Colne Valley Railway News

The access paths and area at the end of the main toilet block has been tarmacked, making that area look cleaner and tidier With the removal of a carriage we have created a viewing area for visitors to get another view of the trains as they go by. We have also improved the step-free crossing here by tarmacking some areas, marking the route and installing two smaller gates.  These will eventually be controlled from the signalbox. This crossing has already received very good comments from our regular wheelchair users.

We now have our very own castle at Castle Hedingham - Peter has been busy over the winter and this magnificent building has appeared.  Conwy Castle gave him some inspiration as the track runs through the Castle. Several new buildings and a roadway have also appeared.

The booking office has had a new partition built so visitors will be able to step into the office and get a better view of what's inside.  

Just because we have been closed to the public for a few weeks don't assume we have been sitting doing nothing - far from it.  This is the time when track can be worked on and shunting can take place without the pressure of getting it ready in a short time.  Lots has been happening this year already.   The hedge at the rear of the signal box                                                         has been removed allowing the model railway shed to be more visible.  Steps will be put in at this top end whilst the ramp will continue to the right. The area below tarmacked within a few weeks and a new flowerbed has also been created and is being planted up. One of the carriages by the crossing has been removed to the engineering area - the furthest it's moved in 20+ years.  This gives better visibility of the cross...

This week Paul, Evan and Sally attended a Days Out With Thomas seminar at Drayton Manor - home to Thomasland.  This was a look back at 2013 and a preview of what it to come.  Apart from the business talk there were also six awards and we were lucky enough to get one for the "most innovative and effective marketing" this was because of signs around the site prompting visitors to Tweet and use Facebook whilst on site, thus spreading the word they were having such a great time.  Our thanks go to Natalie for this simple but highly effective idea.

The closed season is when work-parties can get on with jobs not able to be done easily during the running season.  The Permanent Way gangs have been replacing sleepers - this usually entails the removal of track and all the bits that hold it together.  The Signalling group have resumed their work on making Hedingham signal box look smarter, the hedge between the signal box and the model railway shed is also being removed, the plan is to open this area up and make access easier. There is also lot's of behind the scenes work, bookings for Pullman dining, Driver Experience and school visits are coming in, and events are being planned. Peppa Pig and Thomas the Tank Engine will be visiting again this year, other events include a Diesel Gala and Vehicle Rally in April, Emergency Services and Model Engineering days in May, Colne valley at War and Bus & Commercial vehicle Rally in July.   Other events may be added - keep an eye on the website.

Well another year has gone and my problems accessing Blogger seem to be cured (fingers crossed) The beginning of December saw a school visit - they were all dressed as evacuees. We also had Hedingham Sidecars annual end-of-year rally.  About 25 units attended and this year the weather was kinder so no-one lost their tent in the middle of the night! The year finished with some very busy Santa Specials and lots of happy customers. Again the weather was kinder with some days feeling quite spring-like.