It was a tradition at midnight on 31st December during the steam railway era for engine shed staff to weight down whistle chains on engines to welcome in The New Year. This year is the recognised 200th anniversary of the beginning of public railways.
The Heritage Railway Association suggested that local railway groups gathered to celebrate the occasion by a whistle off across the country at noon on 1st January. Friends of March Railway Station and The Bramley Line Association invited The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust to participate in an event at March Station. The event was enhanced by local steam enthusiast Andrew Goakes bringing his Aveling & Porter road traction locomotive to the forecourt of the station to join in. The event attracted several members of the general public, including retired footplate staff and family groups.