Colne Valley Railway News

We are very pleased to announce that we have made it to the finals of the Best Small Attraction category in this years awards. Wish us luck - the results will be announced in October.

Now our band of 'Eccentrics' (Loco Restoration Team) have finished WD190 and taken delivery of more workshop space they have started the restoration of 1950 built 0-6-0ST Jupiter.  The wheels have been removed, these will have to go away to have work carried out but it is hoped a lot of it can be done on site.

The 3rd Bus & Commercial Rally was held on 21st July. Vehicles of all ages were in attendance and visitors were treated to rides around the area as well as all our regular attractions.

Sunday 14th July saw the Colne Valley at War day with lots of re-enactors on site. In the week we had a pre-school group with 71 children and nearly as many adults finish off their term by sending a day with us.  They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I imagine many children were asleep by the time they left the site!  We've also had a private coach party in and on another day 40+ railway enthusiasts who travelled in from all over the country.    

Thomas has made his first visit of the year.  We had two very busy weekends and lots of excited children.  Thomas and Daisy the Diesel ran on the main line and Mavis gave rides in Toad on our demonstration line.  It was 'All Change' this year as the trains ran continuously, Sir Topham Hatt was very pleased with Thomas and his crew for working so hard on some very warm days. Thomas was also visiting the garden railway with James and Percy All in all it's been a very busy couple of weeks with school visits and a private coach tour inbetween the Thomas weekends.  Thomas leaves today but will be back in September

 Sunday 19th May saw the first Emergency Services event at the Railway.  The idea came from seeing how popular the fire engine is when visiting us.  Unfortunately the local fire and police services couldn't help as everything near us is retained but we had representatives from the Essex Fire Museum and Air Ambulance, St Johns Ambulance and Police Museum along as well as some preserved vehicles. The British Transport Police Dog Section were very popular - they use us as a regular training base so to come along on a casual day made a change.   The day ended with a demonstration involving all the emergency services

The Bank Holiday weekend of 5th/6th May saw the first visit of Peppa Pig and her little brother George. The pair were on hand to meet visitors young and old, and enjoy lots of cuddles from their adoring fans. The sun was shining and the visitors poured in.  Train crews were kept busy both on the main line and the miniature railway and it was great to see so many happy visitors on site.  A very successful event.