Cheltenham Racecourse Station closure date?

[euryalus]

I have always thought that Cheltenham Racecourse station was officially closed after the race meeting in March 1968, this being reported in The Railway Magazine in June 1968, and confirmed (?) by E.C.B.Thornton in a subsequent Railway Magazine article that appeared in August 1977. However, Wikipedia claims that the station was last used in March 1976; is this simply a mistake? Surely the Cheltenham & Honeybourne would have been unsafe for passenger traffic by 1976?

 

[Smethwickian]

The line was still used by freight until 1976, so perhaps 'specials' for the races used the line still.

 

[thewiltog]

Last use 18th March 1976, according to Quick

 

[euryalus]

Last use 18th March 1976, according to Quick

That is presumably the line, not the station?.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

I thought it was still in use as the start/end station on the Gloucester - Warwickshire preserved railway?

 

[steamybrian]

I thought it was still in use as the start/end station on the Gloucester - Warwickshire preserved railway?

The same station but we are talking about closure date for British Railways services.

 

[Rugd1022]

That is presumably the line, not the station?.

Last train to run on the line was a Toton-Severn Tunnel freight in August '76 which derailed near the goods shed at Winchcombe, causing enough damage for 'them in charge' to close it to all traffic, although it was another few years before the track was lifted.

 

[RPM]

I believe it was indeed used for occasional race specials after its official closure date.

 

[thewiltog]

That is presumably the line, not the station?.

It was the station - presumably a race special. Full quote from Quick -

"Line closed [for passenger use - my addition] 25th March 1968, just after race meeting of 21 March but reop 16 March 1971 to here for occasional use last 18th March 1976"

The source for the final use is Branch Line News ed 320 p76

Googling found this from the GWRS

" However, in 1971, it was once again used for race trains until the last, on 14 March 1976, when a class 47 (Brush type 4) diesel departed with the very last train of Cheltenham Gold Cup punters back to London Paddington."

which suggests a date a few days earlier.

 

[Greenback]

It was used for special Gold Cup trains up until 1976. I'm sure I've seen pictures of both a 47 and a Hymek there in the 1970's, but I can't remember which book or books!

 

[euryalus]

It was used for special Gold Cup trains up until 1976. I'm sure I've seen pictures of both a 47 and a Hymek there in the 1970's, but I can't remember which book or books!

The Hymek picture appeared on page 361 of the June 1968 Railway Magazine, while the Class 47 view was, I think on page 274 of the May 1969 edition (diversions following the Ashchurch derailment). I don't think there were any further references to Cheltenham Racecourse in the Railway Magazine, which is why I am wary of the dates quoted by Quick.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

The same station but we are talking about closure date for British Railways services.

Oh I see, sorry I misunderstood.