The Two Tunnels Group and The S&D Footplate Association have been working together for the past two years to fundraise, create and install a History Trail along the Two Tunnels Greenway, which used to be the route of the Somerset and Dorset Railway, along which ran the famous Pines Express from Manchester and Bath to Bournemouth.

The line closed in 1966 and is one of Britain’s most celebrated and most missed railway lines closed by Dr Beeching under the controversial government commissioned ‘Beeching Axe’ report of 1963.

Former Fireman and Somerset and Dorset Railway employee, Tim Hughes, came up with the idea to tell the rich history of the railway through a series of five Historical Information boards, containing many wonderful archive photos and detailed researched articles and text.

The five information boards are due to be installed along the Two Tunnels path during July, and an unveiling ceremony is planned at one of the sites, Midford Station Platform on Saturday, 29th July at 12,30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Musical entertainment is planned, with a Ukulele band and speeches from key speakers before the launch. The Two Tunnels Group and The S&D Footplate Association are grateful to the many supporters and well-wishers who have helped the project come to fruition by making generous donations of time, money and archive material.

The unveiling will be carried out by Guest of Honour, Keith Cooper, former Midford Stationmaster and Cllr Ian Gilchrist, Mayor of Bath.

Matt Skidmore