Colne Valley Railway News

On 24th February Evan and Sally attended the Tourism and Leisure Show at Five Lakes Country Club, Maldon. With around 100 exhibitors this show was open to tour organisers and the general public and was a very busy day. It was also a chance to show off our new pop-up banner which was collected that morning.

During the closed period the S&T gang have been making changes at Nunnery Junction, this has entailed the removal of a ground signal and a new post being installed.

On the 19th February Paul, Sally and Vinny attended this exhibition. In spite of the awful weather there was a constant stream of visitors, and we met many interesting people. Meanwhile back at the CVR, the model railway layout is taking shape, more panels have been put on their legs and attached, only about four more panels to go. It's hoped to have this up an running during the Summer.

Andy Wallis, CVR Chairman, has written a book on the CV&HR. It takes an in-depth look at the forming of the Railway in 1860, the stations and locomotives. It also includes its absorbtion into the LNER and subsequent passing into state ownership and the ultimate closure of the line in 1965. It then covers the formation of the CVR and the work undertaken by the volunteers. A soft-back book with 96 pages, this book will be released on 28th February at a price of £14.99. To purchase a copy please phone the office 01787461174 (if no reply please leave your name/number and we will get back to you)

J72 69023 'Joem' is due late March on hire from NELPG. This 0-6-0T will be staying until late April and as well as working on steam days, will be operating on some Driver Experience Courses (limited spaces available) Joem visited the CVR in 1994, its boiler ticket expired in 1996, and the engine returned to service in June 2010.