The Echills Wood Railway Observer

WREN TUNNEL

OFFICIALLY OPENED!

SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2009

THE WREN PLAQUE, THE LANDFILL COMMUNITIES FUND - WHO PROVIDED THE FUNDING OF THE TUNNEL

WEST PORTAL TUNNEL SIGN

EAST PORTAL TUNNEL SIGN

After almost 12 months since the completion of Wren Tunnel we finally had the official opening ceremony performed by a representative from the Landfill Trust, who opened the West Portal & the Head of Warwickshire Country Parks, who performed the honour at the Eastern Portal.

A double headed LMS train left Harvester's Station with designated members of the EWR & Official Guests. On reaching the West Portals of the tunnel, the tape was cut by the Wren representative. The train then continued through the tunnel as far as Nelson's Oak, where a GWR train was waiting on the opposite track for the return journey. Members & Guests transfered to the GWR Train which then stopped at the East Portals. Again after a speech, the tape was cut by the Parks representative and then the train went through the tunnel to stop again, outside the West Portals. Members & guests were then treated to refreshments, before retuning back to Harvesters Station. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, which made the event that much better. Although Wren Tunnel has now been officially opened, Trains for the use of the public will not be using the new extension untill Easter 2010.

The LMS train with Midland Class 2P heading LMS Royal Scot 'Vulcan' and LMS coaches, bringing the Official Train to the West Portals of Wren Tunnel. 

The train stopping at the tunnel mouths.

Pete Rimmel on the leading engine Midland 2P. Our deputy Chairman is making a speech to welcome the invited guests who were going to cut the ribbon and declare the West end Open.

These speeches do go on a bit. Chris is almost nodding off on the Scott.

The representative from the Wren Trust, ready to perform the cutting of the ribbon of the West Portal. The gentleman on the left, who is the Warwickshire Parks representative will perform the ribbon cutting of the East Portal, on the return journey.

The West Portal now officially open.

The official train coming through Wren Tunnel.

Coming out of the tunnel at the East end. Note the ribbon across the left portal ready to be cut on the return journey.

The official train crossing Baldwins Bridge. 

Nelson's Oak - The change over - Guests board  the GWR train for the return journey.

A shot taken of the ready to depart return train.

The Official GWR train headed by GWR 47xx 2-8-0 with GWR 4-6-0 Thirlaiston Hall and GWR coaches. passing another members train, just before Baldwins Bridge.

Steve Burnett driving the leading GWR Train. Jeff Steven's Class 47 xx 2-8-0. with John Hancock on his Hall Class 4-6-0 Thirlaiston Hall, at the Eastern Portal of Wren Tunnel.

The Head of Warwarkshire Country Parks, and Deputy Chairman of the EWR, making a speech, before declaring the Eastern end open.

The East Portal now officially Open.

Ready to depart through the East end of Wren Tunnel.

Passing through the tunnel.

Light refreshments in the form of glasses of wine, apple juice and nibles, were provided for our guests after the tunnel opening ceremony.

Tom Baily who was head barman, pouring out glasses of wine ( well plastic beakers then)!

Tom looking very official, with his new EWR shirt and tie. Setting a good example eh Tom? 

After the refreshments, the train took the official party back to Harvester's Station.

A perfect day for a perfect job done.

On behalf of all the members of the EWR I would just like to say a big thank you to the WREN Trust for providing us with the money to build this splendid tunnel. I would also like to thank Tamworth College who provided the labour to build the tunnel as part of their student bricklaying course and especially to those who gave up their own time for many Saturdays, to build the delightful tunnel portals. Rob and the other members of your team THANK YOU! I would also like to thank our Official Guests for giving up their time to come and perform the Official Opening Ceremony of Wren Tunnel, which as well as being an asset to our railway, also provides roosting accomodation for bats, which was allowed for during the tunnel construction. It has been reported, that bats have already rented out roosting spaces.