Because of Sunderland’s EFL Cup Final appearance at Wembley on Sunday, all Grand Central services from the north east on Saturday are expected to be exceptionally busy. GC advise that without a seat reservation there is likely to be standing room only from  stations south of Sunderland and to avoid travel on this day if not necessary.

There is an  additional non-stop train from Sunderland to Kings Gross departing at 0844. This will consist of ten coaches top and tailed by DB Class 67 locomotives but will not have any refreshment facilities. Standing passengers will not be permitted on this train.

Apart from the usual business of approving the accounts and electing officers, reports were received on various matters including external meetings attended by officers on behalf of the group. Matters reported or discussed included

• The unveiling of the two Transport Trust Red Wheel plaques at Hartlepool station.
• Progress with the refurbishment of Grand Central 180’s which should allow the strengthening of some services to ten coaches from May.
• Likely extension of Teesside TPE services to Redcar Central.
• Our aspirations for an hourly InterCity service from the Coastline to York and beyond (eg Grand Central & Cross Country) was also shared by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
• Focus on making our views known to Transport for the North pending the publication of the Williams Review
• Ongoing discussion about the Middlesbrough – Newcastle rail corridor including Northern Connect and an article in ‘Rail’ magazine.

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 14 March 2019.  There will be lots to discuss in addition to receiving Officers’ Reports and conducting Elections.  AGMs are often dull the world over.  Not ours!  We have much to report upon and discuss.  The AGM will take place in our usual meeting room in The Athenaeum Club, Church Street, Hartlepool from 7.15pm.  The bar will be available from soon after 6.30pm and again after the meeting.