All aboard the Santa Express

Hundreds of excited children were delighted to meet Santa on the Abbey Line on Saturday December 9. Platforms were busy at St Albans Abbey through to Watford Junction stations as over 1,000 people boarded the specially decorated trains. The event was held by the award winning Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership which works to promote and support the rail line from St Albans to Watford. Also on board were face painters and a balloon modeller to entertain the young passengers. Each child received a present from Santa, a goody bag for each family/ group and a special Farewell Christmas cake, courtesy of London Midland. It also happened to be the last working day of the London Midland Franchise. The event was also supported by volunteers from the Community Rail Partnership’s members, station adopters and volunteers. The Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium, were also very grateful to receive donations during the event Edna Woname, Abbey Line CRP Officer said ‘The aim was for our Community to come and meet us and learn more about the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership. It was wonderful to welcome first time users of the line and start the Christmas festivities, especially in the two towns the service serves which have a host of Christmas activities too. I am particularly grateful for the support we received from local organisations; Watford Colosseum, Abbey Theatre, St Albans BID and the Partnerships’ members.  This was a great event with hundreds of people joining us, some for the first time. I am already planning what we can do next year.” Steve Helfet, Head of West Coast Services at London Midland said; “Our team was delighted to play such an active part in making the day of hundreds of young people, by hosting the first Santa Express event on the Abbey Line for many years. It was brilliant to mark the last day of the London Midland franchise with such an enjoyable highlight.”