2001-08-25 South Central transfer (Connex)

2001-05-30 Acquisition of Connex South Central Limited by Govia Limited ('Govia') (The Go-Ahead Group)

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date 10 April 2002
source ATOC
type Press release

James Bond is undertaking his most dangerous mission to date - beating the bad guys and rescuing the babes in the glamorous surroundings of Peterborough.

Pierce Brosnan's official stunt double, Douglas James, has taken time off from filming the latest Bond blockbuster today (11th April) to launch a new website, www.reeltorail.co.uk , with the daring rescue of a Halle Berry double.

The site is the first from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and offers movie buffs the chance to visit, by rail, the locations of their favourite films across the UK.

The spectacular stunt at the Nene Valley railway - the location for the famous train-top chase in Goldeneye - will feature moving locomotives, abseiling terrorists, fist fights and gun battles.

Backed by all 26 train operators www.reeltorail.co.uk features over 100 classic movie locations, from Oscar-winning films like Gladiator and Brief Encounter, and encourages travellers to use the railways to visit the locations.

Featuring on-line ticket booking and 24-hour travel advice, the site allows film fans to make their travel arrangements from the comfort of their own home, including public transport links from the stations, where necessary.

Hot destinations this summer are likely to be Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, which was transformed into Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Snowshill in
Gloucestershire, which was used in Bridget Jones' Diary.

www.reeltorail.co.uk also features a news page, highlighting UK locations that are set to make starring roles in as yet unreleased pictures. The latest being Glenfinnan viaduct near Fort William in Scotland, movie goers will soon see the Hogwarts Express steaming its way across the bridge in the up coming Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Philip Benham, director of commercial services of ATOC, said: "We want to show that using the rail network is a convenient way to reach even remote film locations in the UK. Unlike frequent rail passengers, occasional leisure travellers may not be aware of the benefits of on-line ticketing and 24-hour travel advice.

"We understand that many passengers are still experiencing delays and cancellations, and the effects of industrial action, but we believe it is still important for the industry to promote itself and to encourage people to travel with us this summer."

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For further information:
Ellie Mayers/Tim Downs, Brahm Ltd, The Brahm Building, Alma Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AH, Tel: 0113 220 0528/0113 220 0507, mobile: 07740 639467/07789 111791 or email; e.mayers@brahm.com / t.downs@brahm.com

Editors Note:
The stunts being performed at the Nene Valley Railway on Thursday are under strictly controlled conditions and under the guidance of a professional stunt team. Members of the public should not attempt to repeat any of the actions from the stunt. Trespassing on the railways remains a dangerous offence and any repetition of such actions are not condoned by the rail industry.

Railhub Archive ::: 2002-04-10 ATO-001