PLANS are in the pipeline for a year-long programme of events to celebrate 100 years of the Calstock Viaduct and the Bere Alston to Gunnislake railway. Calstock Festival in May will kick-start the celebrations with a special 'Underneath the Arches' theme and exhibitions, talks and walks will be dotted throughout the following months with major events marking the anniversary dates. The spectacular viaduct was opened on August 8, 1907 and the first train travelled along it on March 2, 1908. Two groups have been set up to put plans into motion, following a well-attended public meeting in Calstock recently. Robin Clinkard from Calstock Village Hall Committee will be co-ordinating the celebrations for the viaduct and Richard Burningham from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership will be heading the railway line celebrations. Mrs Clinkard said various ideas were being talked about, including a sail past of boats, an Edwardian picnic and boat trip, an archive photograph exhibition and film archive and talks by key figures in local railway such as John Snell, who worked on the East Cornwall railway line for 46 years. 'We plan to let 100 balloons off the viaduct and would love to have a vessel like the Shamrock out of dry dock and on the river,' she said. The 57ft ketch-rigged from 1899 carried various cargoes on the river and worked as a diving tender and salvage barge before being acquired by the National Trust in 1974. Now fully restored the Shamrock is docked at Cotehele and occasionally makes voyages on the River Tamar. August 8 falls on a Wednesday but celebrations will continue over the following weekend so everyone can join in. March 2 falls on a Sunday which gives greater flexibility on the train timetable. Richard Burningham said Great Western railway was open to ideas for special services if organisers came forward with the right package. 'The ultimate ambition is to have a steam train but there are so many problems with trying to get steam. However, we will try, because this is a very very special anniversary.' If anyone wants to get involved in the railway anniversary event they should call Richard Burningham on 01752 233094 or email him at: [email protected]">[email protected] For Calstock viaduct centenary contact Robin Clinkard at Calstock Village Hall on 01822 834418.