Colne Valley Railway News

Saturday 27th saw our annual Wizards Evening where ghosts come out to play.  This year they were joined by a host of skeletons who took over one of the mail carriages, along with a mummy or two. The witches in the ticket office gathered round their cauldron and the ghost trains kept busy on the miniature and garden railways. Volunteers and some visitors were dressed in costume - ranging from ghosts and witches to a pumpkin.

A new arrival is D2700,  0-4-0DM built by the North British Locomotive Co.Ltd., Glasgow in 1955 No.27426. Originally numbered WD8205, it worked at Bicester, Marchwood and Longmoor Military Railways before passing into private ownership in the 1980's.  Still privately owned, this engine will be permanently based at the CVR

Last week saw the 27th Victorian Fantasy event aimed at KS2 children.  Around 1,000 people a day attended this highly popular event where they met Queen Victoria on the Royal Train, enjoyed a traditional Punch & Judy show took part in the Music Hall and enjoyed a lesson in the classroom - this seems to be the favourite part of the day for many children (they like the strict teachers) Music was provided by a Gavioli fairground organ which many danced to. On Sunday 14th we held a Victorian Sunday, where some of the children who had visited with a school in the week came back to show their family.  Again we had Queen Victoria and her entourage and has two engines in steam - WD190 and Little Barford.

We are very pleased to have been awarded VAQAS Accreditation again, meaning we can display the red rose logo.  This the the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service from Visit England. In spite of the inspection being carried out on a Thomas day, the Assessor was very pleased with what we do at the Colne Valley Railway.

Thomas has just spent  three very busy days with us again.  We were very lucky with the weather and lots of visitors came along and enjoyed the fun and games with Thomas, Daisy, Mavis and others - not forgetting Sir Topham Hatt.