We’re delighted to report that the GRES Family Day on Sunday 22 June 2025 was a great success, with over 100 visitors joining us for a day full of railway heritage, interactive exhibits, and community spirit. Whether young or young-at-heart, attendees told us they had a fantastic time—and we couldn’t agree more!
Thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, exhibitors, and supporters, the day ran smoothly from start to finish. A total of 105 visitors came through the doors—many of whom discovered the event through social media, our website, and word of mouth. The energy on the day was brilliant, and the positive feedback was overwhelming. Most attendees rated their experience as excellent, and many have already expressed interest in returning next year—even welcoming the idea of a small ticket fee.
Exhibits, Entertainment, and Enthusiasm
The mix of hobbyist displays and child-focused activities struck a perfect balance, creating an engaging experience for all ages. Exhibitors praised the variety of content, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to interact with visitors, particularly children. Interactive elements were especially well-received, sparking curiosity and conversation throughout the day.
Suggestions and Looking Ahead
Of course, there’s always room to grow. Some helpful suggestions included earlier and wider promotion, additional themed content, and improvements to parking. These are already being noted for next year’s planning. What’s clear is that both attendees and exhibitors are keen to see the GRES Family Day become a regular fixture on the calendar, with nearly all respondents saying they would return in 2026 and recommend it to others.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our volunteers. Special thanks go to:
- GRES modelling team for hosting the event, Henry, Alan and Adam helping run the sales stand and layouts.
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George, for managing the front desk, lending your exhibition wisdom, and collecting visitor feedback.
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Bryan, for your early-morning setup, help with the car park, and being the first to snap up a wagon!
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John, for being there bright and early to help get everything in place.
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Ella, for your incredible multitasking—writing wagon certificates, running the raffle, and making sure the ice machine didn’t stop!
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James, for joining us in the afternoon, helping to pack down, and chatting with families about photo opportunities.
Your dedication brought the day to life, and we’re deeply grateful.
Thank You for Joining Us
Whether you visited, volunteered, exhibited, or supported in another way, thank you for being part of the GRES Family Day. Events like these remind us why we do what we do: to share our love of railway history, inspire future generations, and build a welcoming community along the way.
We can’t wait to do it all again in 2026.
If you have any feedback or would like to be part of the next Family day in 2026 (Date TBC), please complete the form below.
