The Branch Line Society will run a ‘Jolly Vacman’ charter service from Derby to Skegness on Saturday 24 June, with locomotives Class 50 no.50008 and Class 37 no.37403 ‘Isle of Mull’.

Indicative routing and timings:

• Derby P6 (PU 07.52) – Long Eaton P1 (PU 08.04) – Nottingham P1 (PU 08.26) – Sleaford P3 (PU 09.24) – Boston P2 (PU 09.52) – Skegness P4 (SD 10.29 / RM) – Sleaford – Lincoln P5 – East Holmes (RM) – Lincoln P3 – Sleaford South Jn – Spalding – Marholm Jn – Peterborough P4 – Peterborough East Jn (RM) – Peterborough Dn Goods Loop – Helpston Jn – Tallington Jn – Grantham Dn Goods – Allington North Jn – Sleaford P1 – Boston – Skegness P5 (SD 16.24 / RM)
• Skegness P5 (PU 16.41) – Boston P1 (SD 17.17) – Sleaford P2 (SD 17.49) – Lincoln P5 – Newark Northgate P3 (SD 19.06) – Claypole Loop – Grantham P4 (SD 20.06 / RM) – Allington West Jn – Nottingham P7 (SD 20.54) – Long Eaton P2 (SD 21.25) – Derby P5 (SD 21.39)

Fares:

• first class, non-dining, at a guaranteed table for two £184
• first class, non-dining £159
• standard class £109
• no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.
• accompanied under-18s benefit from a £54.50 reduction in all fares.

There will be a charity raffle, with all proceeds donated to Railway Children.

Amongst enthusiasts, Skegness will always be famous for Saturday-only holidaymaker excursions, often featuring pairs of Class 20s. The Jolly Fisherman poster is regarded as one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time and is believed to have influenced the success of Skegness as a holiday destination. It was commissioned by the Great Northern Railway, who paid artist John Hassall twelve guineas. The original, 1908, painting hangs in the town hall at Skegness. There is a choice of a short photo stop at Skegness in the evening, or an extending break from mid-morning.

For full details and to book visit the Branch Line Society’s website.