Bluebell Railway publishes special World War One-style newsletter during closure

Bluebell Railway. Picture: Peter Edwards SUS-200324-130158001Bluebell Railway. Picture: Peter Edwards SUS-200324-130158001
Bluebell Railway. Picture: Peter Edwards SUS-200324-130158001 | Other 3rd Party
The Bluebell Railway is publishing a special newsletter inspired by the actions of soldiers in World War One.

The new regular publication is designed to maintain morale among its staff and volunteers during the railway’s current closure.

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And it is making the issues available to everyone who is looking for something to read or do during the shutdown.

The newsletter is called The Bluebell Times and is based on The Wipers Times, a newspaper that was produced by soldiers in the trenches in World War One after they found an abandoned printing press.

The paper helped to maintain morale during the fighting around Ypres in Belgium.

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A Bluebell Railway spokesman said: “We hope The Bluebell Times helps to keep up spirits in the same way. It is designed to fill the gap for anyone missing their steam train rides or visits to the Bluebell Railway. Although the railway is currently closed, the lines of communication are still open.

“It’s a publication for all – railway staff at home, volunteers in all departments, members, supporters, visitors, friends, train enthusiasts, families and general readers. It’s perfect for train-mad youngsters or anyone who wants a bit of light relief.”

Among the contents in issue one are a feature article on life as a train driver, an in-depth look at one of the railway’s locomotives, an update on the emergency appeal for funds, a word search puzzle, a guess the year quiz based on filming at the Bluebell Railway and a special children’s section.

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The Bluebell Times has been edited by Tom James who is a volunteer in the locomotive department and there are contributions from people across the railway.

The first issue of The Bluebell Times is available now and can be downloaded from https://www.bluebell-railway.com/bluebell-times/.

Future issues can also be found there.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

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Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.”

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

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In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.