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Murder and a four-course meal on the Valley line
The body was discovered shortly after the train left the station, while the passengers were tucking into their first courses. But nobody panicked, fainted or screamed. Instead they just settled themselves more comfortably into their seats, and looked forward to their four-course meal, secure in the knowledge that Sherlock Holmes and faithful Dr Watson were of board to take charge of the murder investigation. It is not a scene from a novel or film, but one of the Murder Mystery Evenings held at the Colne Valley Railway, at Casle Hedingham (between Haverhill and Halstead). The evenings began three years ago as an experiment, and have proved immensely popular. “We started with one, held two the next year and four this year, and we expect to have even more next year, because at the moment we’re turning people away,” said general manager Richard Hymes, who was one of the founder members of the railway and acts as maintenance engineer during the murder mysteries. The evenings, which cost £31.50 including the meal, a certificate and prizes where appropriate, on part of a beautifully restored vintage “Pullman” train, which has carriages which were once used on famous trains such as the Golden Arrow and the Bournemouth Belle. One carriage was also used on a Royal Train - the crests can still be seen on the carpets! Numbers for the evening are limited to 63 people in two carriages, so that everyone can participate fully in the process of unravelling clues, solving the mystery and ensuring the murderer gets his - or her - just desserts. The passengers get their desserts also, as well as starters, main courses, coffee and mints. The meals begin with Chilling London Smog (Bucks Fizz), and the menu features dishes as Shimmering Body from the Loch (Salmon Terrine), and Heart of the Beast (fillet steaks topped with pate, mushrooms and herds wrapped in puff pastry), with vegetarian meals and special diets provided on advance request. And as well as taking part in the murder investigation, passengers can spend part of the evening exploring the remainder of the railway, which is restored and run completely by volunteers and attracts around 80, 000 paying visitors a year, with approximately 20, 000 schoolchildren on educational visits. “The train comes back into the station part way through the evening, to let people stretch their legs and give those who wish a chance to smoke.” Said Richard. | ||||
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Fax: 01223 473053 | ||||
Telephone: 01223 473025 | ||||
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Endeavour House, 170 Woodland Road, Sawston, Cambridge, CB2 4DX | ||
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