MEMBERS of the Southern Six railway groups met at the Watercress Line to discuss their approaches to running their heritage railways.

Representatives of the railways that formed the Southern Railway Company were hosted at Alresford Station to share ideas.

Everything from motive power to marketing; standards to Santa trains was discussed to share best practices, generate ideas and minimise cost and duplication.

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Rebecca Dalley, Watercress Line CEO, said "The Southern Six was a lifeline for me when I started.  To be so welcomed and discover such openness and honesty in the face of adversity across the sector was remarkable.

“I was delighted to be able to host our colleagues this time and the opportunity to share the problems and successes of our railways enriches and enthuses us all."

The Southern Six is an informal group of The Watercress Line and Bluebell, Kent & East Sussex, Isle of Wight, Swanage and Spa Valley Railways, which were part of the Southern Railway network.