Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Getting ready for the Bank Holiday Weekend with 52322 running all three days. One our Andrew Barclay's will be offering footplate experiences for £10 from Platform 1 at Wirksworth also for the 3 days. This is the penultimate weekend for our visiting loco.

 

Well, it had to happen the last week of summer and the last of our Thursday services. Only three more chances to ride behind 52322, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Just tomorrow and Sunday to experience our grand old lady, 52322, on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Although at the Festival Weekend 7th/8th September we will repeat the popular opportunity to drive one of our Andrew Barclay's for £10.

 

No, the last week of summer is the 21st Sept.

 

Summer end earlier in Derbyshire

 

Last days of weekend trains approaching. This weekend will see a full service on Saturday and Sunday followed by Tuesday and Thursday for half term visitors.

 

There are some interesting track alterations taking place at Wirksworth, which can be seen on the webcam in the Middle Yard.

Tim

 

Bit of a significant update. As of this week, the EVR's services have been added to the National Rail train planner.

I do not believe that any other private railways can claim this capability and it is down to the superb support we have received from East Midlands Trains.

Wirksworth is code WIR and Idridgehay is code XID. Curiously, although fares are in for Idridgehay, they're not yet in for Wirksworth but watch this space.

Have a go - it's good fun!

 

That's brilliant, nice work!

 

Thanks Corbs!

Meanwhile, here is our poster for 2014:

 

Don't think anyone has mentioned the big event this coming Saturday in conjunction with Trentbarton buses.

https://www.trentbarton.co.uk/bigbash

Pity it clashes with GC Gala and not very much steam ....

David

 

Different market worldstream. More aimed at local families and Trent Barton's catchment.

 

Perhaps. But four of us in the pub last night were debating how to do this weekend with lots happening. Had we taken into account we were the wrong market might have made decisions easier!

David

 

One thing I have learned is that whenever you plan for an event it conflicts with something!

The event this coming Saturday has been organised by Trent Barton and is an annual event that takes place in various parts of TrentBartonLand. We're fortunate for it to be at the Ecclesbourne Valley this year although it was bound to clash with something.

Nonetheless, we shall be having steam at Wirksworth and that includes the 'driver for a fiver' opportunities. The full range of 'goodies' includes:

Vintage bus display, including a 1910 replica London General Omnibus and buses of yesteryear representing the East Midlands region
• Extra trains running all day, with on board entertainment. Kids travel free all day on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
• Free bus tours of the local area to and from Carsington Water
• The chance to drive a steam train
• Hear from a driver from the world-record setting Mallard steam locomotive
• Funfair rides and attractions
• Amber Valley beer garden and the debut of new scenic sixes ale
• Your name in lights… get your picture taken with your name on the front of a bus
• Live stage with musical performances from Glamstar (glam rock tribute), Lucille, Top Brass and their driver and X-Factor star James Macdonald
• Miniature railway train rides
• Try your hand at being a DJ - the Derby & District Amateur Radio Society will be broadcasting at Duffield station, and Millside Radio will be at Wirksworth station
• Demonstrations from the local fire brigade
• Market stalls selling local crafts and produce
• The zigzag girls present competitions all day with nearly £1000 worth of prizes

So you can see that the day really is a bit different and does address a more general market beyond discerning enthusiasts like your good self.

If you and your friends do come along, PM me beforehand and I shall come and greet you personally.

Cheers,

Neil

 

For a taste of the ethos of our country branch line whatever the motive power may be try this