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APRIL 2017 No. 149

The offi cial journal of THE ASSOCIATION incorporating Sidelines and Broadlines

■ wins Tourism Excellence ■ Meet the Heritage Alliance ■ Getting the best from an InterRail Pass

2016 Full report

The search for 2’ rolling stock

■ Seminars and Workshops • Membership applications schedule • Members’ news ■ FEDECRAIL Update ■ Oswestry news • The role of the Member ■ Sales and Wants Services Committee

Heritage Railway Association Chairman’s notes Dates for your Diary Welcome to the first edition of Heritage Railway News! It September See Page 11 doesn’t replace Sidelines & 15th - 17th HRA On Tour Broadlines. It is Sidelines & Isle of Wight. Broadlines, just in an even brighter and breezier format, November See Page 11 and with some extra content. 7th Seminar I hope you enjoy it, and I look 8th Forum forward to receiving your comments – as Members of Februrary 10th 2018 the HRA, your opinions are a point of observing how well our Awards Dinner and Ceremony important. sector had grown and developed This issue includes some coverage since he first became involved. of our recent 2016 Awards Night. He was genuinely and sincerely Apart from recognising the often complementary about the level of astonishing achievements of our professionalism our members have members, it was also an appropriate reached. And heaping praise upon occasion to reflect on a year of great praise, no less than the Chairman Inside this edition progress for the HRA. Through of , Sir Peter Hendy, Page 2016, we watched many of our did the same. He spoke of the great President’s Notes 2 members thrive, setting an example work that heritage rail does for rail Member Services 2 for the rest of the UK’s tourism and travel in the wider sense – raising Membership Applications 3 leisure sector. Visitor numbers, the profile of rail travel, illustrating Help for members 3 passenger revenue, secondary the romance of rail, underscoring InterRail Passes 4 sales figures for our businesses, the economic and social importance Business Development news 5 have in many instances continued to of railways and railway networks. Fedecrail 5 grow, if not spectacularly, certainly At a time when it’s fashionable for A Chuffing Good read 5 steadily and firmly. the media to criticise our modern Wanted 6 On behalf of our members, we’ve railways at every turn, said Sir Peter, Heritage Alliance 7 begun assessing the impact of Brexit it’s great to have the benefit of the Members News 7 on heritage rail. We’ve launched positive PR that’s generated by the Courses and Workshops 11 our dialogue with government, heritage rail sector. HRA Award Ceremony 12 Editors Awards 12 regulators and other bodies. We’ve Was he being polite? I don’t think so. Peter Hendy’s Address 13 begun the processes which will He arrived via an unscheduled stop Sponsors 13 enable us to guide and help you all at Wolverhampton, aboard the A1 HRA Awards 14 in a smooth transition to a post- Trust’s Tornado-hauled Red Rose Brexit world. London-Shrewsbury round trip. I We continue to work towards guess, if you’re Chairman, you can resolving some of the ambiguities do that kind of thing. which presently exist in the matters In my own case, of youth employment. We’ve run the only way I a series of well-received seminars can make that on a wide range of topics related kind of thing to safe and profitable heritage rail happen is by management and operation. The pulling the HRA Mutual Insurance project saw Communication more and more members joining. Cord. But until We have played what proved to then, the HRA be decisive and helpful roles in team and I are resolving significant disputes. here to help And we’re making some great keep railways progress towards simpler and easier running. And I’m processes for the acquisition of looking forward Network Rail’s redundant assets. to another You would expect me to sing the terrific year praises of the heritage rail sector. doing just that. But at the HRA Awards Night, David Brian Simpson Keay, retiring from the ORR, made

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO GET YOUR OWN COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER? If you or any of your colleagues would like a copy - please let us know the email address you want it sent to 1 by emailing [email protected] The next edition will be published in August 2017 President’s Notes behalf of the Science Museum between our members. There are trustees, meet regularly and during Similarly, it will involve the relevant few sectors the year we designated 27 items government departments - in the leisure of significant historical interest, particularly education, transport and tourism and found new homes under our and business, innovation and sectors of our disposal rules for seven of them. skills – and raise the profile of our economy which As is now customary, we are willing achievements with them. for heritage artefacts to go to HRA have continued The APPG had two significant members, so long as we receive to grow and meetings during the year. In cast-iron assurances that they will prosper as September the managing director be looked after properly. much as of passenger services at the our heritage After a tumultuous 2016 the APPG department for transport, Pete railways, tramways and museums now has a new Chairman, Nicky Wilkinson, addressed the group have over recent years, and many Morgan, who had originally helped on changes in rail passenger HRA members were able to report me to set up the organisation. franchising, particularly in respect of record visitor numbers in 2016. I Nicky has picked up the issue the opportunities, both for main line warmly congratulate all of them of young volunteers on heritage operators of heritage rolling stock for the important contribution they railways, and we are taking a and for heritage railways who might make to tourism and regional number of initiatives together to try want to host an incoming franchise prosperity, especially those who to resolve the problem. operator or extend to link with the were able to show impressive levels We are also keen to explore the national network. of growth. possibilities for young people on These opportunities have come For me 2016 was another busy heritage railways a little further, about through the positive work year. I continued to combine my and we are planning to carry out an of the all-party group. This would three roles as your President, as inquiry, as we did with the economic have seemed inconceivable half a Chairman of the Science Museum’s value of heritage railways, into their century ago with retrenchment and Railway Heritage Designation educational and training value, truncation of branch lines and a Advisory Board (RHDAB), and as particularly to young people. We main line steam ban in place. vice-chair of the Heritage Rail All- know that many railways do good Where I can help, I shall – so don’t Party Parliamentary Group. work in this area, and part of the be reluctant to get in touch with me. The Railway Heritage Designation project will be to give this some Advisory Board, which I chair on publicity and to share best practice Richard Faulkner

Member Services is Friends of HRA, and this is importance in the drive to recruit You will notice with this issue looked after by Alan Saunders. new young volunteers. Liz Fuller a bright new look to what was Alan takes a keen interest in all his and Pete Gulley organise this for Sidelines. With it comes a new members, getting to know most of us. editor, Barbara Barnes, and we them individually. The administration of the wish her well in this role. This A crucial part of any organisation Association is also our responsibly. publication comes under the remit these days is the website, and our Perhaps something little-known is of the Member Services Committee, custodian is Andrew Goyns who we provide a liaison service with the and we thought that as this is a new also looks after the HRA shop ORR. beginning it might be useful to know and is also the Secretary of the A full written log of all enquiries in what else the committee does. committee. general is maintained by Andrew We look after all aspects of Meetings form an integral part of the Goyns and Roger Webster. membership. I am the Corporate Association’s activities. Everything There are probably another 101 Membership Secretary. At present from meeting rooms, ‘food and things we look after, but I hope the there are 315 corporate members rations’, together with venues, above provides a brief overview of ranging from the biggest railways subject matter, seminars, transport the committee’s work. such as North Yorkshire Moors, to etc. fledgling organisations just setting We very much hope you enjoy this We have a new able meetings edition. If you out, with museums, locomotive organiser Elizabeth Harland, who groups, etc. in between. It never want to receive has made an excellent start in her your own copy ceases to amaze me how many new role. new applications we receive. On just let Barbara average one per month, and current One major activity is our InterRail have your applications consists of potential scheme which is the responsibility email address. new operating railways, and groups of Mark Dewell together with his constructing new build locomotives, wife Sonia. There is an article Steve Wood, the latter is a growing trend. about this on page 4. Chairman The other category of membership Youth days are of increasing MSC. 2 Membership Applications

The following applications Vale of Berkeley Co. Ltd. Any queries should be directed for membership have been The aim of the Company is to through Steve Wood, Corporate Membership Secretary, 15 Croft- received. establish a new heritage railway on the former branch in lands Drive, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SJ Leiston Works Railway Trust . Email: [email protected] Located near Saxmundham in The company moved into the old Suffolk, the Trust’s initial activities diesel engine shed at Sharpness have been to clear, tidy up, and docks last September to establish Welcome to New Members repair a section of old railway track a base to start restoration projects Combe Rail who are preserving the bed. An LMS has been and have fitted out a first class heritage of the railway to acquired, together with panels of engineering workshop where track, and ballast. recently their volunteers completed a 1967 Vanguard . Immediate aims are to start laying the track and restore the brake van. Membership stands at over 200 with about 40 or so regular volunteers Once land has been acquired it working at the shed on various days is intended to lay track between during the week. Station Road and Main Street Leiston, a length of 211 yards. They are currently in negotiations with Network Rail to lease part of Close co-operation is maintained the , and with the neighbouring Long Shop have started work on the eventual and Museum. planning applications needed to present to the local council, having Project Class 22 Society who recently conducted the first ecology are working towards a new build survey. Northern Class 22 diesel locomotive

Why not click on the links to visit their websites and learn more about their exciting projects.

Help for members

The Railcar Association and attracts a considerable Following a decision made at the The Railcar Association (TRA) is a number of enquiries and the TRA 2016 conference the TRA will be member of the HRA and represents also arranges for out-of-stock extending its sphere of operation to more than 30 railways that operate components to be manufactured or include 2nd-generation units such Diesel Multiple Units. reconditioned where possible. as Class 141-144. The TRA provides practical help There is also a website and a Some technical information to those wishing to operate or quarterly bulletin which is issued including a Model Maintenance restore DMUs (or railcars as they electronically as well as an annual scheme is already available. were originally called) and has conference which is usually held in available Model Maintenance September or October. Schemes, Vehicle Maintenance All services provided by the TRA Instructions and other technical are free of charge and there is no material covering all classes of first fee for prospective members. generation DMUs. Any enquiries to Chris Moxon These have been specially please on [email protected] formulated for use on heritage railways. Click here to visit their website. An on-line help desk in the form Click here for their bulletin. 3 of a newsgroup is in operation Help for members

InterRail Passes administers the scheme - is able to only does this allow volunteers cope with the requests. When the to sample the delights of other A huge number of HRA member’s card is purchased the volunteer railways - but we all know how hard volunteers already know about this then gets their own InterRail card it is for many railways to make ends scheme which is operated by the which is valid for 2 people and a meet. HRA. But just in case it has passed list of the participating railways and So please, if you have a card and you by - this is what it is. any restrictions that apply - they are going to visit another railway Over one hundred members of the can then travel the country enjoying and take advantage of this scheme HRA provide free or discounted learning about other railways - a - do consider making a purchase rides on their railways or attractions stunning scheme. while you are there - a visit to the for volunteers of other member’s If you are not a volunteer on buffet or something from the gift railways. To benefit from this a a participating railway, but are shop - it all goes towards helping volunteer purchases an InterRail a Friend of the HRA you can our members to keep going and card from the HRA for the princely purchase a card for your own use develop their railways. sum of £30 and it lasts for a for £120 for the year (see article Want to get involved with this get year. In to make life easier below). in touch with your InterRail co- each participating railway must Plus Railways who are in the ordinator. Mark can be reached by have an InterRail Co-ordinator scheme obtain a reduction in their email on [email protected]. who organises their volunteers HRA membership fees. Cards are available now for the year applications so that Mark - who There is a serious side to this - not starting 1st March 2017.

HRA Friends. Member- As in the article above there are ‘Heritage Railway Association’, ship and Inter-Rail Cards many reasons to obtain an Inter with at least your postcode for Rail card as it gives you access identification. 2017/18 at reduced rates at many of the Our Friends are private members of Or you can pay by credit or debit heritage railways in the country. the HRA who are not volunteers at card through our on line shop any individual railways. If you are a renewing member click here. remember to let your Friends We thank you for continuing to If you choose to do this on-line Secretary, Alan Saunders, know of support the HRA through your please also let Alan know on alan. any changes in your details, e.g. membership and would like to [email protected] so he can make address, phone numbers, new remind you that your membership sure your application is processed email address etc. subscriptions and InterRail cards quickly, especially if that includes are now due for renewal for the There are two ways to pay, by post your InterRail card. to Alan Saunders Friends Secretary, 2017 - 18 year. Want to become a Friend? New 31 Cedar Avenue, Malvern WR14 Both amounts are unchanged from members please get in touch with 2SF. last year. Membership is still £21.60 Alan and he will be delighted to help and InterRail cards £120.00. Cheques should be payable to

Is your organisation looking for some paint? It’s possible that there may be some help Keighley & Worth Valley Light Railway Limited for your railway. Why not get in touch with Community FOR SALE RePaint and speak with Simon Edwards? . Ex-British Railways Brake Second six-compartment coach They are a non-profit distributing company formerly No E43145 (York, 1955). The vehicle is basically complete but has been stored outside for over 12 years. that re-uses unwanted paint by selling it . Ex-British Railways built, LMS design, Covered Carriage back to organisations/people who need it Truck formerly No M37311 (Earlestown, 1950). For most at very low cost. restoration – all woodwork requires renewal, but the If you are interested have a look at their chassis might be of use for other purposes. Overall length website www.communityrepaint.org. 33 ft10 inches, wheelbase 19 ft. uk or get in touch with Simon on simon. Viewing by arrangement. [email protected] Please contact Peter Eastham, C&W Director (07905 382 323)

4 Business Development FEDECRAIL When Fantastic Books Publishing News joined forces with the Yorkshire Wolds Railway to launch the ‘Belgium 2017’ Conference competition last year, entries HRA Group Travel Guide Thur 4th May to Sat 6th May Production of the 2017 Guide poured in from new talent, railway by Blueprint Travel Media is well enthusiasts and professional under way. Thanks to those HRA Study Visit writers alike. The writers were Members who have purchased Sat 6th May to Thur 11th May. inspired by the beauty of the advertising to support this popular Wolds and the fascinating heritage annual publication which is This is the last call for bookings for railway. The result is a treasury of widely distributed to Group Travel this year's Fedecrail Conference intrigue,romance and even science Organisations throughout the based in Antwerp in northern fiction. country. Belgium. The competition judge, Lord We have a limited number of the Faulkner will be visiting the site 2016 Guides remaining if any Conference programme. to present the key as will member has contacts that could use 4th May Opening Reception and the Mayor of Driffield, Cllr Mark them. Working Groups. Blakeston. Please contact chairman.business. 5th May Main Conference Sessions There will be cash prizes for the [email protected]. winners and one story will win the 6th May General Assembly. Julia Bradbury ‘Spirit of the Wolds’ Subjects will include presentations . HRA Tri-fold Publicity Leaflet by major European bodies with Fantastic Books Publishing has Our very successful leaflet is whom Fedecrail works, such as the been proud to partner the Yorkshire now due for updating and we are EU Agency for Railways and also Wold Railway in producing the planning to introduce a map which on coal and environmental issues, anthology of the best stories. Their incorporates paid advertising on focussing on practical methods of CEO Dan Grubb says, we jumped an annual basis. It is intended to reducing emissions etc. at the chance to be associated with print smaller volumes in future so At the conference, it is planned to the Yorkshire Wold Railways. We that we can keep the details of launch a new specialist ‘Tramway wanted to celebrate the incredible all our member railways current. Operating Group’ devoted to work they have already done. If you wish to advertise in this addressing issues of specific On-going sales of the anthology, please contact chairman.business. interest and relevance to heritage which will be available at the launch [email protected] tram operators and to tramway event, will provide an income museums. stream to help support the railway. Geosho Rougeo App. Study Visit Programme The collection promises something Members will be aware of the pilot Includes a range of visits to for everyone. project which we funded to develop heritage railways, tramways and Richard Dixon, Yorkshire Wolds this App as an information source museums throughout Belgium and Railway board member and fund for visitors. It had been hoped also just across the border in the raiser says, This is a fantastic way that it would produce sufficient Netherlands and Germany. to share the railway’s rich history interest from HRA Members to be Enquiries to: and its inspiration; the heart and commercially sustainable. [email protected] imagination in these wonderfully varied stories show how important However, with the end of the pilot or to John & Liz Fuller Tel: 01474 preserving this heritage is to and following the presentation 362208 or to Peter Ovenstone Tel: everyone. It is not simply for locals recently by Geosho there has 07740 289702. been no interest received from the or railway enthusiasts the magic member organisations that attended of them is that they will appeal to the demonstration. anyone who enjoys escaping into a great story. Therefore, we have advised A Chuffing Good Read: Geosho that we will no longer fund Prize-winning Authors Yorkshire Wolds would be delighted the product’s development although Capture the Magic of Wolds to welcome any HRA members we are happy to promote the App Railway who would like to attend the launch to our members if Geosho wish to event. support it as a commercial product. Writers from all over the country Why not have a look at the will gather at Fimber Halt on Further information Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Sunday 30th April for the climax of Fantastic Books Publishing Railway App to assess the practical The Yorkshire Wolds Railway and www.fantasticbooksstore.com added value this could bring to your Fantastic Books Publishing Short business. Story Competition and the launch Yorkshire Wolds Railway of a unique anthology: Dreaming of www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk Steam. 5 Wanted

Experienced Engineer us out of love of the role! Lease of 2’ Rolling Required - Voluntary Diesel haulage is used exclusively Stock. except for one steam weekend Sector. where the locomotive is driven and The Leadhills and looked after by the owner. There Wanlockhead Railway in Lowther Railway Society Ltd, are at present six mainly ex N.C.B. Scotland is also looking to which is better known as Leadhills locomotives and three coaches. lease some 2 foot rolling stock and Wanlockhead Railway, are a Also various non-passenger- to expand their capacity. charity running a Narrow Gauge carrying vehicles and plant If you area able to help could tourist railway at Leadhills, South items. Track (around one mile) is you please get in touch with Lanarkshire. Services began managed separately. Our engineer David Winpenny, Commercial around 1986. reports to the Management Manager on davidwinpenny@ Committee which meets 6 times hotmail.com We wish to recruit an experienced a year. The appointed candidate engineer keen on diesel will continue to report to the locomotives wishing to keep his/ Committee. her hand in, starting as soon All initial enquiries and applications as possible. All the activities on to Harvie Paterson, Company the railway are carried out by Secretary email jhpaterson@ volunteers - we do not have any btinternet.com paid staff - so you will need to help

Help our members grow enjoy the BDC. The Committee’s you’ll be welcome. and prosper remit is wide and challenging Not sure whether its right for you or from websites to ticket sales, from you can spare the time? fundraising to communications, Contact John Fuller, the BDC Join the HRA Business from social media to seminars. If it’s Chairman and have a chat about Development Group (BDC) about the business side of heritage what’s involved and how you could rail, it’s on the agenda. The role of the BDC is to discover, help - without any obligation or You should be able to attend investigate and report commercial commitment of course. between four and six meetings a opportunities that will benefit the year (expenses paid if necessary), HRA and its members. with time to consider projects and Get in touch today! We are looking for new talent and plans in between. chairman.business.development@ especially a new Secretary! You may have relevant skills and hra.uk.com If you have ideas for or interest in experience or you may just have promoting heritage railways, and energy and enthusiasm, either way helping build their businesses, you’ll

Annual Statistical Returns completion or as Acrobat pdf files if You can see the results from this you need to print them and return survey in our 2016 Annual Report It’s that time of year again when the by post. which is available on our website. Annual Statistical Returns are due. When returning the completed form Click to link to Annual Report What and Why? please replace the text "BLANK" in We have emailed the return forms the filename by the name or initials for the year ending 31 December of your operation. 2016 to all railways. To make processing them easier They are also available from it would help if they could be our website and can be found completed electronically and as documents under "Statistical emailed to [email protected] Return" If returning them by post please use The main form is for Operational the address at the bottom of the members, a shorter form is provided form. for Non-Operational members. In both cases we need them Both blank forms are available returned as soon as possible please. as Excel forms for electronic 6 The Heritage Alliance The ‘Heritage Hero’s Award’ was The Heritage Alliance has Finally, Mike Heyworth, the Chair, presented at the Heritage Alliance announced that the award for of the Heritage 2020 Historic AGM on the 1st December. The heritage volunteers is renamed Environment Forum with an update award aims to celebrate the ‘Ecclesiastical’s Award for Heritage on their programme. You can achievements of the independent Heroes’ in recognition of the access his update here heritage sector; to increase mutual insurance company’s generous Useful links awareness among members of sponsorship to the Alliance. Heritage Alliance Update no 341 The Heritage Alliance and help “Heritage Day’ on 1st December Heritage Alliance Website individuals develop heritage was a well attended and the business skills. afternoon open session was very This year’s winner is Mike Slinn for interesting. There were four Amongst items detailed is the redevelopment of Dronfield Hall speakers - details and links below. Autumn Statement’s implications Barn, a derelict medieval grade II The keynote speech was by Lord for the heritage sector, including barn, demonstrating how successful Ashton of Hyde, DCMS Lords Museums and Galleries tax heritage projects have the potential Minister. relief. The Alliance welcomes the to transform communities. Government’s decision to broaden His speech can be found here. the scope of the museums and Helen Ghosh, Director galleries tax relief announced at General of the National Trust, on Budget 2016 to include permanent their work on making heritage feel exhibitions so that it is accessible to more relevant to local communities a wider range of institutions across and individuals. the country. Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing, The Heritage Alliance responded to Historic spoke of the formal the Government’s consultation on launch of ‘Heritage Counts 2016’, Museums and Galleries Tax Relief which can be accessed here. to request this change’.

We want your news and views! Heritage Railway News is for all members of the HRA; and for members of our members! Please send us your news and stories, and please comment on what you read, by email or letter – we’ll publish your contributions in our Letters Page. Do send us your press releases, to. And use our pages to let people know if you have items for sale, or items you’re trying to acquire. And send us pictures, too. We’ll use the best on our front covers. Do please send us your feedback on Heritage Railway News. We want to be sure we’re providing the content you want, in the way you prefer – don’t hesitate to let us know what you think. Compliments we’ll enjoy, criticism we’ll take, to make improvements. Send your contributions – letter, articles, press releases, photos, to: [email protected]

ABTEM News IRHC will be consulting widely Contacting the HRA The Association of British through the heritage and The HRA exists to help your Transport & Engineering Museums enthusiast sectors to identify best organisations. This may be for (ABTEM) has appointed the practice in the care of working Operational, Safety or Legal matters, International Railway Heritage objects. or even commercial assistance - in Consultancy (IRHC) to work with The project is supported by a fact we will try and help with any them to produce new guidelines £47,645 grant from the Arts questions you may have. for museums and private Council England through their Even the ORR has asked that we collectors with larger and working Museum Resilience funding stream should be your first call. objects. that enables museums to become The primary point of contact is by The guidelines will cover more sustainable. calling 0800 756 5111 and speaking stationary engines, industrial The new guidelines will be with either Andrew or Roger; or by machinery, road vehicles, aircraft, available at the end of 2017 and emailing [email protected] railway vehicles, ships, boats and will be widely publicised and Alternatively, if your query should many other working items. promoting, including through a be able to be answered by one of Current standards were first programme of seminars. around forty specialist HRA Advisors, published in 1994 by the For further information contact you might prefer to email them direct. former Museums & Galleries Steph Gillett, Project Administrator The email addresses for all the HRA Commission. (Consultancy) Advisors can be found on the HRA After two decades of experience email [email protected] or website. these now need updating. telephone 07974 673481 7 Members News Seaton Tramway wins this marks a very significant Llangollen Railway Tourism Awards achievement for the Tramway that Trust. Corwen Central Seaton Tramway achieved Silver reflects a massive whole team effort Development Project. and Highly Commended in the throughout the year. Dragon Drilling (Water & Energy) South West Tourism Excellence This year saw a record of 605 Ltd have been engaged by Awards 2016 - 2017 which were entries across the South West and Llangollen Railway to install a water held in last month. judges undertook a staggering borehole at Corwen station as part This year’s awards event was 380 visits. The finalists include of a £0.5m project to provide a hosted by ITV news presenter Kylie winners from the , Bristol, terminal rail facility. Bath & Somerset, and Dragon Drilling are based in Devon Tourism Awards, all of which Corwen and specialises in resource have been celebrated at county utilisation. In addition to renewable events during the autumn. They energy projects, they also drill also include direct entries from boreholes for water supply as Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. required by Llangollen Railway. Chief Executive of Seaton Tramway, Surveys have established that there Jenny Nunn, said: “This is definitive will be sufficient water reserves testament to the hard work, to satisfy Llangollen Railway’s passion, dogged determination requirements indefinitely. and attention to detail from all who Geoff Ellison, the Dragon Drilling strive to make Seaton Tramway an Chairman comments, “We intend excellent visitor attraction, and we to drill down to about 30 metres Pentelow. With 469 people booked, can now proudly say, one of the and install an automated pumping it was the biggest ever regional BEST visitor attractions in the South system to deliver water for use gathering of South West tourism West. Achieving excellence, both in on demand. Our rig is capable of businesses, with 135 different the Devon and South West Tourism drilling down to 120 metres and this awards presented following a Awards, is indeed a great is a fairly short borehole due to the rigorous judging process in which a which reflects a consistently nature of the underlying ground. record 605 entries were considered. focussed team effort throughout the The water will be soft and ideal for year and sets use in the locomotives without any the Tramway treatment.” in great stead to thrive even Work is expected to start on 23 further in January 2017 and is expected to the season take three days. ahead.” The full list of Finalists and Highly Commended can be seen on the Tourism awards website

Seaton Tramway was presented with a Silver Award for ‘Artistic, Cultural & Learning Experience’ at the prestigious Awards Ceremony. In addition, the Tramway was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Large Attraction of the Year category. With over 130 Finalists nominated and only five Highly Commended,

8 Oswestry Railway still on Work is now well underway on enable the structure to carry 44- track the next phase of the railway’s ton HGVs. Working in partnership re-opening – to Weston Wharf, on with Shropshire Council, the result Oswestry-based Cambrian Heritage the southern edge of the town, off will be a more steady grade on the Railways is celebrating an excellent Maesbury Road near the A483 level restored railway. 2016 season and looking forward to crossing. A small but significant acquisition further developments in 2017. Targeted for opening during 2018, during 2016 was the historic During 2016 the main line has the one and three-quarter mile footbridge from Machynlleth, which been re-laid from Oswestry Station extension from Oswestry will was kindly donated by Network Rail, southwards towards Gasworks provide a valuable public transport the state-owned rail infrastructure Bridge, which lies at the junction connection to the visitor centre operator. of the B4579 Shrewsbury Road operated by popular local micro- Currently in store, it is planned and Victoria Road. This extension brewery, the Stonehouse Brewery. for the structure to be eventually represents a substantial investment As part of the latest phase, the erected at Weston Wharf. of £200,000 and has seen the trackbed beneath Gasworks Bridge For more information, visit www. length of the journey increase from will be lowered, allowing trains to cambrianrailways.com. Middleton Road Bridge to within pass underneath the props which sight of Gasworks Bridge.

St Albans Signal Box White glazed ‘Langdon’ and Preservation Trust ‘Corrugated Langdon’ pots have been used along with white glazed St Albans South Signal Box is a shackles. Authentic copper wire has preserved signal been strung between the poles and box and one of the few preserved between one of the poles and the boxes that’s open to the public and rear of the signal box. next to a busy main line railway Redundant telegraph poles were The Signal Box was built in June sourced and the insulator arms are 1892 and closed in 1980, which was mahogany ex-GPO from the 1950s followed by a period of decay. suitably shortened and drilled. In complete contrast The Trust was offered some modern LED colour light signals by a Midlands railway supply company. After some debate they were accepted as it was realised that they complemented the existing 1970s colour light signals Rigging the pole route display and in turn would become historic items, in their own right, as ‘in-cab’ signalling is introduced.

St. Albans Signal Box, perfectly restored

The St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust painstakingly restored the Grade II listed structure and opened it to the public in 2008. The Preservation Trust has recently installed and wired together four telegraph poles in the signal box garden to recreate a once common line-side scene.

Historic Midland Railway Langdon insulator pots Colour light signals showing a straight run through

9 Ecclesbourne Valley built over the River Railway Ecclesbourne which was subsequently The world’s oldest railway booking absorbed by the office has been opened at station and yard. Wirksworth in Derbyshire The then Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Secretary of State have transformed an old tannery, for Transport, adjacent to Wirksworth Station, into Derbyshire Dales MP a new booking hall. Patrick McLoughlin Built in 1750, the Tannery predated opened the new the railway by 117 years and facility. formed part of the complex, still The Old Tannery present today, called Newbridge Wirksworth Station in the 1950’s was used originally by an animal Works, named after a bridge The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway skin company to store the raw volunteers have renovated the hides before being sent away for The Old Tannery, now the world’s newest mezzanine, installed partition walls, oldest railway booking office processing. Around the turn of the heating, lighting and a welcome 1900s, the building counter area to greet customers became associated who will enter through an upgraded with the railway accessible . through the Fletcher Brothers company Wirksworth Station today which dealt in animal feeds. The new booking hall is situated at mezzanine level, the Tannery’s ground floor being some 20ft below platform level.

Ffestiniog & Welsh High- of heritage craftspeople, digital landscapes, species, industrial land Railways has received a specialists and entrepreneurs. heritage and museum and archive grant of £464,000 from the Herit- Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the Heritage collections are sustained for the age Lottery Fund (HLF) under its Lottery Fund (HLF), said: future, as well as developing important public engagement skills. Skills for the Future programme ‘There is no quick fix to this for the Heritage Trainees project, it problem: the heritage sector Tracey Crouch, Heritage Minister, was announced today. The project has been slow in widening the said: ‘Investing in new heritage aims to share a rich vein of railway profile of its work force and as a talent will ensure we build a more heritage skills with a wider commu- consequence is on a long-term sustainable sector, protect our nity. learning curve. We wanted to treasured history and continue The project aims to introduce a build on the legacy of our existing to attract visitors from across the diverse new audience to a heritage targeted skills funding – £47m to globe. organisation of national importance. date – and make a further financial I’m delighted to see money raised This will culminate in twenty people commitment of just over £10m. by National Lottery players being being offered year-long traineeships Why? Because we know the Skills used to train and develop people’s to develop their heritage skills, for the Future programme can drive skills and deliver on our promise in gain a greater understanding of successful and lasting change. It’s the Culture White Paper.’ the broader heritage scene and simple yet highly effective: act as messengers for heritage trainees paired with experts within communities not normally gain access to knowledge associated with strong heritage plus practical, paid, on-the-job links. experience.’ The program is expected to This funding is part of a wider commence in the spring of 2018 commitment made by HLF and the first ten trainees to be in in the Government’s Culture post by the autumn. The National White Paper. It will address Lottery is investing £10.1m in 18 specific skills shortages projects across the UK to help train to ensure our buildings, 10 a new and more diverse generation Courses, Workshops and Seminars

Heritage Railway Assoc. HRA On Tour Seminars and workshops Fri 15th to Sun 17th Sept. Isle of Wight The HRA runs seminars and conferences throughout the year The HRA has a tradition of on various topics for members of arranging visits to various railways the HRA. These are aimed at all around the country. This gives facets of our membership including us an opportunity to learn from The Institute of Fundraisers railways, tramways, museums, cliff each other - but also to do so training programme for Heritage railways and all those involved in in the company of other railway Fundraisers has been extended into the wider heritage rail movement. professionals and volunteers which 2017. Topics in the past have allows us to learn in more depth. Details of arrangements and included safety management This September we are very regional courses and events can be systems, business development fortunate to be hosted by the Isle found on their website. opportunities, legal support, general of Wight Steam Railway so not The Heritage Alliance training management and volunteering, for only do we get to visit this lovely programme for Fundraisers has amongst others, young persons. railway behind the scenes but also been extended into 2017. The next seminar is on the 7th also experience their Train Story November and concerns disability Discovery Centre. Plans are afoot to This programme comprises issues for both visitors and visit other attractions and museums • a series of webinairs volunteers. The forum on the 8th in the vicinity so it looks like we will • one day workshops November is on sustainability and have a wonderful time. • social investment training profitability. Both are taking place Details are still being finalised - but in Birmingham, just a stones throw why not put the date in your diary These have had some very good from New Street Station. and we will let you know when the feedback and full details can be More information will be in future bookings open. found here. editions of Heritage Railway News.

Crowdfunding a guide can be found here. For all members wishing to know more about Crowdfunding there are further introductory sessions as follows:- Liverpool Charity & Volunteer Services Liverpool on 5th June 10.00 – 16.00. Cost £85.00 for the day Details here

Heritage Operations Processing System (HOPS)

Three training days have been arranged for users of Heritage Operations Processing System (HOPS) which provides operations administration tools, including rostering, for heritage railways and other heritage organisations. Booking ahead is required for all days, all are welcome to attend, a light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Courses are free and it is recommended that you bring along your laptops and play along! To book contact Danny Scroggins at HOPS

HOPS Introduction Course HOPS Masterclass The tutorial part of the Masterclass is 10am-4pm, with an optional 6 May 2017 10 am to 4pm 22 April 2017 from 9am to 4pm HOPS Surgery 9-10am, and 4-5pm Kidderminster Railway Centre. North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Kidderminster only), for help with or local queries and discussion. For organisations that don’t yet use 7 May 2017 from 9am to 5pm 9am - 10am HOPS Surgery HOPS, or are just starting out, Kidderminster Railway Museum. 10 am - 4 pm Masterclass This will be ideal if you want to learn 4pm - 5pm HOPS Surgery (7 May) more about HOPS or if you’re a Designed for organisations that relatively new-to-HOPS organisation already use HOPS and want to Note that the features in discussion and want to learn more about the get into more detail and advanced on these days will include those structure, HOPS background, features. It is also a good only available in the Support configuration settings, department opportunity to meet other HOPS Licence Scheme. If you are not part settings, permissions, basic Administrators and users and to of the Scheme but are considering functions such as competence, have time to discuss tips and tricks. joining you can have access for the rosters, etc. day. 11 HRA Awards 2016 Our 2016 Awards ceremony was held at Grand Station Wolverhampton on the 10th February in what used to be GWR’s Low Level Station. So the atmosphere was just right for a celebration of railway related achievements in 2017. There were three groups of awards - those presented by the editors of the heritage railway press, the HRA’s media awards and those presented by the HRA for major achievements during the year. Our excellent for the evening was Paul Lewin and the pre dinner drinks were sponsored by the Ffestinog Railway; with Morris Lubricants sponsoring the table decorations for us once more. Our guest of honour was Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail who, appropriately enough, arrived at Wolverhampton aboard Tornado in . The evening events started with a presentation to David Keay to mark his retirement from his position within the ORR and to thank him for all his help over the years. More details on all of these are on the next pages.

Special Presentation to David Keay

This presentation was to thank him for all his hard work in helping the Heritage Railway movement improve their safety performance and procedures. He confessed that in the early days of his work with the heritage movement at the ORR he had had sleepless nights - but that he now was much more relaxed as railways improved their performance. His wife (name) was also presented with a bouquet by our President Lord Faulkner

The Railway Press Editors Awards went to....

Mortons Media (Heritage Railway) Interpretation Award: South Devon Railway, Totnes Station

Mortons Media (Rail Express) Modern Traction Award: , Kidderminster Maintenance Depot

The Railway Magazine Annual Award for Services to Railway Preservation: Tom Tighe, railway preservation

Steam Railway Magazine Award: Jointly to Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust and Special Event Planning Team, celebrating 50 years since the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway. 12 HRA Awards 2016 Our guest of Honour was Sir Peter Hendy, who not only presented the HRA Awards, but gave a tremendous after dinner address, which was not only entertaining, but also included some really good news for HRA Railways. He has since let us know that he ‘had a great time’ at the event. Sir Peter actually arrived at Wolverhampton on the UK Railtours Red Rose service pulled by Tornado and, during his address, stressed how much he supported Main Line Steam. The best news is that Sir Peter is personally ensuring that the Network Rail DORRA (Disposal of Redundant Railway Assets) system is being made much more friendly for HRA Members. The words that he used were that ‘it was not necessary for scrap and redundant items to be taken hundreds of miles from, say, Truro to a central NR facility, only then to be transported all the way back to Helston’. However, Sir Peter emphasised that ‘this is an ongoing project. HRA member railways should not start asking for more and extra scrap and historic material until the processes that I’ve described have been put into place’. He made it clear that he had obtained an undertaking from the person in Network Rail responsible for DORRA that they would be actioning the new HRA friendly stance in all areas of the country soon. As soon as the procedures for DORRA have been agreed we will let you know.

The HRA Annual Awards dinner is an ideal chance to catch up with friends old and new, share news, drink, eat and, of course, celebrate success. This year marked our largest ever attendance at this event and all seemed to find the evening a great Before the Awards Dinner and Ceremony we opportunity to enjoyed a pre Dinner drink, and the Ffestiniog and enjoy themselves. West Highland Railway once more kindly offered to Next years provide the Champagne and Bucks Fizz - a great Awards will be start to the night! presented on the The beautiful table decorations were 10th Feb 2017 in sponsored again this year by Morris Birmingham. Why Lubricants continuing their tradition of not make a note supporting our Ceremony. of it!

13 HRA Awards 2016 Large Groups Award

The joint winners were: - North Railway for ‘For extending steam services over the main line between two major coastal resorts and extending the boundaries of railway preservation’ and North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group ‘For providing a defining backbone of steam preservation over 50 years’

The Manisty Award

The winner was Leighton Buzzard Railway

‘For the Magnificent Pages Park Building which is now a superb gateway to their very special Museum Railway’

The John Coiley Award The winner was 76084 Locomotive Co. Ltd. ‘For a painstaking restoration of a no-hope Barry scrapyard loco into a mainline performer.’

Small Groups Award The winner was Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway ‘For providing essential public transport into their village whilst the main highway was closed, saving a 50 mile diversion’

14 HRA Awards 2016 The Special Award for a Meritorious Project

went to Vintage Trains Tyseley

For the building of a new state of the art locomotive workshop at Tyseley’

The other nominees were.... Small Groups The John Coiley Award. Special Award for a Meritorious Project. Bredgar and Wormshill Railway for Darlington Railway Preservation the creation of a very appealing Society for a competent The Gresley Society for giving collection of working railway demonstration of a team national recognition to the designer and other artefacts beautifully achievement in loco restoration. of the Flying Scotsman and presented and displayed. Mallard; unveiled at a spectacular Somerset and Dorset Railway for event. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for Sentinel - a painstaking restoration the completion of booking halls at of a no-hope Barry Scrapyard loco The for both ends of a complete branch into a main line performer. the Flying Scotsman season project line and the 2016 re-presentation of North Bay Railway for Georgina for the world’s most famous steam Headhunters Barber Shop and building from new of a replica lost locomotive and its resounding Museum for a very individual Bagnall type as the start of a new public impact. approach that brings many aspects production line. of the railways of Enniskellen and St Albans Signal Box Preservation rural Ireland to life in a barber shop. Trust for their tremendous project.

All these runners up were presented with certificates to celebrate their achievements.

The HRA Media Awards were also awarded that day the winners were:-

Visual Awareness in Association with the RNIB: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre Best Leaflet: Jointly - and Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway Broadcast and Social Media: Holden F5 Loco Group Most Improved Magazine: Great Western Society Publicity Category: Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Best Website: Bedgar and Wormshill Best Magazine: Avon Valley Railway

Many thanks to Gwynn Jones for the Awards photos. All, and more are available on the HRA website

Heritage Railway News is published 4 times a year by the Heritage Railway Association and distributed free of charge to member railways and Friends of the HRA. 15 Please send letters, contributions, images and advertising enquiries to Barbara Barnes at [email protected] T: 07901 977 597