Network Rail make their debut appearance at this year’s Emergency Services Show, on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Hullavington Airfield, off junction 17 of the M4 in north Wiltshire.
Network Rail is electrifying the Great Western Main Line that runs from London Paddington, through Wiltshire, and on to Swansea in preparation for the arrival of a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains. To make sure everyone is prepared for this change, Network Rail’s ‘orange army’ has teamed up with British Transport Police and the Samaritans to tell the public all about electrification and how they can keep themselves and others safe on the new and improved electrified railway. On the day, you will be able to:
See how the overhead electrification equipment and the new electric trains will work through Network Rail’s model railway;
Take a close-up look at one of the new electrification masts;
Take a tour of the company’s helicopter and find out more about how it’s used, including in maintaining the safety of passengers and the wider public; and
Be entertained through the theatre group, ‘off the level’, who will be performing shows and monologues to bring to life Network Rail’s safety messages around electrification.
Philip Holbourn, who will be attending the show on behalf of Network Rail, said: “We’re delighted to be able to take part in this year’s Emergency Services Show. As part of our modernisation programme, we are bringing Brunel’s railway into the 21st century in preparation for the new electric trains which will provide passengers with more seats, more legroom and faster journeys, while significantly reducing noise and pollution for those who live close to the railway line.
“These improvements will change the appearance of the Victorian railway we have all become accustomed to, and as a company that puts safety first we’re really pleased to be given this opportunity to tell the public more about the project and how they can keep safe on the new electrified railway.”
During the show, the ‘orange army’ will also be providing attendees with the opportunity to make their own smoothies on the company’s smoothie bike by answering railway related questions, and there will be the opportunity to win free train tickets by taking part in a quiz in the company’s bright orange safety van.
On-line ticket sales are now open at www.emergencyservicesshow.com for this year’s event, with admission priced at £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for U16s and U3s get in for free. A pre-purchased family ticket will cost £18, giving a saving of £2.
The website is also open for exhibitors and traders to book space at the show – although commercial traders will be charged, charities and non-commercial exhibitors can attend for free. All exhibitors are asked to register in advance.
Follow the Show at www.facebook.com/EmergencyServicesShow. It’s not connected with the event of the same name at the NEC, later in the month.
