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Class 444 to be named Destination Weymouth after the town of Weymouth

World Champion sailor Richard Glover will be unveiling a train named in honour of the town of Weymouth on 6 July 2007. Weymouth based Richard won a Gold medal at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships in July 2006.

One of SWT fleet of Class 444 Desiro trains will be named Destination Weymouth to give further recognition to a town which not only celebrated 150 years of the railway this year, but is also becoming a leading sporting venue. Weymouth has the honour of hosting the sailing competition for the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012 and there are a wide range of events coming to Weymouth in the run up to this including the Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic, the Royal Yachting Association 'Sail for Gold' Regatta and the extremely popular Weymouth Carnival.

The train naming has been organised in partnership with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and 'Team Dorset' a non-commercial body set up to inspire the community into action using the catalyst of the 2012 Games, by delivering opportunities for local people to become involved in a wide range of sporting and cultural events and activities. Pupils from St Johns School in Weymouth will be joining in the celebrations on the day.

Stewart Palmer, our Managing Director said: "Weymouth is a flagship destination on South West Trains' network, popular with so many people, from holidaymakers and tourists to the young and the old so it is only right that we recognise it with a train named in its honour. Many of the events coming to Weymouth will really put this historic town on the map and from December it will also be getting a better train service, with two trains an hour serving this popular seaside resort."

Cllr Christine James, Brief Holder for Transport and Infrastructure said: "I am delighted that Weymouth has been recognised by South West Trains. There is so much happening in the area over the next few years as we progress towards 2012. It is therefore essential that public transport plays a key role in bringing tourists and visitors into the area through the gateway of Weymouth Station and I am delighted that 'Destination Weymouth' will be fulfilling this function."



 
 

 

Last Updated: 20 June 2007
 
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