Kids from various backgrounds enjoyed a festive train ride with Santa on the Watercress Line, creating unforgettable memories this Christmas
Alresford: The Christmas train ride was a hit! Kids from different backgrounds hopped on the Watercress Line for a magical experience. It was organized by Young Rail Professionals, aiming to bring joy to children with disabilities and special needs.
The train left Alresford, and it was super accessible. There was plenty of room for everyone, making it comfy for all the little ones. And guess what? Santa showed up! He was handing out gifts to all the kids, which made their day.
Before the train took off, Santa walked along the platform, and the kids were buzzing with excitement, peeking out of the windows. As the train rolled into the night, it lit up with music and lights, passing through Ropley and Medstead.
During the ride, Santa and his elves made their rounds, giving out all sorts of goodies like teddies, chocolates, and even Lego! All these gifts were generously donated by the rail industry.
When they reached Alton, the kids got to see the steam locomotive up close with Santa. There was even an interactive disco on board, and many kids couldn’t resist dancing in their seats.
On the way back to Alresford, they were treated to a magical snowflake show. Everyone was having a blast! Event organizer Adam Sergent shared that last year’s Santa train in Leicestershire was such a success that they decided to do it again, but this time with even more kids.
He mentioned that some kids had never been on a train before, and this experience was a great way to show them how fun train travel can be. The feedback from parents and caregivers was heartwarming, with many families saying they wouldn’t usually have the chance to enjoy something like this.
One 10-year-old even said it was the best experience of his life! The event was funded by Young Rail Professionals, who are all about supporting newcomers in the rail industry and inspiring kids to explore STEM subjects.