London Midland celebrates 100 years of Shakespeare Line
London Midland hosted a special event to celebrate 100 years of train services between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon, known as the Shakespeare Line, yesterday (Tuesday, July 1st, 2008).
Special guests, London Midland colleagues and 29 school children from Yew Tree Community School in Aston enjoyed a presentation at Snow Hill Station followed by a special train journey to Stratford-upon-Avon. As part of the presentation, Royal Shakespeare Company actor Keir Charles read out one of three specially commissioned sonnets written by poet and train enthusiast, Ian McMillan.
Everyone received a commemorative programme as a memento of the day which included copies of all three poems.
London Midland Managing Director Steve Banaghan said: "We are delighted to celebrate 100 years of train services between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon.
"Since opening in 1908, the Shakespeare Line has survived two closure bids to become a busy service which is used by around two million passengers a year. In 2010, passengers will benefit from new state-of-the-art diesel trains on the line, which will offer more space and comfort.
"On behalf of London Midland, I would like to thank everybody who uses the Shakespeare Line for their continued support and look forward to celebrating many more milestones in the future."
One of the school pupils, aged ten, said: "We have had a great day. I was really excited to ride on a special train and go to Stratford-upon-Avon."
