We have been contacted by tour organiser Paul Blowfield who is arranging a trip to the island and its railways later in the year and has asked us to advertise this visit on the site.  In more recent years the group visit he organises annually has not included any charters, relying on the popular “Explorer” tickets.  However, for their visit this spring that will change, as the trip has been deliberately arranged it to coincide with the Campaign for Real Ale (C.A.M.R.A.) Annual General Meeting and members weekend being held on the island for the first time; about 700 delegates are expected, and Mr. Blowfield’s group is nearly 40 strong this time. As usual, they are staying at the Falcon’s Nest in Port Erin. 

Having been in negotiation with the railways’ management for two charter services as detailed below, the charters have been arranged to give people the chance to visit various pubs by rail.  All arrangements (including prices) are now pretty well confirmed with management and the outline plan is as follows:-  

Friday 16^th April

Manx Electric Railway

Derby Castle            Depart: 15:30

South Cape              Set Down: 15:55

Laxey                         Arrive 16:00

Laxey                         Depart 17:30

Minorca                     Pick Up 17:35

Ramsey                     Arrive 18:15

Ramsey                     Depart 20:15

Laxey                         Comfort Stop 21:00

Derby Castle            Arr. 21:30

Saturday 17^th April

Isle Of Man Railway

Douglas                    Depart 18:00

Castletown               Arrive 18:30

Castletown               Depart 20:10

Port Erin                   Arrive 20:30

Port Erin                   Depart 21:50

Castletown               Comfort Stop 22:10

Douglas                    Arrive 22:45

We have been asked to point out that these operations are “speculative” in that Mr. Blowfield and a colleague are underwriting the cost, so they at least wish break even, and hopefully make a profit. The plans have the support of the C.A.M.R.A. hierarchy.

Now the important part . . . these charters are going to be open to everybody; not just C.A.M.R.A. people.  A fare of £10 per trip (roughly in line with usual public fares) has been agreed upon (but £8 only for C.A.M.R.A. members, Senior Citizens and holders I.M.R. Residents tickets). There will be no consessions for children, or free travel available (except specially invited guests).

Much of it is likely to be “pay on day”, but genuine “expressions of interest” should be addressed to Mr. Blowfield, and he intends to initiate a pre-booking arrangement. Therefore, those wishing to travel should contact him via e-mail on: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it also giving their address and contact telephone number.  The booking form and information is available on the forum section of this site which is free to register and join.

Mr. Blowfield is also organising two photo charters on the steam railway on the afternoon of Thursday 15th April (mixed train), and morning/early afternoon of Friday 16th April (long train, inc a little double-heading). I.o.M.S.R.S.A members (and others) interested in participating should contact him directly on the e-mail address shown above.