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Mid Hants Railway Ltd

41312 Steam Engine

Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Ltd (a registered charity and company limited by guarantee) is responsible for the policy, strategic direction and fundraising for Mid Hants Railway Ltd, which manages and operates the railway and commercial activities.

The Trust is also keenly involved in restoring and preserving heritage rolling stock and infrastructure.

We are aiming to be a living museum giving our visitors and supporters the opportunity to learn about the vital role played by railways and steam power in the development of our community, industry and commerce.  

Copies of the Trust’s Annual Report and Accounts can be viewed here.

Mid Hants Railway Ltd.

The Mid Hants Railway Ltd manages and operates the railway and commercial activities.

Board

Mervyn Dunwoody - Board Chair

Mervyn Dunwoody

Chair

Rebecca Dalley - Director

Rebecca Dalley

Director

Gregory Watson - Treasurer

Gregory Watson

Treasurer
Jim Russell - Director of Safety & Standards

Jim Russell

Director of Safety & Standards
Rachael Brought Sumner Secretary of The Watercress Line Mid Hants Railway

Rachael Brough (Sumner)

Company Secretary
Andy Bearpark - Company Secretary

Andy Bearpark

Company Secretary

Mid Hants Railway Ltd (Company No: 01117090)

Registered in England – Registered Office: Alresford Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG

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Day Out With Thomas

What's on

We have Special Days all year round at the Watercress Line. From family-friendly events such as Day Out With Thomas to evening dining experiences through the heart of Hampshire.

We have Events and Themed Days throughout the year at The Watercress Line. Click below to find out more.

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Gregory Watson

Treasurer

Whilst my background is as a chartered accountant, for the last 26 years I have worked in commercial radio in a variety of corporate development and strategy roles at stations such as Classic FM and Capital Radio.

For the last ten years I have run my own business which includes Fun Kids, the UK’s only radio station dedicated to children, and a network of DAB multiplexes delivering local BBC and commercial digital radio to 15 million people across England and Wales. We also make radio programmes and podcasts for clients including the BBC and ITV.

In relation to the railways, I have always had an interest in the railways, from standing on the edge of the platform in my teenage years to exploring the infrastructure and engineering of the railway network. And I love my model railway layout – great at creating complex track structure, rubbish at building beautiful scenery!

I have been a member of Mid-Hants since 2007, and in other rail related roles was a Public Member on Network Rail for three years.

Jim Russell

Director of Safety & Standards

Before I was old enough to go to school, my maternal grandmother would either take me to the local common to play football, she was about 80 at this time and was rubbish in goal – and so was I, or take me to Cosham station on the outskirts of Portsmouth to stand on the bridge and watch the Signalman turn the wheel to operate the level crossing gates. I wanted to be a Signalman from that moment on – if only my grandmother knew what she had started!

I can also recall, as a child, being taken by my parents to the beach at Hayling Island for the day. During the journey by car we passed over the level crossing at Langstone. The Hayling island branch was closed by that time but all the track was still in place. I recall, with some embarrassment, the tantrum that ensued because I wasn’t allowed to walk the track.

In the run up to the closure of the Watercress Line in 1973, there was lots of coverage on the local television. The line was closed by British Rail in February 1973 and I left school in the May. I became sixteen in the July and gained freedom by the purchase of a moped in the August. My first day of involvement with the fledgling preservation movement was on 25th August 1973. I have been involved ever since despite a few years living in Scotland, Chippenham and a trip back from the Falkland Islands.

My professional career was with the MoD where I became a civilian logistician with the Royal Naval Supply & Transport Service. In 2004 I defected to the MoD railways which was an Army led organisation at that time as a Regional Rail Manager. I became the Operational Standards Manager in 2012, a role that I still undertake on a part time basis.

For the Watercress line, I became a Signalman in 1981 and was promoted to Inspector in 1986. I became a Guard & Shunter in 1987 and a diesel driver in 2003. I have had two spells on the operating companies board with the safety portfolio. I was Chairman of MHRPS from 2000 – 2006 and I am a former Chairman of the Rules & Regulations Committee. I am now in my 52nd year with the railway.

Rachael Brough

Secretary

Rachael is a long-time local resident who grew up with The Watercress Line as a cherished part of her childhood, including volunteering on the Santa Specials during her formative years. After stepping back from a career spanning multiple industries, from corporate sales to estate management, to focus on raising her daughter, Scarlett, Rachael is now delighted to be in a position to give back.

She brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and community spirit to both the Company and the Trust, supporting the Watercress Line so it continues to be enjoyed by future generations.