New steam locomotive Tornado supports the Afghan Heroes Charity on Father’s Day

Fathers’ Day 2010 will be a day to remember for many veterans of the Afghan War. Steam excursion promoter Steam Dreams has teamed up with the Afghan Heroes Charity and The Joint Services Rehabilitation Centre, to give a memorable day out to injured army heroes recuperating at Headley Court. On Sunday 20th June, with the compliments of Steam Dreams, the veterans will have one whole First Class coach on the ‘Fathers’ Day Hampshire Coast Dinner’ train hauled by famous new steam locomotive Tornado. The locomotive was named Tornado in commemoration of the crews of the RAF aircraft of the same name that fought in the Gulf War in 1990/1 and have also served in Aghanistan.

This evening circular train will depart from London’s Waterloo station at around 1730hrs and will head via Surbiton to collect more passengers at Weybridge (1800hrs) and then Woking (1815hrs). From there Tornado will head south via Guildford and Petersfield to the coast route from Havant to Eastleigh. The train will then pick up the famed southern main line, the route of the ‘Bournemouth Belle’, and head back via Basingstoke to Woking (2115hrs) and Weybridge (2130hrs), returning to Waterloo at around 2200hrs. Steam Dreams is offering a special 25% reduction on the price of this evening trip. It will also donate a further 25% to the Afghan heroes charity.

Graeme Bunker, chief executive, Steam Dreams commented:  “We hope that any passengers taking advantage of this offer will be encouraged to donate their discount to the charity as well. This is the most amazing group of people and they deserve all our support.”

Steam Dreams is also organising the ‘Fathers’ Day White Cliffs Luncheon’ hauled by Tornado.  The train will depart from London’s Victoria station at around 0945hrs and head for the scenic Thanet coast, the Cinque ports and the world famous white cliffs of Dover, calling additionally for passengers at Bromley South at around 1015hrs. The return journey is via Ashford and Tonbridge before dropping off passengers at Bromley South (1445hrs) and returning to Victoria station at around 1515hrs.

Fares for both of these memorable trains are: Standard: £59; First Class: £89; Premier Dining: £149; and Pullman Style: £199. Steam Dreams can be contacted at www.steamdreams.com; tel: 01483 209888; and email: info@steamdreams.co.uk