an hourly service Monday – Saturday running between 05:16 & 21:32 from Bletchley and 06:10 & 22:28 from Bedford (06:04 & 22:19 on Saturdays). 17 trains daily will run daily in each direction.
The Rail Replacement Bus service will be withdrawn on 16th May. Rail Replacement Buses will continue to cover any cancelled train services. The timetable can be downloaded from the Marston Vale Community Rail website.
Alternatively, please contact Stephen Sleight for a postal copy. Rail tickets can be purchased from the conductor on the train. Groups of 3 – 9 adults travel for a third off with GroupSave.
Bank Holiday Services
Services will be running on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holidays on Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd June.This will be a Saturday timetable.
Bedford River Festival -23rd & 24th July
Bedford River Festival is back in 2022 after a 3-year absence. It is hoped to run a late evening Festival Flyer service on the Saturday and a Sunday service (details TBC).
Check out the River Festival programme at https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk
Makeover for Marston Vale Line Trains
Marston Vale Line trains have been given an exciting new look thanks to the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership. A special vinyl has been installed on the outside of two of the trains to celebrate the 175th Anniversary Year of the Line and promote Greensand Country, an area of special landscape character through which it runs.
The graphics were designed by Click Creative Ltd. & installed by Stewart Signs Ltd, and can be enjoyed by rail passengers and the local community alike for the next twelve months. The vinyls were funded by the Department for Transport Community Rail Development Fund (administered by Community Rail Network), Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, East Midlands Railway and Marston Vale CRP. The vinyls were launched at Bletchley Station attended by representatives of the funders and Bedford – Bletchley Rail Users’ Association.
Look out for them on your next journey!
Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 4:00. The Tea Room is open at the same times. Please call 01525 287120 to book. Cyclists & walkers are welcome! The Friends of Ridgmont Station would welcome new members. Duties include conducting tours of the Museum, serving in the Gift Shop and maintaining the station gardens. Please contact Stephen for details.
Friends of Bletchley Station
As well as engaging thousands of people in volunteering, bringing people together and creating pride in station and community, Station Friends Groups play a critical role in making their stations welcoming, pleasant and attractive places.
Their work extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing and local arts & history projects. They are also the ‘eyes and ears’ of their local station reporting any faults and issues.
A group has been re-formed at Bletchley. The Station Friends have recently worked with the Bee Friendly Trust to install two planters at the bottom of the steps to the overbridge.
The Friends would welcome new members. Visit the Friends of Bletchley Station website.
Friends of Fenny Stratford Station
The Station Friends maintain the embankment behind the platform. The Friends would welcome some new members. Would you like to join them? Please contact Stephen for details. A safety briefing is arranged for Station Friends Groups and a high-vis jacket, identity card and duty pass are provided.
Watch our film to hear about the important role our Station Friends play on the Marston Vale Community Rail website.
Steam on the Marston Vale Line – 9th June
Steam locomotive 61306 Mayflower is making a rare journey along the Marston Vale Line en route from Ealing Broadway to the Peak District. Mayflower will be calling at Bletchley at 09:20 (please note times subject to change). Please visit https://www.steamdreams.co.uk/tours.php for details.
For further information on any aspect of Marston Vale CRP or the Marston Vale Line please contact Stephen Sleight, MVCRP Officer, on 01234 832645, e-mail stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk.
Visit our new website - www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk
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