Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Driver Retires after Twenty Years

Driver Retires after Twenty Years

A train driver has retired after driving on the Matlock to Nottingham Branch line for twenty years.

Local train driver David Bevington visited the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to take the controls of heritage railcar ‘Iris’ as part of a retirement gift organised by Phil Helme, Driver Manager at East Midlands Trains.

David started his railway career as a guard before realising a boyhood dream of becoming a train driver. He is a keen enthusiast of both steam and diesel locomotives and has always wanted to take the controls of a heritage train. The visit fuelled David’s passion for a bygone era and he has decided that much of his new found spare time will be spent as a volunteer on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Retired Driver David takes the controls

  About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:

Wyvern Rail 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 Duffield 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 Wirksworth.

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.

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 – Secretary of State for Transport Visits Wirksworth

  Secretary of State for Transport Visits Wirksworth

Secretary of State in the cab of one of the railway’s locomotives at Duffield.

 Hails ‘Tremendous Success’ of Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s Reopening

Wirksworth, 26 October 2012: Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, visited the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway today to witness how the railway has been restored from a state of complete dereliction to a vibrant transport link for the town of Wirksworth and surrounding villages.

The Secretary of State with EVR team members at Wirksworth. Left to right, Martin S. Miller, General Manager; Mike Evans, Director; Mike Jacob, locomotive owner; Graham Walker, volunteer locomotive driver; Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport.  

On what was the very first visit to a private railway, the Secretary of State was taken for a tour of the whole line, allowing him to witness its transformation over the past decade. As Member of Parliament for the Derbyshire Dales, the Secretary of State had visited the line on several occasions in the early days of its restoration but while his last journey was in a guards van along an overgrown and partially abandoned line, today’s journey was in the railway’s Royal Saloon, where afternoon tea was served.

“We are delighted to have welcomed the Secretary of State to our railway today” remarked Martin S. Miller, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s General Manager. “This is a proud moment for us, especially as the Secretary of State is not only our member of parliament but a good friend to our railway” he added.

In addition to a tour of the line, the Secretary of State discussed a variety of issues facing the line to Wirksworth and met several of the railway’s volunteers, whose efforts were praised as, in a true example of the Big Society, the railway’s team of 200 volunteers not only brought the line back to life but operate it today.

The Secretary of State praised the railway’s management and volunteers for the significant impact the railway has had on tourism and local businesses in the Ecclesbourne Valley and was presented with a special brochure describing the railway’s restoration and its crucial role in the economic life of the locality.

Forthcoming Attractions – Annual Wirksworth Model Railway Exhibition Weekend

Annual Wirksworth Model Railway Exhibition Weekend

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October 2012

A sunny day at Wirksworth Station

About this Event

This annual event features model railway layouts and traders at three venues in the town as well as at Wirksworth Station. The railway will be running trains to support the exhibition, allowing visitors to travel to Wirksworth by train from anywhere in the country!

Pullman Buffet

The new Pullman Buffet will be open for the service of teas, coffees, light refreshments, hot and cold meals, snacks and Bacon Butties!

Opening Times

Wirksworth Station: 09:30 – 18:00

Duffield Station: 10:00 – 17:15

Pullman Buffet: 10:00 – 18:20 (Sat) and 16:30 (Sun)

Exhibition Times: 10:00 – 17:00 (Sat) and 10:00 – 16:30 (Sun)

Timetable

The timetable for the Wirksworth and Duffield line for the event will be as below.

Depart Wirksworth 10:20 12:20 14:20 16:20 18:20 (Sat)

Depart Idridgehay 10:38 12:38 14:38 16:38 18:38 (Sat)

Depart Shottle 10:42 12:42 14:42 16:42 16:42 (Sat)

Arrive Duffield 10:50 12:50 14:50 16:50 18:50 (Sat)

Depart Duffield 11:10 13:10 15:10 17:10 19:10 (Sat)

Depart Shottle 11:19 13:19 15:19 17:19 pass (Sat)

Depart Idridgehay 11:25 13:25 15:25 17:25 pass (Sat)

Arrive Wirksworth 11:43 13:43 15:43 17:43 19:43 (Sat)

The first train from Duffield on Sunday departs 4 minutes later due to a main line connection.

The timetable on the Wirksworth and Ravenstor line will be half hourly as below. Some services will be steam-hauled.

Depart Wirksworth 10:55 11:25 except 15:55 16:25

Arrive Ravenstor 10:00 10:30 12:55 16:00 16:30

Depart Ravenstor 10:05 10:35 and 16:05 16:35

Arrive Wirksworth 10:10 10:40 13:25 16:10 16:40

A model railway layout (Photo: Oliver Hodgkinson)

The Exhbition

The exhbition will take place at three venues in the town – the Town Hall, the Parish Rooms and the Memorial Hall. It includes specialst model railway trade stands, secondhand railway books, DVDs, railway art, an EVRA stall, a tombola and refreshments.

Late Saturday Train with Fish and Chip Special

There will be an 18:20 departure from Wirksworth on Saturday to allow visitors to stay later at the exhibition. Ordinary day rover and single tickets are valid on this train.

This train will also form a Fish and Chip Special. Travel down the valley, receive a portion of the national favourite on arrival at Duffield and have them onboard for the return journey. £5.00 return including food. Advanced booking before the day is essential. Book online now from our Online Ticket Office.

An evening train at Duffield

Tickets

Tickets are valid all day on both the Duffield and Ravenstor lines on the day of purchase. Single and intermediate station fares are available.

Rail Day Rover

Adults Concessions Children Family (2+3)

£10.00 £9.00 £5.00 £25.00

Model Rail Entry

Adults Concessions Children Family (2+2)

£4.50 £3.50 £3.50 £11.00

Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased from any of the three venues or from Wirksworth Station.

Visitors wishing to purchase a combined rail and exhbition ticket will receive the concessionary rate for the rail travel.

N.B. Photographs of layouts are representative. A particular layout portrayed may not feature in this year’s event.

WyvernRail PLC, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Wirksworth Station, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth, Derbyshire. DE4 4FB. 01629 823076. © 2012

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – 2012

About the Railway

WyvernRail plc has worked with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

“Britain’s last perfect branch 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 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby.There are four stations, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth.

Services run at weekends between March and October and are timed to connect with Derwent Valley Line services between Nottingham, Derby and Matlock operated by East Midlands Trains.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – 2012

 OFF TO A FLYING START!

2012 SEASON BRINGS HIGH-PROFILE VISITS, NEW STATIONS AND MUCH MORE

Wirksworth, 4 March 2012:The 2012 season has started at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and this year promises to be at least as exciting as the last.Depicts Neil Ferguson-Lee, Vice Chairman of WyvernRail plc with Lord Faulkner of Worcester at Duffield Station on the occasion of the Heritage Railway Association’s visit to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in February 2012.Lord Faulkner is holding a copy of the railway’s 2012 poster promoting the Destination Wirksworth campaign.

 As a warm-up to the season, the railway hosted fifty visitors from the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) in mid-February.This extremely prestigious event was held in conjunction with their annual meeting in Derby and included the presence of Lord Faulkner of Worcester, President of the HRA.

The first major event of the season will be the railway’s Diesel Weekend on 17-18 March.Following-on from the Home Fleet Diesel gala at the end of last season, this event will see locomotives 20001 and 33035 operating services between Wirksworth and Duffield.

 In preparation for the Diesel Weekend, work is underway to convert the railway’s former Gatwick Express coaching set into full Pullman livery for re-launch as the Ecclesbourne Pullman, which will be available for hire as a luxury private-hire service.Depicts one of the former Gatwick Express carriages being refurbished as part of the Ecclesbourne Pullman that will be launched to the public later this spring.

In June, we plan to open Shottle station.Located to the south of Idridgehay, adjacent to the Belper to Ashbourne road, Shottle will open for passengers on foot.Shottle opens-up new travel opportunities and is well located near two family-friendly pubs that serve lunchtime and evening meals.

Finally, look out for a new marketing campaign to emerge out of Wirksworth and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in the next few weeks.The Destination Wirksworth campaign is undergoing preparation during the early spring and will help develop Wirksworth, Duffield and Ecclesbourne Valley itself as a tourist destination with much to offer visitors from near and far.

Our first train of the new season ran on Saturday and it contained visitors from as far away as Indianapolis.With through ticketing provided by East Midlands Trains to any Ecclesbourne Valley destination, Britain’s last perfect branch line is set to be a busy location in 2012.

 

 

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Announcing the Thames – Ecclesboune Express

Wirksworth, Idridgehay, Duffield, London St. Pancras Special.

Photo – Flickr/asw909

On Saturday 26th November a special two part train is running to London.

Departing Wirksworth at 07.15 and Idridgehay at 07.33, it is running to Duffield where passengers will cross over to the main line platform where East Midlands Trains will make a special stop on one of their London express services, departing at 08.07 and arriving at London St. Pancras at 10.06.

The return service will depart London at 18.25, arrive Duffield at 20.25 and after a quick change of train, arrive Idridgehay at 20.42 and Wirksworth at 21.00.

There is one set of fares for all stations:  The Adult Standard Return will cost £58.00, with a First Class option at £88.00.  Child, Senior, Student and Disabled Railcard holders pay £41.00 Standard Class and £61.00 First.

This is a very exciting new development for all at Eclesbourne and it is hoped to be the first of many.  Thanks to the great team at East Midlands Trains, passengers from Wirksworth, Idridgehay and Duffield will be able to go Christmas shopping in London without having to use their cars!

Tickets are limited and are expected to sell very quickly.  If you would like to learn more or book on line, go to the website:  http://www.e-v-r.com

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Home Fleet Gala Weekend

Event Information

Home Fleet Gala Weekend

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August 2011

The information below is correct at the time of last update however it may be subject to alterations.

Class 33 035 is expected to have arrived at her new home in time to run passenger trains at the Gala

About the Event

This event is a showcase for rail enthusiasts and the general public alike of our principle locomotives and other rolling stock.

The event will feature our first Diesel locomotive hauled passenger trains to Duffield.

We are pleased to announce that British Rail Class 33 number 33035 will have a new home at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and should have arrived with us in time to carry her first passenger trains during the gala!

Whats Running?

Below is a list of locomotives and carriages that are expected to take part:

• British Rail Class 33 035
• British Rail Class 31 414
• Andrew Barclay Ferrybridge No.3 ‘Brian Harrison’ steam locomotive
• Derby Lightweight Single Car Unit M79900 ‘Iris’
• LMS and MK1 Coaches including The Royal Saloon
• Other DMU vehicles with examples from Metro-Cammell and Pressed Steel

We hope to be adding more to this list in the near future so please check back regularly!

The Timetable

Saturday

The Saturday timetable on the Wirksworth and Duffield line is as follows:

Traction:	DMU Consist	33 035	31 414	33 035 + 31 414	33 035
Depart Wirksworth	10:20	12:20	14:20	16:20	18:20
Depart Idridgehay	10:38	12:38	14:38	16:38	18:38
Arrive Duffield	10:50	12:50	14:50	16:50	18:50
Depart Duffield	11:10	13:10	15:10	17:10	19:10
Depart Idridgehay	11:22	13:22	15:22	17:22	19:22
Arrive Wirksworth	11:40	13:40	15:40	17:40	19:40

The timetable on the Wirksworth and Ravenstor 1 in 27 incline line is as follows:

Traction:	31 414	31 414	31 414	Steam	Steam	Steam	33 035	33 035	33 035	DMU 55006 + Iris	DMU 55006 + Iris	DMU 55006 + Iris
Depart Wirksworth	09:55	xx:25	xx:55	12:25	xx:55	xx:25	14:55	15:25	15:55	16:25	16:55	17:25
Arrive Ravenstor	10:00	xx:30	xx:00	12:30	xx:00	xx:30	15:00	15:30	16:00	16:30	17:00	17:30
Depart Ravenstor	10:05	xx:35	xx:05	12:35	xx:05	xx:35	15:05	15:35	16:05	16:35	17:05	17:35
Arrive Wirksworth	10:10	xx:40	xx:10	12:40	xx:10	xx:40	15:10	15:40	16:10	16:40	17:10	17:40

Sunday

A different, more intense, service will run on the Wirksworth and Duffield line on Sunday:

Traction:	31 414	DMU 55006 + Iris	33 035	33 035 + 31 414	33 035	33 035 + 31414
Depart Wirksworth	09:30	10:55	12:10	13:45	15:05	16:25
Depart Idridgehay	09:48	11:13	12:28	14:03	15:23	Non-stop
Arrive Duffield	10:00	11:25	12:40	14:15	15:35	16:55
Depart Duffield	10:15	11:30	13:05	14:25	15:45	17:05
Depart Idridgehay	10:22	11:42	13:17	14:37	15:57	Non-stop
Arrive Wirksworth	10:45	12:00	13:35	14:55	16:15	17:35

The timetable on the Wirksworth and Ravenstor 1 in 27 incline line is as follows:

Traction:	33 035	33 035	33 035	Steam	Steam	Steam	DMU 55006 + Iris	DMU 55006 + Iris	31 414	31 414	DMU 55006 + Iris	DMU 55006 + Iris	DMU 55006 + Iris
Depart Wirksworth	09:55	xx:25	xx:55	11:55	xx:25	xx:55	14:25	14:55	15:25	15:55	16:25	16:55	17:25
Arrive Ravenstor	10:00	xx:30	xx:00	12:00	xx:30	xx:00	14:30	15:00	15:30	16:00	16:30	17:00	17:30
Depart Ravenstor	10:05	xx:35	xx:05	12:05	xx:35	xx:05	14:35	15:05	15:35	16:05	16:35	17:05	17:35

Visiting for two days?

Why not buy a two day ticket? See fares below! There are plenty of places to stay near there railway too, please see our Accommodation page for details.

Unique Derby Lightweight Single Unit ‘Iris’ is expected to take part in the event

Bite to Eat?

The Buffet Car will be open at Wirksworth Station for teas, coffees and light refreshments, as well as hot and cold meals, sandwiches, bacon butties and cakes.

Tickets and Fares

Tickets are valid all day on the day of purchase on both the Duffield and Ravenstor lines.

Adult	Concession	2 Day	Child	Family (2+3)
£10.00	£9.00	£17.00	£5.00	£25.00

Please note that there is a small charge for the platform at Wirksworth for visitors who are not travelling.

Please check back regularly for any updates that may occur. WyvernRail PLC reserve the right to alter any service including which locomotive or rolling stock operates a given service. Page last updated 02/08/11.

WyvernRail PLC, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Wirksworth Station, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth, Derbyshire. DE4 4FB. 01629 823076. © 2011

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway opens to Duffield

Preparing for the opening: BR Class 2MT 78019 stands shining on a warm March day in Wirksworth Yard being prepared for her role at the opening.

Press Release from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Objective Achieved

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway opens to Duffield: More than a decade’s team effort rewarded with a visit by H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester

Wirksworth, 6^th April 2011: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, connecting Duffield near Derby with Wirksworth, the Gem of the Peak, became fully operational today when His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester travelled the whole line to open the line formally.

Arriving by train from London, His Royal Highness crossed from the main line platforms at Duffield and joined the first scheduled passenger train from Duffield to Wirksworth since June 1947.  Hauled by a former British Railways locomotive, no. 78019, the train included a carriage, built the year the line closed, that has been restored by a dedicated team of volunteers at Wirksworth.

The train was filled with the working volunteers who could celebrate over a decade of hard work to the reopening of the railway and John Snell, the Chairman of WyvernRail plc, paid credit to them: “We have waited, anticipated and dreamed of this day for over a decade and it is so very fitting that the people who made this dream a reality are those who are present on this very special day”.

Riding on the footplate for part of the journey, His Royal Highness toured the station at Wirksworth and visited the railway’s museum before unveiling a plaque commemorating his visit and the line’s reopening.

Present at the event were Martin Miller, General Manager of WyvernRail and Mike Craft, Secretary of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association, both of whom were present on the very first day of clearance work in November 2000.  “It is truly amazing to consider not only what we have achieved in just over a decade but the sheer dedication of both our shareholders and volunteers in keeping faith in our plans, often when we literally could not see the wood for the trees” remarked Mr. Miller, while Mike Craft was in reflective mood: “To see so many of our friends here today is a wonderful experience and I think everybody present will take a moment to remember some of the team who passed-away before our dream could be realised”.

The celebrations today pave the way for a festival lasting the next four days with public services commencing on Friday 8^th.  This event forms the start of what promises to be an exciting season for the railway with steam and heritage diesel trains, all of which connect with East Midlands Trains’ services between Nottingham, Derby and Matlock.

Today, Wirksworth has returned to the railway map and the town looks forward to welcoming rail travellers for the first time in over six decades.

Ends.

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 at 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 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield 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 Wirksworth.

WyvernRail plc, Wirksworth Station, Wirksworth DE4 4FB.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Press Release from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Just the Ticket!

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Poster launching at East Midlands Trains Stations to promote through ticketing and main line connectionsAbout the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:

WyvernRail plc is working 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 at 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 nine miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield 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 Wirksworth.  Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it will complete the reopening on 8^th April 2011.

For more information, visit http://www.e-v-r.com