Marlow Donkey walking and rail trail (community project)

We're planning to highlight the story of the Marlow to Bourne End railway line, known as 'The Marlow Donkey'.

This small route had a big impact on the area, contributing to its history and development.

We're planning to create a beautifully-illustrated walking and rail trail, inspired by local voices and history.

We're using funding from GWR’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF) for the project.

We’re working closely with local community groups, including groups who address social needs.

We're working with them to gather memories, stories, and creative responses to the railway and surrounding area.

Their ideas will help to develop the look and feel of the illustrated trail.

Marlow Donkey Creative Workshop led by poet, Helen Bowell
Date: Tuesday 27 May
Time: 10 to 11:30am
Location: Bourne End Community Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX
Led by Helen Powell

In this workshop, prize-winning poet Helen Bowell will guide you to write about your own experiences living in Bourne End, inspired by the Marlow Donkey - the train line and footpath stretching off to Marlow. We'll look at some brilliant contemporary poems to inspire you, and then you'll create something fresh. Your words could even end up showcased in a permanent local installation about the Donkey! This workshop is open to anyone interested in writing, local heritage or creativity. No experience necessary.

This is a drop-in session and booking is not required.

View the Marlow Donkey Creative Workshop led by Helen Bowell leaflet

Marlow Donkey Creative Workshop led by artist, Nicola Metcalfe
Date: Tuesday 27 May
Time: 2 to 3:30pm
Location: Bourne End Community Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne End, SL8 5SX
Led by Nicola Metcalfe

Illustrator, designer and tea drinker. Also a fan of local history and a bit of tomfoolery!
Come along to an artist led, family-friendly creative workshop to learn more about the Marlow to Bourne End railway line – the ‘Marlow Donkey’. Creations from the workshop will help shape a new beautifully illustrated walking and rail trail.

This is a drop-in session and booking is not required.

View the Marlow Donkey Creative Workshop led by Nicola Metcalfe leaflet

Marlow Donkey Creative Workshops at Marlow Youth & Community Centre
Date: Friday 30 May 2025
Time:

• Morning session 10am to 12pm
  Primary school children aged 5-10 with a parent or carer
• Afternoon session 1pm to 3pm
  Young people aged 11 to 16

Location: Marlow Youth & Community Centre, Wycombe Road, SL7 3JD

View the Marlow Donkey Creative Workshops leaflet

Book now to join us at one of our sessions.

We'll update this page with the dates for the below events when they're confirmed.

You can join our free, family-friendly workshops during the May half term at:

• Bourne End Community Library
• Marlow Youth and Community Centre

We're holding a launch event in the school summer holiday, as part of the national Railway 200 Celebrations.

At the launch event, there will be:

• a station takeover
• bunting
• music
• tea and cakes

There will also be guided journeys with local historians and Simply Walk volunteers.

We'll update this page with the dates of the events when they're confirmed.