Forthcoming events
July 30 - 11am, Totnes Railway Station
First Great Western is to name a High Speed Train power car after Dartington’s world famous music summer school on Monday 30 July at 11.00am on Up Platform, Totnes Railway Station. The new power car is to be called the ‘Dartington International Summer School’ and will be added to the Great Western rolling stock travelling between London and the West Country.
Initiator of the idea, Anthony Steen MP will be joined by Gavin Henderson, Artistic Director of the Summer School and Alison Forster, Managing Director of First Great Western to unveil one of the largest nameplates amongst the Great Western fleet. An eighteen piece brass band from Dartington will be on the platform trumpeting a special composition for the occasion.
Said Anthony Steen, “I am a train buff. I support the First Group’s quest to provide faster more comfortable and reliable public transport. In recent years the Group has rightly become involved in activities and events within the communities they serve realising that it increases business! The naming of an engine after the world famous summer school of which I am a trustee is a unique occasion. I am greatly looking forward to it.”
Dartington Summer School started its life after the war at Bryanston School but moved in the 1960s to Dartington Hall Estate. Today over 2000 musicians and music lovers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds attend the six-week summer school.
Said Gavin Henderson, Artistic Director, “So many of the worlds greatest musicians have made their way to Dartington by way of God’s Wonderful Railway – Jacqueline du Pré, Barenboim, Brendel Tortelier, Menhuin, Ravi Shanker, Britten and Pears amongst them – as well as so many dedicated amateurs and students. They all remember of course the wonderful Dartington estate but so too they invariably reflect on the magical moments as the train leaves Exeter hugging the coast on its way to Totnes. It is such a happy and appropriate gesture for a train to be named in honour of this 60 year association. We are deeply grateful and flattered by all the support First Great Western has given Dartington and the Summer School and for this special recognition.”
