Open or Closed during Emergency?

The Churnet Valley have suspended all services from next week until at least 8th May.

The following was hidden away as a footnote in the same social media post that announced that they'd been awarded £1,427,906.83 for the project to ‘Re-connect Leek’ to the rail network;

"The announcement comes just as the Churnet Valley Railway should be gearing up for the main operating season of 2020. Unfortunately given the current COVID 19 Crisis we are suspending all services as of the 23rd March 2020. We are scheduled to reopen on the 8th May 2020 however this is subject to review. Please check the website and social media for the latest updates."

 

if only this virus was more selective :-(

 

SVR have suspended all services.

"Due to the changing situation regarding COVID-19 and Government advice surrounding gatherings, it is with regret we feel it is both necessary and sensible to postpone our train services for the rest of this month. Customers who have purchased tickets or experience packages for March 21, 22, 28 or 29 are being contacted individually by phone today.

An announcement regarding our train services, experience packages and special events in April will be made in the next couple of days.

This is going to be a challenging time for all heritage railways as we rely on footfall to keep us running. Your understanding, patience and co-operation is appreciated and we thank you all in advance for your ongoing support."

 

Swindon & Cricklade have suspended all services to the end of April https://www.facebook.com/SwindonAnd...120626207440/3123845017634971/?type=3&theater

 

All Statfold Barn events postponed until further notice https://twitter.com/BarnRailwa/status/1239911336533950464

 

They're dropping like flies, now...

 

That's better than having people dropping like flies.

 

True, undoubtedly so. I merely wished to convey my observations that more and more railways are taking that option even if, in hindsight, my initial wording seemed less than kind.

 

I am well aware of the seriousness of the situation. It was meant to be lighthearted comment in amongst all the doom and gloom. Obviously not enough similes attached.

 

The SCR I am sure like lots of railways is stopping services as much as anything due to the potential loss of money. No point paying to run trains that are then empty running at a loss. I am sure we can expect pretty much all events at steam railways to stop for a month or two. At the moment they are still allowing volunteers to work there but that is their call if they want to do so.

Railways should treat it as a further period to catch up with maintenance.

It feels really surreal times, nothing looks different but everyone worried about an unseen enemy. I am lucky I can work from home 2 days a week even in normal times so I think it won't be long before we are told to do so full time.

 

Appleby Frodingham have had to cancel The Brake Van tours on 21st March & 18th April https://www.facebook.com/AFrailway/...LRoEkdNXAfcWKuOH265k2NNhM57alnXakYw&__tn__=-R

 

Romney Hythe & Dymchurch is temporarily closed https://www.facebook.com/RHandDR/photos/a.219667928193841/1809478229212795/?type=3&theater

 

I do find it a concern that there are a number of heritage railway websites that make no mention at all of the virus, how to be careful, and whether or not they are running (or even a 'watch this space'). Equally, some (I've not checked many) have news items for past events and others are still emailing out future events as if nothing is going on.

 

From the KESR website:


https://kesr.org.uk/coronavirus


Just issued.

 

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway have postponed The Cotswold Festival of Steam originally scheduled for 23rd to 25th May.

 

GWSR have also cancelled all trains "until further notice".

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That's what I though. But my wife thinks my time would be better spent clearing out the spare room. Or the shed. Or the garage. Or the loft...

 

The LT Museum, Acton Depot, Hiddon London Tours & LTM Heritage Events are all closed or cancelled until the end of May. https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/covid-19

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Llangollen - all services suspended until end of April.

Bob.

 

F&WHR still intending to run trains this week. From their website:

March 17th - 12.10pm

We intend to run our trains this Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - with Mother's Day Cream Teas / Afternoon Teas also taking place - as publicised.

Plans beyond this point will be discussed at the start of next week. Any changes required in the light of developments will be posted as soon as possible after the meeting.

Our cafés and shops currently remain open for business as usual. We will update our website / social media promptly should the situation change.

Our staff have been briefed about taking necessary precautions. We have extra soap and hand cleanser in place, and are taking extra care with our train cleaning as per guidance to mitigate risk as much as possible, and are following government advice as published.

Our trains are expected to be lightly loaded and we will limit the numbers on each train for your comfort.