We thought that members might be interested to know of the annual visit to the deserted village of Imber that the MoD has allowed in August in recent years. A whole collection of Routemasters and double-deckers of even greater vintage leave from and return to Warminster Station during the day. Visitors buy a ticket (last year: £10) that enables them to jump – not literally! – on and off the buses as they pass through Imber and other villages, where refreshments can be obtained.

The ‘lost village’ of Imber was compulsorily purchased by the MoD at the beginning of the Second World War for troop, artillery and tank training. Villagers were relocated, with the promise that they could return after the war. This, of course, never happened, as the area is used for MoD purposes to this day. However, the church still stands and there is an annual Easter service. The August visit is not guaranteed, but has been arranged and supported by volunteers in past years.

Should anyone be interested in gathering in a group for this occasion, on Saturday 16th August, would they please indicate their interest and complete the form below. Please remember, however, that all travel and ticket arrangements would be the responsibility of the individuals concerned. Dependent upon possession of a Railcard, the total cost should not be more than £40pp, plus refreshments purchased locally.

Members could independently board a train (to Warminster) from Hook or Basingstoke (less than £30 day return, or £20 with a Railcard) and, perhaps, form themselves into a group once aboard…although Imberbus bus trips (from Warminster station) would have to be independent.