THE past week has been a difficult one for the Swindon and Cricklade Railway volunteers following a fire which caused incalculable damage to their historic collection.

But they were able to focus on a more a positive occasion over the bank holiday weekend when they hosted their annual Real Ale and Cider Festival.

The event, now in its sixth year, saw crowds of well-wishers gather at Blunsdon railway station for a relaxing three days of music, food and of course, beer and cider.

Event organiser, Tony Norris, said: “It was really busy, particularly on Saturday. The weather has been fantastic for us, we didn’t have a single shower.

“It’s a great weekend, dad can come in and head to the beer festival and mum and the kids can go out on the train.

“Some people come along just for a day out without even going on the trains, it’s so peaceful down here.”

For those that do climb on board the vintage trains of old, they can trundle along the line to the newly opened Taw Valley Halt station where they can alight, take a walk in the country park or visit the nearby Tawny Owl pub, before catching a later train back again.

This weekend’s festival is sponsored by the Pewsey-based Three Castles Brewery who supplied a range of over 20 ales and ciders.

The visitors were also treated to live music from two bands, a mobile pizza oven and all the usual attractions of the railway and associated displays.

Tony added: “The brewery organise the alcohol, they get some local guest ales in as well as their own and this year we’ve got 17 ales and nine ciders.

“I particularly like the Tidley Dyke which is brewed for us and is very nice indeed.

“After the events of a week ago it has been nice to see people come out and support us - in general the response we’ve had, both from other heritage railways and from local people has been fantastic.”

One of the acts performing at the festival – nine piece ukelele band The Ukey D’Ukes – even decided to waive their fee for the weekend after hearing about the devastation of the fire.

But despite their recent setback, the railway volunteers are determined to keep moving forward.

It is hoped that both of their steam trains, absent from the railway for some time due to necessary repairs, will be back up and running by the end of the month.

They will be the stars of the show as the site hosts a steam and vintage weekend in August.

And this all this leads up to the headline event of the year, September’s Wartime Weekend.

Tanks, jeeps and other military vehicles will be joined by re-enactment groups, trade stands and living history shows as the railway takes over their neighbouring field for what is certain to be a terrific celebration.

For more information, including on how to support the fire recovery appeal, you can visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org