Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Wirksworth Commemorates 1914: Secretary of State Visits

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Wirksworth Commemorates 1914: Secretary of State Visits

The Secretary of State stands on the footplate of ‘Henry Ellison’, alongside members of the Wirksworth Branch of the Royal British Legion: 
Wirksworth, 28th July 2014:

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway today partnered with the Wirksworth Branch of the Royal British Legion to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.

The railway operated a special passenger service throughout the day, donating 50% of all fares to the British Legion, while the star of the day was steam engine ‘Henry Ellison’ bedecked with poppies and the flag of the Royal British Legion.
A special visitor to Wirksworth Station was Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport and Member of Parliament for the Derbyshire Dales.
The day was extremely successful, attracting many visitors who enjoyed the sunshine and the many attractions and stalls at Wirksworth Station.

Locomotive ‘Henry Ellison’ in commemorative livery:

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

WyvernRail plc has worked with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling in the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 9 miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duf-field Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirks-worth.

Services run at weekends between March and October and midweek throughout the summer and are timed to connect with Derwent Valley Line services between Nottingham, Derby and Matlock operated by East Midlands Trains.
WyvernRail plc t/a The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirksworth Station, Wirksworth, DE4 4FB
http://www.e-v-r.com | tom.tait@wyvernrail.co.uk

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Wirksworth Station Back on the map after 67 Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WIRKSWORTH STATION BACK ON THE MAP AFTER 67 YEARS

 20 May 2014: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is proud to announce, 67 years after its closure in June 1947, Wirksworth Station is now linked to the National Rail Network again enabling journey planning from any mainline railway station in the UK to Wirksworth.
The railway’s timetable is designed to connect with East Midlands Trains at the railway’s southern terminus at Duffield station and it is now possible for passengers to purchase tickets and have a seamless journey to Wirksworth thanks to the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner.
Tom Tait the railway’s Commercial Director stated “We have been working for some time on this project I am delighted that Wirksworth is now a destination on national rail network in its own right and I am most grateful to our colleagues at East Midlands Trains who have supported this innovation. With the ability to purchase through train tickets to Wirksworth from any mainline railway station in the UK, together with our joint bus and train all day rover ticket with trentbarton, the town of Wirksworth will now enjoy a comprehensive public transport service which will make a significant contribution to the town’s aim of increasing visitors to the area.”

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Free Tickets for a Rainy Day!

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Free Tickets for a Rainy Day!

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway guarantees the Summer for families!

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway launches the Rainy Day Guarantee to keep the skies clear!

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is excited to announce its unique rainy day guarantee. During the months of May, June, July and August. Should it rain continuously for three hours or more during a visit to the railway, passengers will qualify for a free ticket to return when the weather has improved.
Tom Tait the Railway’s Commercial Director said, “The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is Derbyshire’s longest heritage line and the beautiful views of this unspoiled valley are best experienced by train during sunny weather. We want our visitors to enjoy the wonderful vistas during their visit to the railway. Not only do we offer the best of Derbyshire scenery but we are so lucky to have an abundance of wildlife which can be normally be seen from our trains but unfortunately are more difficult to spot when it’s raining.”
If the weather prevents passengers from delighting in the Ecclesbourne Valley at its best, we will be offering our visitors free return tickets.

Full details of the offer are published on the Railway’s website at e-v-r.com

Some Local Railways this Easter

Don’t forget – Chasewater Railway details on the ‘Home’ page!

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Sunny day at Wirksworth Station

Easter Weekend
Fri 18th, Sat 19th, Sun 20th, Mon 21st April 2014
Our normal timetable will operate on the Wirksworth and Duffield line. The Wirksworth and Ravenstor line will be operating an increased timetable also.
There will be an Egg Trail on Saturday, Sunday and Monday around the station at Wirksworth.
Day Rover Fares
Tickets are valid for all day travel on both the Duffield and Ravenstor lines.
Adults Concessions Children Family (2+3)
£12.00 £11.00 £6.00 £29.00

Churnet Valley

Kids Go Free This Easter

Posted in Contributors Blog on 7th Apr 2014
“Kids Go Free” this Easter at the Churnet Valley Railway with its Steam hauled Easter “Eggspress” trains….
Plus on Easter Sunday Children can enjoy complimenatry Easter Activities which will include an Easter Egg Hunt, Egg Painting, Hunt the Rabbit and Make & Take Children’s Activity Tables.
Trains will be running over the Easter weekend, Saturday, Easter Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday and Wednesday 23rd April. Our “Kids Go Free” offer which allows one Child to travel FREE with each full fare paying adult is valid every day over the Easter holiday. Trains depart each day at 11:32, 12:57 & 14:22 from Cheddleton Station and 12:10, 13:35 & 15:00 from Kingsley & Froghall Station. No booking is required just come along.
As usual our “Goods Shed” tea room at Cheddleton Station and our award winning traditional tea rooms at Kingsley & Froghall Station will be open on all running days providing snacks, hot meals and a huge selection of homemade cakes. And don’t forget to visit one of the best railway souvenir shops around.
Happy Easter!

Amerton Railway

Running daily throughout the Easter Holidays, mainly diesel hauled but with steam on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Fares (held for 2014): Children £1.50, Concessions £1.70, Adults £2.20

Peak Rail

19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd April – Easter Treasure Hunt
Fun for all the family with clues on the train and at Rowsley South and Matlock Platform 2 Stations. Plus your chance to win tickets for our hugely popular Santa Specials.
For a Easter treat every child bringing along a teddy bear can travel free over this five day event.
Normal timetable and fares will apply for this event.
Please contact 01629 580381 for further information.

Severn Valley Railway

During the school Easter holidays, timetable B operates from April 14th – 27th excepting April 19th – 21st when timetable C is in operation.

With timetable B, 3 steam hauled trains are in operation throughout the day. An additional train, which is not shown here, operates on Sunday and is available for pre-booked diners only.

Why not try one of our suggestions below and get the most out of your day?

For the Kids: Collect an entry form and a FREE pack of crayons when you arrive, and take part in our ‘Chicks & Bunnies’ observation competition all the way along the line. Prizes for the best entries!
There will also be fun art and craft activities (Decopatch) by Crocodile Creations at The Engine House on April 19th, 20th & 21st (additional charge applies).

Fantastic Fares: Our Fantastic Fares discount offer is available on April 18th & 25th. Prebook your tickets now and save up to 30% off the normal fare

Great Central Railway

Foxfield Railway

Foxey’s Easter Specials 2014

18th – 21st April
Spring is not just great for seeing rows of daffodils but also a great chance to explore the great British countryside and what better chance to do it by steam train.
With Easter to look forward to Foxfield will be providing plenty of steam hauled trains so that more people can see how glorious the surrounding Staffordshire countryside really is.

Throughout the Easter weekend visitors will be able to take part in Face Painting, Egg hunt and also our much loved activity carriage where everyone can get can to grips with games.Commenting on the busy weekends “Richard Barnett” said, “Spring is always a great start to the season for us, people just want to get out, especially after the extremely cold winter period we have had”.
Over the weekend Foxfield’s great facilities will be open with the buffet offering cold and hot refreshments and our very own award winning real ale bar offering a fine selection of beers.

 

Telford Steam Railway

Welcome to Telford Steam Railway

2014  Our railway will be open on Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter 2014

Successful Train Pull at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Successful Train Pull at the

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

A team of volunteers from Derby’s Network Rail Branch successfully undertook a train pull challenge in aid of Sport Relief at Wirksworth Station.

The team of 28 participants hauled 27 tonne ‘Iris the Railcar’ for approximately 500 yards uphill into Wirksworth Station to the cheers of a packed platform of well wishers.

The event was the brainchild of Michael Nicholl from Derby, who started planning last year for the train pull attempt after watching a plane pull effort at Gatwick Airport. Michael contacted the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for their help in hosting the challenge and it was fitting that that a Derby built DMU was chosen for the challenge.

Tom Tait the Railway’s Commercial Manager commented, “We were very happy to host this special event and congratulate the Network Rail Team in successfully completing the train pull which took a tremendous effort.”

The spotlight will be upon ‘Iris’ again in the near future with plans in place for her to be exhibited at Derby as part of the ‘Celebrating 175 Years of Derbyshire Railways’ events scheduled for September this year.

News – Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Railway Restoration Team Wins National Award

Railway Restoration Team Wins National Award

Class 119 vehicle W51073 as it emerges from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s restoration

A team of volunteers from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has won the prestigious Railcar of the year award for their work in restoring a rare class 119 Diesel Multiple Unit. Diesel railcar enthusiasts throughout the UK have bestowed the accolade on the team following an annual competition that has restorers from other heritage railways throughout the country entering the highly respected contest.

In November 2008 the small team of volunteers decided to take on the mammoth task of restoring the unit to its former glory. The unit was withdrawn from service in 1993 and was an empty shell when it arrived at the railway in 2006.

The project represents the first full restoration that has taken place at the railway. The skills and expertise of the restoration team have been further recognised as other heritage railways are now sending their units for restoration and maintenance for the award winning team of volunteers to work their magic on.

Leigh Gration, the Team Leader commented “The class 119 is the only one of its class carrying passengers in preservation and I am very proud of the quality of work and dedication of the team in completing such an epic undertaking within such a short timescale.”

Opportunities will be announced on the railway’s website for passengers to ride with the driver in the cab or the chance to take the controls of the award-winning vehicle

 W51073 undergoing her initial trials

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Wirksworth to provide first railcar for the Bluebell Railway

WIRKSWORTH TO PROVIDE FIRST RAILCAR FOR THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY

HISTORIC FIRST VISIT WILL USE DERBYSHIRE-RESTORED CARRIAGES

Wirksworth, 30 December 2013: The Bluebell Railway has hired a two-car Diesel Railcar from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth, Derbyshire. The set will operate some winter weekend services on the Bluebell Railway between East Grinstead and Horsted Keynes whilst maintenance works take place on the line between Horsted Keynes and Sheffield Park.

The arrival of these railcars will represent a first for the Bluebell railway as they will be the first ever to visit the line: Passenger services were withdrawn in 1958 and diesel railcars seldom ventured into Sussex.

The two carriages have been refurbished maintained and repainted by volunteers from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway DMU Group.Over the past decade, this group of youthful volunteers has created a facility at Wirksworth dedicated to the restoration and operation of Diesel Railcars (also known as Multiple Units) ranging from the 1956-vintage railcar ‘Iris’ to a Cross-Country railcar restored in 2013 to concours standard from a bare body.

Mike Evans, head of motive power for the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway said “It is great that the hard work of our youthful DMU Group can be appreciated not only at home, but also on other important preserved railways such as the Bluebell.”

Passengers will be able to enjoy the Sussex scenery through the driver’s cab for the first time during January and February.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Update!!

VICTORIAN LADY ARRIVES AT WIRKSWORTH JUST IN TIME TO ADD GLAMOUR TO THE CLASSIC VEHICLE WEEKEND

Wirksworth, 19th July 2013: The summer season has arrived at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and this summer is extra special as a vintage steam engine will be pulling passenger trains between Wirksworth and Duffield. Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway no.1300 in its guise as British Railways no 52322 has arrived at Wirksworth and undertook its first trial run to Duffield today in temperatures that touched 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Built in 1896, 52322 is an attractive Victorian lady who hauled trains amongst the cotton mills of Lancashire. Based in Lees, near Oldham for much of her life, the locomotive was purchased for preservation in 1960 and is one of the most attractive examples of a Victorian locomotive in operation on Britain’s heritage railways. 52322 will be the centrepiece of this weekend’s Classic Transport Weekend and will be featuring in several family events over the summer holidays and full details can be found here: http://www.e-v-r.com/summer13/.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Summer

http://www.e-v-r.com

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Normal Timetable

Tuesday 9th, Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and Tuesday 16th July 2013

Our normal timetable will operate on the above dates.

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Annual Classic Transport Weekend

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July 2013

See our special page for information about this popular event. This event features the first operations of our visiting steam locomotive and extra services on the Saturday to help visitors stay longer at this great event.

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Summer Specials

July and August 2013

Our information page about services in July and August 2013 with our visiting steam locomotive.

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Multiple Memories

Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August 2013

See our special page for information about this exciting new event featuring all of our operation railcars and the launch of our rare Class 119 vehicle.

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News – February on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Nine Miles of Smiles this February – Kids Go Free!

Come and enjoy the delightful Ecclesbourne Valley this February 2013.

Trains are running on Saturdays 2nd, 9th and 16th between Wirksworth and Duffield and for these dates only kids can go free!

Maximum of two free children with each £9.00 Adult or £8.00 Concession Day Rover ticket purchased. Normal fare paying child age range is 6 – 15 inclusive. Normal child fare is £5.00 each. Named February Saturday dates only.

For more details of this and more on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, go to the website:

http://www.e-v-r.com/