Colne Valley Railway News

Evan, Ros and Sally attend the Clacton Air Show today with Visit Essex. Lots of people gathered in the hot sunshine to enjoyeverything on offer and of course to watch the aerial displays. The show opened with the unmistakable sound of a Spitfire and also included a Catalina flying boat, RAF trainer planes, a Brietling wing walker, Sea King helicopter and the RAF Falcons parachute display team.

Today we had our annual assessment by a representative from Visit England for their Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme - denoted by a red rose. All went well and we have been awarded accreditation for a second year.

Lots of visitors came today to see Colin, the Railway Bear, and to meet his new friend Andy Bear. This larger-than-life bear seemed to be popular and I'm sure he enjoyed his day at the Railway, though he did threaten to have the guard for dinner! Colin and Andy will be back again on the 24th August

24th July saw the first Colne Valley Bus Rally. 30 buses attended, ranging from a 1939 Bristol K of Westcliff to a 2010 Enviro 400 from local operator Hedingham Omnibuses. A lot of interest was created by 4 Bedford OBs, two of them being rare examples - one had been converted into a motor-home 40 years ago (complete with flock wallpaper, mock beams and artex ceiling!) the other was known as a toast rack - it had no glass in the windows and this was its first rally. . An ex-Southdown open-top bus proved very popular running to Halstead on a warm day For a first event it was a very good day, and it will happen again next year - 22nd July.

The boiler for WD190 was returned to the CVR today after having essential work carried out away from the site. The boiler has been placed in the cradle vacated by Victorys boiler, ready for the tubes to be put back.

The frames and boiler of Barclay 0-4-0ST Victory were reunited today as restoration continues steadily. The pics show the frames ready to take the boiler, the boiler on its way and finally in place. She still looks a tiny engine!

The CVR went to war on the 10th July with 1940s re-enactors, military vehicles and lots of period costume. Again the weather was very good, which helped in making this the most successful CVR at War event so far