Marlow Maidenhead Branch Railway Naming Competition

Announcement

As part of a promotional effort planned for next year, MMPA along with First Great Western (FGW), Network Rail and some local authorities¹ along the route thought it worth considering the best brand for our Branch. A naming competition was organised to seek ideas and suggestions from the public. The contest ran for seven weeks during the autumn and generated some 30 entries from across the area. The diversity and thoughtfulness of the suggestions was impressive, showing remarkable goodwill for the Branch as well as knowledge of the natural, cultural and local history in each of the communities connected by our railway.

Unfortunately, FGW as a key member of the judging panel was not convinced these options contained the best choice in terms of marketability. They have proposed to engage a professional marketing agency at their own expense to see what they can come up with to augment the list of alternatives. As a result, the final decision on a name has been postponed until January at which time the result of the agency's work can be added to the mix. The Working Group, including FGW, will then reconvene to decide what might work best.

Whilst it is no doubt disappointing to those who entered the contest that a winner has not yet been selected, their contribution is nevertheless greatly appreciated and will be acknowledged now. As a thank-you, FGW has agreed to provide a pair of Standard Class tickets for travel on their network to every person who entered the competition. We will report back to everyone on the outcome of final discussions in January and hope to begin work on our promotional brochure immediately after that. MMPA Chair Susan Morrison will be contacting all the contestants directly to arrange delivery of the tickets and to respond to any questions or concerns.

Note 1. Marlow Town Council, Buckinghamshire County Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.