Colne Valley Railway News

New for 2015 - the Railway Bears.  Made by Keel Soft Toys and exclusive to Severnside Wholesale we can announce the arrival of George the Guard, Sidney the Signalman and William the Stationmaster. They are just over 11" tall and cost £11.95.  They are already proving popular with 5 selling within a week. We also stock local honey, with jam and coffee expected soon. Also a good range of souvenir confectionery As well as railway books and collectors items for the enthusiast we have a wide range of Thomas items including all the Take n Play range. The shop can  be opened at any by calling first

We started the 2015 season with a private hire of the Pullman train at the end of March. This was to celebrate a retirement.  Everything worked well and the weather was good, We've had a change of layout in the bar coach and this was the first time of use - it proved to be a popular change. Easter was good.  We have a new caterer this year and are already getting positive feedback.

The latest addition to the miniature railway fleet is 'Erin' This live steam loco is privately owned though will be based at the CVR. After some minor work and driver training it is hoped she will be steaming by July.

Our Santa Specials are now under way. This year we have put up a lot more decorations and lights, hard work but worth it, especially when you see the childrens reactions. Two more days to do this weekend and then they all come down again! The Twilight Express departing at 16:15 on the 13th Halstead station Hedingham waiting room

Congratulations to a team from Blackwater Preservation who pulled WD190 through the station area today to raise funds for the Dystonia Society. Many of the team regularly come to our events with fire engines, and Railway volunteer Natalie Halls also joined in. Pulling a 50 tonne loco uphill is not an easy thing to do but the team put all their effort into pulling the loco.

What a busy Summer, and how quickly it seemed to pass! Visitor numbers were up considerably for both July and August and September seems to be going the same way.  It's good to see so many people on site enjoying themselves. We were featured on BBC1 series A Taste Of Britain, this was filmed in July but we were asked not to name the programme until after it had aired on 9th September.  Brian Turner and Janet Street Porter spent a couple of hours on site. Work has started on WD200 with the boiler tubes being removed ready for inspection - roll on the day when we have two Austerity saddle tanks working together.

We have reached the final three in the Best Small Attraction category in the Essex Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2014. We have reached the final all four times we have entered, winning it once. Keep your fingers crossed for us this time.  the winners will be announced at the end of October.